Wellness: Leg Pain May Be More Than a Pain in the Neck
By Richard J. Bocklett
For people 65 and older, leg pain can be a warning sign for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in which clogged arteries in the body's lower extremities cause decreased blood flow in the legs, resulting in difficulty and pain when walking. PAD can strike anyone regardless of age, but it is most common in men and women over 50, affecting 12 to 20 percent of our older population - as many as 8 to 12 million Americans!
PAD is a common arterial condition, but it can become serious if unattended. It develops most commonly as a result of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which occurs when cholesterol and scar tissue build up, forming plaque that narrows and clogs the blood vessels. If untreated, this condition eventually can lead to gangrene and amputation.
This is an excellent article that provides detailed notes about PAD. Read the full news article from the Queen's Ledger here
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