What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Have you ever experienced leg fatigue, calf pain, or numbness in your feet while engaging in everyday activities? These could be signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition where blood flow to your legs and feet is not as robust as it should be. This decrease in circulation often leads to discomfort that worsens with physical activity and eases during rest.
When PAD progresses, it can develop into chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI or CLI), the most severe form of this condition. CLTI occurs when blood flow to the legs and feet is significantly reduced, leading to persistent foot pain, even at rest, or wounds that don't heal properly. The pain is often more intense at night, disrupting sleep, and in severe cases, CLTI can result in the need for toe or foot amputations. It's a serious health issue, but there's hope. At Vascular and Embolization Specialists on Florida's Space Coast, Dr. Derek Mittleider specializes in nonsurgical methods to enhance leg and foot circulation. Dr. Mittleider offers successful treatments to many who were previously advised that surgery was their only option.
How is Peripheral Arterial Disease Treated?
At Vascular and Embolization Specialists, Dr. Mittleider performs minimally invasive, nonsurgical techniques that significantly enhance circulation to the legs and feet. These methods not only lead to immediate improvements in blood flow but also provide a swift and comfortable recovery. One such technique is the angiogram where a tiny tube is inserted through the skin into an artery. This procedure is guided by x-ray and ultrasound, requiring only a small bandage afterward, and completely bypasses the need for traditional surgical methods, like scalpel, stitches, or staples. The precision and minimally invasive nature of these techniques dramatically improve the quality of life for our patients with very little downtime.
The benefits of these treatments are noticeable almost immediately. During the angiogram, patients often experience a rapid alleviation of symptoms, such as the cessation of pain during walking or at rest. The recovery process is remarkably quick and low-risk compared to traditional surgery. Serious complications are rare, and most patients can be up and walking within 30 minutes post-procedure. There's no need for prolonged bed rest or recovery, as there's no large surgical wound to heal. Patients typically return to their normal activities within a few days.
What are the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease?
Peripheral arterial disease is characterized by a range of symptoms that primarily affect the legs and feet. Here are a few symptoms to look for:
- Leg pain or cramps during activities, like walking or climbing stairs
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other side
- Sores on toes, feet, or legs that won't heal
- Change in the color of your legs
- Hair loss or slower hair growth on your feet and legs
- Slower growth of your toenails
- Shiny skin on your legs
- Erectile dysfunction in men
Vascular and Embolization Specialists Reviews
I owe my life to Dr. Derek Mittleider. I was brought into the hospital by ambulance with a complicated IVC filter issue as well as a new DVT in my groin and 3 blood clots (pulmonary embolism's) to my lungs, They got through the IVC filter and migrated to my lungs. Dr. Mittleider is a miracle worker and I am so grateful for his expertise in removing the IVC filter that has been attempted 3 times prior, unsuccessfully. I am a very rare case with many complications, another being I had to stay on blood thinners due to the Acute pulmonary embolisms in my body. His bedside manner is exceptional, he explains everything to where you completely understand what is happening. He is devoted, professional and calming. I am literally crying writing this as my health has been in such decline with challenging problems with the IVC filter and now these very scary blood clots. I could not have asked for a better more dedicated and brilliant Doctor and so relieved I found him, unfortunately via an emergency situation. On his entrance into the operating room, I heard a very positive message before falling asleep and that was, "It's a good day Palm Bay" giving me even more calm while beginning to go under anesthesia. I can't say enough great things about him and my husband, family and I are so grateful he has moved to Florida. Without him, I would not be in the situation I am currently in, I can't even say I would be here today. :)
On Sept. 24, 2017, a Sunday morning, Dr.Mittleider saved my life, literally. I had a severe bleed from the spleenic artery and he placed coils around the artery to stop the bleed. I had lost over half my blood when he worked his magic. I can never thank him enough to saving my life and returning me to my family.
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Restore Your Leg Health
At Vascular and Embolization Specialists on Florida's Space Coast, Dr. Derek Mittleider is ready to help you regain mobility. Our team uses the latest techniques to effectively diagnose and treat peripheral arterial disease. The minimally invasive angiogram procedure can be the first step toward a pain-free life. Contact us today to schedule your angiogram, and start your journey to better vascular health.