Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a common cause of lower extremity pain that may affect as many as 10 percent of all people over age 65. Peripheral vascular disease limits blood flow to the legs and places an individual at risk for chronic limb pain, non-healing ulcers, and potential limb loss. In addition to advanced age, other risk factors for PVD include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Do you feel pain or fatigue in your legs when you walk? Are you generally pain free while sitting or standing? Does the pain disappear within 10 minutes if you stand still? Does the pain occur sooner if you walk up a hill or if you walk at a fast pace? If you answered "yes" to each of the above questions, you may have PVD and may need corrective surgery.

For more information, please call Savannah Vascular Institute at 912-350-VEIN (8346) or 1-866-359-VEIN (8346).