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Question

Leg Pain


Sent to Health Experts August 18, 2006 9:23 p.m.

I am 43 years old, male, smoker, 6'5 234# and I have been having extreme leg pains when trying to walk more than 75-100 yards. I am unable to even cruise the supermarket anymore up and down each asile. My toenails are comming off, some are discolored. I have extreme redness in my feet also. What would you suggest I do?

Thank You in Advance,
Steve Junkins

Optional Information:
Male , Age: 43

Already Tried:
Force myself to walk further, but my legs stop working.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Answer
August 18, 2006 9:48 p.m. (25 minutes and 33 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Hi,

The symptoms that you describe are very typical to those of a disease called "peripheral vascular disease" or the acronym PAD.

Peripheral vascular disease refers to diseases of blood vessels outside the heart and brain. It's often a narrowing of vessels that carry blood to leg. These vessels develop fatty deposits and begin to narrow making it difficult for adequate amounts of blood to supply the muscles of the legs with enough oxygenated blood.

When this ocurs, pain in the leg is experienced because the demand for oxygen by the leg muscles is not being supplied in sufficient quantities. So when the person experiences the pain, they stop walking making less oxygen demand and the pain begins to subside.

PAD can be treated by lowering blood pressure, stop smoking which causes the leg vessels to contract. Medications can also be available to you depending on the severity of your disease.

Surgery can also be a consideration when medications no longer help.

I hope that I've answered your question, but if I can help further let me know.

Clicking on the “ACCEPT” button validates your acceptance of the information provided. Clicking on the “BONUS” tab assures me that I have been of assistance and value to you and is most appreciated.



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Answer
August 18, 2006 9:52 p.m. (4 minutes and 24 seconds later)

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PicturePamela  -- Nurse (RN) -- 98% Positive Feedback on 129 Health Accepts
27yrs R.N. experience; Nurse consultant, home visit nurse, ortho, cardiac, med/surg, O.B./nursery

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