Vascular Health Affects Overall Health
Health is on the minds of many Americans each new year, but the last few years of living with a world health pandemic have perhaps made us even more appreciative of good health. As we step into 2022, you may be thinking about resolutions to lose weight, exercise more or stop smoking. These are great steps toward better health, and we applaud you! They are also steps that will help anyone who is dealing with vascular issues. At Lam Vascular & Associates, we dedicate much of our practice to helping people who are living with a vascular condition called Peripheral Artery Disease. Our founder Dr. Russell Lam is a renowned expert in treating this limb-threatening condition, and in 2019, opened the doors to The Limb Salvage Center at Lam Vascular & Associates.
Peripheral Artery Disease: a Serious, Sometimes Sneaky Condition
PAD is a relatively common medical condition in which a build-up of plaque due to something called atherosclerosis makes it difficult for blood to circulate through your arteries. PAD primarily affects the legs and feet but can also damage arteries in the kidneys, abdomen, feet, ankles, pelvis, hips, buttocks and arms.
But even more important than knowing about PAD is knowing you have PAD because seeking treatment early could save your limb and your life. Just ask Jim. From mystery symptoms to misdiagnoses, Jim endured quite a journey, but thankfully, it led him to Dr. Lam. Read the story of how he narrowly avoided amputation here.
And we just loved working with David. Another case of puzzling symptoms ended with a proper diagnosis, treatment and a foot saved from amputation thanks to Dr. Lam’s leading-edge approach to caring for patients with vascular issues like PAD.
Pay Attention to Your Symptoms
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of PAD so you’ll recognize them for what they are. In addition, the risk of developing PAD increases with age, and diabetes is one of the most common risk factors, especially in people over 50 years old.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with one of our vascular experts today:
- Painful leg cramps
- Weakness or heaviness in the legs
- Leg pain that persists even when resting
- Cold feet or toes
- Dry or discolored skin
- Burning sensation or aching legs and feet
- Hair loss on legs and feet
- Foot sores that won’t heal
More than 50% of people with PAD show none of the classic signs or symptoms. This is known as asymptomatic PAD. For this reason, it is important to understand and talk to your doctor about your risk factors to prevent the condition from worsening.
Vascular Expertise Under One Roof
Dr. Lam and his team of vascular experts are taking PAD care to the next level with our onsite, dedicated state-of-the-art Limb Salvage Center. Here, we perform many endovascular or minimally invasive procedures for a variety of vascular conditions. For patients dealing with challenging conditions like PAD, one convenient location for all their ongoing care is important.
This unique center is designed to help you fully understand your options, and with guidance from Dr. Lam and the Lam Vascular & Associates team of specialists, choose the right treatment plan or procedure for you. Take a virtual tour here.
Lam Vascular & Associates is an award-winning practice. Dr. Lam is recognized on a national, state and local level.
Your Next Step Matters
Daily, we see many individuals who have been told amputation is their only option. The truth is, that’s rarely the case. Our amazing team of vascular specialists are regional leaders in second opinion evaluations that have saved thousands of limbs of people who thought amputation was their only option. And you can, too.
Your Next Step Matters. If you believe you or someone you love is experiencing the effects of PAD, you owe it to yourself to find out for sure. Schedule an appointment today, and step into 2022 with confidence.
