Leg Pain

Leg pain is often due to musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, but vascular disease is also a common cause. Fellowship-trained cardiologist Bhaskar Purushottam, MD, at Midwest Heart and Vascular Associates in Rapid City, South Dakota, uses state-of-the-art diagnostics to determine the causes of leg pain. He also offers advanced nonsurgical treatments to resolve problems like peripheral artery disease that often cause leg pain. Contact Midwest Heart and Vascular Associates by phone or book an appointment online today.

Why do I have leg pain?

Leg pain may be due to muscle strains, joint problems, nerve issues, or other musculoskeletal problems. However, a common cause is poor blood flow, especially when you experience it while walking or climbing stairs.

This type of leg pain (also called claudication) is often caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD happens when the arteries that carry blood to your legs become narrow or blocked due to plaque buildup. When your muscles don’t get enough oxygen-rich blood, they can cramp or ache.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can also cause leg pain. A DVT develops when blood clots form in the leg’s deep veins, preventing blood from traveling back to the heart.

Another condition that can cause leg pain is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This affects the veins, making it hard for blood to travel back to your heart from your legs. It leads to pooling that can trigger varicose veins. While CVI may cause discomfort, it isn’t usually painful until it reaches an advanced stage where tissues start to break down.

What can leg pain lead to?

Ignoring leg pain can lead to serious problems. A blood clot could break free and reach the lungs, prompting a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. As PAD and CVI worsen, it can lead to tissue damage, infections, and slow-healing wounds (ulcers) on the lower limbs. In severe cases, tissue death can lead to limb amputation.

PAD is also a sign that arteries in other parts of your body, including those that feed your heart and brain, may be narrowing. This could lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Midwest Heart and Vascular Associates uses specialized diagnostics like ultrasound and angiography to see how well blood flows through your legs.

How is leg pain treated?

The leg pain treatment Dr. Purushottam recommends depends on how severe the problem is. Lifestyle changes like walking more, eating heart-healthy foods, and quitting smoking help a lot.

Midwest Heart and Vascular Associates also offers advanced procedures, like angioplasty and stent placement, to open up narrowed arteries and improve circulation. These minimally invasive treatments use a small tube (catheter) in your leg to access the affected blood vessel.

If you notice leg pain that starts with activity and gets better with rest, or if your legs are discolored or swollen, don’t delay. Schedule a visit with Midwest Heart and Vascular Associates by phone or request one online today.