Neuropathy or Poor Circulation?

Wouldn’t it be great to say ‘later alligator’ to those nagging pains we think we have to get used to just because we’re getting older? “It’s not normal to have difficulty walking to your mailbox, it’s not normal to have constant leg pain or cramping,” says Dr. Joel Rainwater, chief medical officer of Comprehensive Integrated Care (CiC). “That’s not normal aging. It could be PAD.”

Poor circulation or PAD (peripheral artery disease) is caused by the buildup of fatty material inside the arteries which limits blood flow. “Blood carries oxygen and nutrients that your legs and feet need to stay healthy,” says Dr. Kerry Zang, of CIC Foot & Ankle. “If you have poor circulation, your body will tell you. Your feet may feel numb or at night you might have to dangle your legs over the side of the bed to relieve a cramp in your foot.”

PAD is often confused with neuropathy, as the symptoms are so similar. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that involves damage to the nerves in your feet In many cases, it’s caused by diabetes, but poor circulation can play a role and make the symptoms feel worse.

The good news is specialists like Dr. Rainwater are able to treat PAD with a minimally invasive procedure. Using advanced imaging they are able to go into the bloodstream through a tiny nick in the skin. “We’re able to see if there is a blockage and then remove it with special instruments,” explains Rainwater. “Once the plaque is removed, blood flow improves.” Patients are home within hours and back to everyday activities with almost no downtime. Most insurance plans, including Medicare cover the treatment.

If you are suffering from neuropathy or poor circulation, make an appointment to see a doctor. Or, if you’re not finding relief from medication or treatment, a second opinion may be helpful to determine the cause of the pain, cramping, or numbness in your feet.