What causes leg pain?
In most cases, leg pain occurs from injury or overuse that affects the musculoskeletal system (muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage). However, leg pain is also a common symptom of cardiac and vascular problems, such as:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Thrombophlebitis
- Varicose veins
- Chronic venous insufficiency
Leg pain when walking that goes away during rest is one of the tell-tale symptoms of peripheral artery disease. This symptom is known as claudication.
When should I seek cardiovascular care for leg pain?
Not all causes of leg pain require a visit to the doctor or a cardiovascular evaluation. However, Maryland Cardiology Associates recommends you schedule a consultation if, in addition to leg pain, you have:
- Leg swelling
- Ankle edema
- Visible varicose veins
- Itching or burning sensation around your varicose veins
- Change in leg skin color
- Reduced leg hair growth
- Slower toenail growth
- Leg ulcer that fails to heal
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
Leg pain with these other symptoms may indicate a circulation problem in your legs, which may affect leg health.
What can I expect during a leg pain evaluation?
You can expect a comprehensive cardiac exam when you visit Maryland Cardiology Associates with complaints of leg pain. The exam allows your provider to find problems that affect the heart or circulatory system.
Maryland Cardiology Associates is a state-of-the-art practice, and your exam may include advanced diagnostic testing such as:
QuantaFlo™ PAD test
QuantaFlo is a quick and reliable test for PAD. The noninvasive test uses advanced technology to measure blood flow in your legs and arms to diagnose PAD.
Upper and lower arterial duplex scan
The upper and lower arterial duplex scan is an ultrasound test that assesses blood flow through the arteries in your upper and lower extremities.
Venous duplex scan
The venous duplex scan uses ultrasound technology to evaluate blood flow through your veins to look for damage or blood clots.
How is leg pain treated?
Treatment for your leg pain may depend on the underlying cause. In addition to medical management of your cardiac or vascular problem, Maryland Cardiology Associates performs vascular procedures to address conditions that cause leg pain:
Atherectomy and stent
For PAD, the cardiology practice may recommend an atherectomy (removal of plaque from the blood vessel walls) and a stent (a device that reinforces a blood vessel wall).
Angioplasty and stent
During angioplasty and stent, your cardiologist uses a balloon to open the blood vessel and places a stent to keep it open and maintain blood flow. This procedure is for PAD.
For a comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation, call Maryland Cardiology Associates, or book an appointment online today.
