Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates
Thoracic Surgery & Vascular Surgery located in Pomona, NY & Goshen, NY
With advances in surgical care, treatment of lower extremity circulation problems prevents the need for amputation in most cases. The experienced surgical team at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates takes an aggressive approach to the management of lower extremity circulation problems and offers effective treatments to save limbs. The practice has offices in Washington Heights, Manhattan, in New York City; Pomona, Goshen, and Fishkill, New York; and Englewood, New Jersey. To schedule an evaluation with the surgical experts, contact the office nearest you by phone or online today.
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Lower Extremity Circulation
Problems Q & A
What are lower extremity circulation problems?
Lower extremity circulation problems are the various diseases that affect blood flow to and from your legs and feet. These diseases are also called limb-threatening circulatory disorders. They are:
Peripheral artery disease
Peripheral artery disease is the buildup of plaque on the walls of your peripheral arteries, causing narrowing or blockage of blood flow to your lower extremities.
Venous disease
Venous disease is a circulatory problem that affects your veins. Damage to the walls or valves in your veins affects the flow of blood back to your heart, causing the blood to pool.
Blood clots
Blood clots develop when the clotting factors in your blood clump together and form a spongy mass. Blood clots travel through your blood vessels and cause conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), phlebitis, heart attack, and stroke.
DVTs often develop in the deep veins in the legs and place you at risk of a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Diabetes can also lead to lower extremity circulation problems because of damage to your blood vessels caused by your higher than normal blood sugar levels.
What are the symptoms of lower extremity circulation problems?
Symptoms of lower extremity circulation problems vary in type and severity depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
- Leg pain when walking (claudication)
- Nonhealing ulcers or sores
- Varicose veins
- Swelling in your feet or ankles
- Leg fatigue
- Change in skin color
- Decrease in leg hair growth
- Decrease in toenail growth
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates for an evaluation.
What can I expect during an evaluation of lower extremity circulation problems?
You can expect a comprehensive evaluation when you come to the office with concerns about lower extremity circulation problems.
The team at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates asks detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history before completing a physical exam. To confirm or rule out the cause of your problem, the team runs diagnostic tests, such as blood work, ultrasounds, or MRI.
How are lower extremity circulation problems treated?
The team at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates takes an individualized approach to managing lower extremity circulation problems.
In most cases, if your symptoms are mild and you’re not at risk of amputation, the team takes a conservative approach and recommends lifestyle changes, an exercise program, and/or medication.
If you have a limb-threatening circulatory disorder, the team takes a more aggressive approach aimed at preventing amputation. Some of the minimally invasive treatments offered include balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, stent placement, and thrombolysis.
For more complex cases, your vascular surgeon will recommend surgery like a bypass to prevent limb loss.
To schedule a consultation with the vascular surgical experts at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates, contact the office by phone or online today.
