Circulatory Problems / Peripheral Vascular Disease

See Circulator Boot Video

Some people mistakenly think that leg pain is a natural part of getting older. You might be surprised to learn that leg pain that develops during walking-and then goes away only with rest-can be caused by intermittent claudication (IC), a potentially disabling yet treatable medical condition.

IC affects roughly 3 million people, most of them over age 55. Unfortunately, an estimated 75 percent of all sufferers fail to seek medical help, often because they don't realize that P.A.D. is a treatable medical condition.

IC is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD-also known as "hardening of the arteries," or atherosclerosis of the legs-has been estimated to affect approximately 10 percent of people over age 55. PAD occurs when arteries in the legs become clogged with fatty deposits.

It's not uncommon for people who have PAD to also have atherosclerosis in other parts of the body-especially in the heart and brain. Atherosclerosis is a serious health problem that can lead to heart attack or stroke if left untreated.

The symptoms may be felt as:

• Aches
• Cramps
• Heaviness
• Numbness

IC symptoms may be felt in one or both legs, and may occur during walking or exercising. The pain is characterized by aching, cramping, tiredness, or tightness of the affected muscle group. Once you stop walking or exercising, the symptoms subside within minutes. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Perlstein can diagnose your condition and suggest treatments that may help you walk farther without leg pain.

Managing Circulation Problems

Dr. Perlstein will undertake a careful examination and diagnosis of the condition. Foot care is of critical important to patients with IC, because seemingly minor injuries to the feet may result in infection, nonhealing wounds and other complications. Patients, especially those with diabetes, will receive explicit instructions regarding foot and nail care. Smokers need to stop--immediately. Exercise programs, particularly walking, can help the condition, and safe, effective drug therapy may be prescribed by Dr. Perlstein. Dr. Perlstein also uses the Circulator boot & Microvas to help treat this condition in a non surgical method. Please review the rest of this website for more information about these treatments.