Put Leg Pain Behind You with Treatment for Peripheral Venous Disease in Williamsport, PA
Peripheral venous disease (PVD) is a slow, progressive circulation disorder that involves disease in any of the blood vessels outside the heart or in the lymph vessels. Many other conditions are associated with peripheral venous disease, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, and chronic venous insufficiency.
The most common cause of PVD is atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque inside the artery wall, which reduces blood flow and decreases oxygen available to your tissue. Other causes may include leg or arm trauma, irregular muscular or ligament anatomy and infection.
To learn more about treatment for peripheral venous disease in Williamsport, PA, Find a Provider at UPMC.
Peripheral Venous Disease Symptoms
Half the people diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease don’t have any symptoms.
Common PVD symptoms may include:
- Leg discomfort or cramping that occurs with exercise and is relieved by rest
- Changes in the skin: temperature, or thin, brittle skin on legs and feet
- Diminished pulse in legs and feet
- Gangrene, or dead tissue due to lack of blood flow
- Hair loss on the legs
- Impotence
- Nonhealing wounds on pressure points
- Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in muscles
- Pallor (paleness) when the legs are elevated
- Discoloration of extremities
- Restricted mobility
- Severe pain
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, consult a Williamsport vascular surgeon at UPMC for an accurate diagnosis.
Peripheral Venous Disease Treatment at UPMC
Treatment will be determined by your physician and can vary by age, overall health, medical history, extent of condition or symptoms. Treatment may include:
- Lifestyle modifications to control the condition
- Medication to improve blood flow
- Angioplasty: A long tube that creates a larger opening in the artery to increase blood flow
- Vascular surgery: A bypass graft may be made to reroute blood flow
UPMC offers comprehensive care to treat vascular conditions, including peripheral venous disease, in Williamsport, PA.