WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderSimple test can spot serious medical problem

Simple test can spot serious medical problem

By Jeannie Hayes

ROCKFORD (WREX) - It can be easy to write off chronic pain as no big deal, but that pain can also indicate a dangerous issue.  In some cases, one simple test could save you a lifetime of more serious problems.

If you have pain in your calves when you walk, it could be a sign of Peripheral Arterial Disease.  That occurs when blood vessels in the legs are narrowed, or blocked by fatty deposits.  In both cases, it decreases the flow of oxygen.  If left untreated, more serious complications can arise.  It can even lead to amputation.

"Peripheral Arterial Disease is a very common problem," said Dr. Jeffrey Barteau of the OSF Wound Healing Center.  "In more severe forms, it can present you with infections in the legs or feet that won't heal, or gangrene in the feet."

The OSF Wound Healing Center uses what's called a Doppler to see if that pain in your legs is actually P.A.D.  It listens to the pulse in your foot for any abnormalities.

This is a preliminary tool.  If doctors suspect a problem, you'll have to go through a more serious testing process.  However, if you do have pain in your calves, they say it's better to just get it checked out.

"The longer Peripheral Arterial Disease goes untreated, the more likely it's going to present one of the more severe complications, such as gangrene or patients that end up having an amputation," said Dr. Barteau.  He says diabetics are more likely to have P.A.D.  Smoking also raises your risk substantially.