What Is PVD?
Do you know someone who:
- frequently rubs his legs to relieve pain?
- needs to sit and put her legs up because it hurts to walk? or
- complains about how long it takes for a sore on his leg to heal?
Maybe this describes you!
Leg pain is an everyday problem for tens of thousands of Americans. The pain is often a result of Peripheral Vascular Disease or PVD, a circulatory condition caused by a blockage of the blood vessels in the legs. The most common symptoms of PVD include:
- aching, tiredness, or cramping in the legs during walking or exercising, which disappears after a few minutes of rest;
- numbness and tingling in the lower legs and feet;
- coldness in the lower legs and feet; and
- sores on the legs or feet that don't heal.
What Happens at a PVD Screening?
During the Legs For Life PVD screening, participants will be asked to complete a short questionnaire designed to help assess their risk for developing PVD. Medical staff will take a blood pressure reading in the ankles and arms to check for possible circulation problems. Individuals who report symptoms of PVD, have multiple risk factors, or have abnormal blood pressure readings will be advised to consult with their personal physician.
What if I Have PVD?
There are several treatment options available, and the early detection of PVD or other vascular diseases can prevent or lessen the risk of developing other health problems.
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