Peripheral Venous Disease

Put Leg Pain Behind You with Treatment for Peripheral Venous Disease in Williamsport, PA

Peripheral venous disease (PVD) is a slow, progressive circulation disorder that involves disease in any of the blood vessels outside the heart or in the lymph vessels.

To learn more about treatment for peripheral venous disease in Williamsport, Pa., Find a Provider at UPMC.

Overview
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Treatment

What Is Peripheral Venous Disease?

Peripheral venous disease (PVD) is a slow, progressive circulation disorder that involves disease in any of the blood vessels outside the heart or in the lymph vessels. Many other conditions are associated with peripheral venous disease, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, and chronic venous insufficiency.

The most common cause of PVD is atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque inside the artery wall, which reduces blood flow and decreases oxygen available to your tissue. Other causes may include leg or arm trauma, irregular muscular or ligament anatomy and infection.

Peripheral Vascular Disease Symptoms and Diagnosis

Half the people diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease don’t have any symptoms.

Common PVD symptoms may include:

Leg discomfort or cramping that occurs with exercise and is relieved by rest
Changes in the skin: temperature, or thin, brittle skin on legs and feet
Diminished pulse in legs and feet
Gangrene, or dead tissue due to lack of blood flow
Hair loss on the legs
Impotence
Nonhealing wounds on pressure points
Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in muscles
Pallor (paleness) when the legs are elevated
Discoloration of extremities
Restricted mobility
Severe pain

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, consult a vascular surgeon at UPMC for an accurate diagnosis.