Leg Health Awareness Begins in September for Peripheral Arterial Disease (Source: VIVA)

Virginia Interventional and Vascular Associates (VIVA) seeks to educate the community about peripheral arterial disease (PAD) throughout the month of September, known as “PAD Awareness Month”. 

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic circulatory condition that affects 8 to 12 million people in the United States. Men and women over 50 are at the greatest risk of developing PAD. It is characterized by painful cramping in the leg that occurs when walking, but typically disappears when the activity stops. Other symptoms include: numbness, tingling, and weakness in the lower legs and feet; burning or aching pain in feet or toes when resting; a slow-healing sore on the leg or feet; loss of leg hair; and color or temperature changes in the leg. A consultation is recommended if one or more symptoms are present. 

“When plaque–which is made up of fat and cholesterol in the blood–builds up in the arteries, the arteries become clogged or narrowed,” explained Dr. R. Donald Doherty, Jr., Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Interventional Radiologist at VIVA. “This process is known as atherosclerosis. Clogged arteries limit the blood flow to the limbs, depriving the muscles and cells in your limbs of rich, oxygen-filled blood.”

If you or someone you know is concerned about the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease or other common vascular conditions, Virginia Interventional and Vascular Associates (VIVA) is offering a free ‘Leg Health Checker’ at vivassociates.com/checkyourlegs. To schedule a consultation, call VIVA at 540-654-9118. 

Virginia Interventional and Vascular Associates (VIVA) is the region’s largest multi-specialty practice with a team of Interventional Radiologists and Vascular Surgeons who are Board Certified and Fellowship Trained. In fully-equipped outpatient settings, VIVA offers comprehensive vascular and interventional radiology care. These facilities are easily accessible from I-95 in Fredericksburg and North Stafford. A leader in healthcare in Fredericksburg, VIVA provides the convenience and comfort of an outpatient setting with the highest quality of care, affordability and patient satisfaction. VIVA is owned and operated by Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg and meets the rigorous standards established by accreditation organizations, including AAAHC and IAC.

About Virginia Interventional and Vascular Associates

Virginia Interventional and Vascular Associates (VIVA) is the region’s only multi-speciality practice with a team of Interventional Radiologists and Vascular Surgeons who are Board Certified and Fellowship Trained. In fully-equipped outpatient settings, in collaboration with Mary Washington Healthcare and local urologists, VIVA offers comprehensive vascular and interventional radiology care. These facilities are easily accessible from I-95 in Fredericksburg and North Stafford. A leader in healthcare in Fredericksburg, VIVA provides the convenience and comfort of an outpatient setting with the highest quality of care, affordability and patient satisfaction. VIVA meets the rigorous standards established by accreditation organizations, including AAAHC and IAC.