The calf muscles feel tense when a person walks or feel heavy when climbing up the stairs.
One may have attributed this to age catching up or standing too much.
Leg pain at times indicates more than just muscle exhaustion, but serves as an alarm against heart problems
Most people do not link problems in their legs to their heart. They look like separate issues. But the link exists, and it is worth understanding.
Peripheral Arterial Disease is when the arteries in your legs begin to narrow or get clogged.
Just like the ones surrounding your heart can. It’s an identical plaque-forming; only it’s located inside different arteries.
When there’s restricted blood flow to your legs, the symptoms are really misleading.
Look out for these signs:
If you have blocked arteries in your legs, there’s a good chance you have them near your heart too! It’s not coincidence, it’s the same underlying problem.
People with PAD face:
Your legs might be giving you the first warning that your circulation needs attention
Not every pain is PAD but do look for a few common patterns. Pain that starts when you are active and stops when at rest is not the same as regular pain.
Pay attention especially if you have:
These factors increase both heart disease and PAD risk.
We’ve treated vascular conditions here in Kern County for over 20 years. PAD is what we focus on day in and day out.
Our treatments are minimally invasive, and most happen right in the office, not in a hospital setting.
What we offer:
The techniques we use now are nothing like they used to be. Surgery has changed dramatically. Most people are surprised by how straightforward treatment has become.
PAD doesn’t get better by waiting. It gets worse. But caught early, it’s very treatable.
If your legs have been bothering you during walks or exercise, especially if you have any of those risk factors, come see us. We’ll figure out what’s happening and take care of it.
Call Heart Vascular & Leg Center or visit us at 5020 Commerce Drive in Bakersfield. Let’s make sure your legs and your heart stay healthy.
Does leg pain really connect to heart problems?
It can. PAD and heart disease both come from blocked arteries. Having one increases your risk for the other.
What does PAD pain feel like?
Usually aching or cramping in your calves or thighs while you’re active. It disappears when you stop and rest.
Is treatment complicated?
Not anymore. We use minimally invasive procedures with low complication rates and quick recovery.
When should one go for a check-up?
If you develop leg pain while being active, that’s a reason to get checked. Especially if you have a background of diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking.
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