Leg pain and swelling are common symptoms, but not all leg problems are the same. Two of the most common vascular conditions are peripheral artery disease (PAD) and varicose veins. While they share some similarities, they are very different conditions that require different treatments.
What is PAD?
Peripheral artery disease occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked by plaque, reducing blood flow. This can cause pain with walking (claudication), slow wound healing, or even risk of amputation if untreated.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins develop when the valves in the veins stop working properly, causing blood to pool. This leads to enlarged, twisted veins that can cause aching, heaviness, and swelling in the legs.
Key Differences
- PAD affects arteries (blood flow to the legs), while varicose veins affect veins (blood return from the legs).
- PAD can be life-threatening if untreated, while varicose veins are usually not dangerous but can affect quality of life.
- PAD symptoms include pain with walking and non-healing wounds; varicose vein symptoms include visible bulging veins and leg heaviness.
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters
Because PAD and varicose veins have different causes and treatments, it’s important to get the right diagnosis. Dr. Patel uses advanced ultrasound testing to determine the underlying cause of your leg symptoms.
If you are experiencing leg pain, swelling, or visible veins, Flow Heart & Vascular can help identify the cause and provide the right treatment plan.
