What Can Leg Cramps and Tingly Feet Tell You About Your Arteries?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is similar to coronary artery disease: Both are the result of plaque buildup in important arteries in the body. While coronary artery disease affects blood vessels that carry blood to the heart, PAD affects those that carry blood away from the heart, to areas including the arms, lungs, and brain.

As a result, PAD can cause reduced blood flow to vital areas of the body such as the legs and feet. While some people experience no symptoms, PAD can be a critical indicator of broader health concerns. Like other ailments, prevention is the best medicine.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoke, or are obese these conditions could increase your risk of developing PAD. Left unchecked, PAD can progress to leg pain during activity and eventually to more severe symptoms like non-healing wounds, nighttime pain, and the need for constant relief. Without treatment, PAD can develop into chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), leading to complications such as gangrene and even the risk of limb amputation. The good news is we have solutions and expert care ready to support you.

Holy Name is globally recognized for its treatment of PAD and has led more than 40 clinical trials on advanced PAD care. Our interventional radiology team specializes in cutting-edge treatments that prioritize limb preservation and lifestyle improvement. For instance, we were the first hospital in New Jersey to use the FDA-approved Esprit™ BTK, a groundbreaking dissolvable stent that treats PAD below the knee. We also have expertise in advanced techniques like LimFlow, which reroutes blood flow to the foot, improving circulation and offering hope to those at risk of amputation.

"If other institutions offer amputation as the only solution, we’re able to provide an 80% chance of saving the limb," says Holy Name interventional radiologist Dr. John Rundback.

If you suspect you may have PAD, call the Holy Name Vascular and Interventional Radiology team at 201-227-6210 to discuss your options and learn about the life-changing care available at Holy Name.