Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment
Expert PAD Doctors in Chicago & Libertyville
Joint & Vascular Institute
Don't Let Leg Pain Limit Your Life
At Joint & Vascular Institute, we offer advanced, minimally invasive PAD treatment — a modern solution for Peripheral Artery Disease that restores circulation and helps you avoid amputation.
Leg pain, cramping, and fatigue shouldn’t be a normal part of aging. If you struggle with leg pain when walking, you may be experiencing symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a common but serious circulation issue. Our nationally recognized physicians use the latest image-guided, minimally invasive techniques in a comfortable outpatient setting to restore blood flow, relieve your pain, and get you back to the life you love—without a hospital stay.
Don't Ignore the Signs of Poor Circulation
Benefits of Minimally Invasive PAD Treatment
No Large
Incisions
Tiny incision with minimal scarring.
Outpatient
Procedure
Go home the same day.
Quick
Recovery
Return to daily activities faster.
Lower
Cost
Lower cost compared to hospital-based surgery.
Avoids
Amputation
In patients with critical limb ischemia, amputation may be avoided.
Proven
Effectiveness
Proven effectiveness in restoring circulation and relieving symptoms
Am I a Candidate for PAD Treatment?
You may be a strong candidate for minimally invasive PAD treatment if you:
- Experience leg pain, cramping, or fatigue when walking (claudication)
- Have been diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease or atherosclerosis
- Suffer from non-healing leg ulcers or foot wounds
- Have coldness, numbness, or color changes in your legs
- Want to avoid amputation and restore your quality of life
- Have risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
Speak with our team to determine if minimally invasive PAD treatment is the right solution for your circulation issues.
What You Need to Know About PAD
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), also known as peripheral arterial disease, is a condition caused by poor circulation in the legs. It occurs when arteries, primarily those that supply blood to your legs and feet, become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of fatty plaque (atherosclerosis). This leg artery disease reduces blood flow, starving muscles and tissues of the oxygen they need to function, which causes leg pain and other symptoms.
Common Symptoms
Many people with PAD have mild or no symptoms. However, the most common sign is intermittent claudication: muscle pain or cramping in the legs or arms that’s triggered by activity and disappears after a few minutes of rest. Other symptoms of poor circulation in legs include:
- Painful cramping in the hip, thigh, or calf muscles after activity (claudication)
- Leg numbness or weakness
- Coldness in one lower leg or foot compared to the other side
- Non-healing leg ulcers or foot wounds
- A change in the color of your legs
- Slower hair growth or hair loss on your feet and legs
- Shiny skin on your legs
Causes & Risk Factors
PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis. While the exact cause of atherosclerosis is unknown, several risk factors can accelerate the process:
- Smoking: The most significant risk factor.
- Diabetes: Increases your risk of developing PAD by up to four times.
- High Blood Pressure & High Cholesterol: Damages artery walls and contributes to plaque buildup.
- Age: Risk increases significantly after age 50.
- Family History: A history of vascular disease, heart disease, or stroke.
What Happens If Left Untreated?
When left untreated, PAD can progress and lead to severe complications. The leg pain can become constant and debilitating. The risk of developing non-healing leg ulcers and infections increases dramatically. In the most severe cases, critical limb ischemia can develop, leading to tissue death (gangrene) and requiring amputation to save a patient’s life. Seeking circulation treatment early is the best way to avoid amputation and protect your overall health.
The Outpatient Advantage for PAD Treatment
Where you receive your care matters. An outpatient-based lab (OBL) like Joint & Vascular Institute offers a more personalized, convenient, and efficient experience compared to a hospital setting.
| Dimension | Joint & Vascular Institute (OBL) | Hospital | Primary Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Vascular experts: Led by board-certified interventional radiologists who are specialists in PAD. | General care: You may see various doctors, not all of whom specialize in vascular disease. | Gatekeeper: Manages overall health but will refer you to a specialist for PAD treatment. |
| Technology | State-of-the-art: Equipped with the latest imaging and interventional technology specifically for vascular care. | Variable: Technology can vary widely by hospital and department. | Diagnostic only: Limited to basic diagnostic tools like blood pressure cuffs. |
| Experience | Personalized & comfortable: A private, calm environment focused entirely on your care and comfort. | Institutional & overwhelming: Large, busy environments with long waits and less personal attention. | Familiar but limited: A comfortable setting, but not equipped for advanced procedures. |
| Scheduling | Fast & direct: Get an appointment quickly without waiting for weeks or months for a referral. | Slow & complex: Multiple appointments, long wait times, and complicated scheduling. | Referral delays: Requires a referral, which can add significant delays to getting treatment. |
| Cost | Lower cost: Fewer overhead expenses often result in more affordable care without sacrificing quality. | Higher cost: Hospital overhead and facility fees lead to significantly higher expenses. | N/A for procedures: Not applicable for interventional treatments. |
| Recovery | Go home same day: Recover at home and get back to your life faster. | Hospital stay: Procedures often require an overnight stay for observation. | N/A for procedures: Not applicable for interventional treatments. |
Results & Clinical Evidence
PAD treatment has been shown to offer dramatic and lasting symptom relief:
- 10 Million+ Americans Affected: PAD is a widespread issue, but many people dismiss their symptoms as normal aging.
- Avoid Amputation: Early and effective PAD treatment is the key to preventing limb loss. Our interventions are designed to save limbs and lives.
- Outpatient Care: Restore blood flow with a procedure that takes just a few hours and lets you go home the same day.
- Quick Recovery: Minimally invasive treatment means no large incisions, less pain, and a much faster return to your daily activities compared to traditional surgery.
Academic Level Care.
Just Next Door.
From your first consultation to every step of your treatment, our providers bring advanced expertise and a personalized approach that puts you first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PAD treatment painful?
Minimally invasive PAD treatments like angioplasty and atherectomy are performed through a tiny incision and are generally not painful. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area, and most patients report feeling only slight pressure during the procedure. Post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal and easily managed.
How long does the procedure take?
Most outpatient PAD treatments are completed within 1-3 hours. Because it is a minimally invasive procedure, you can return home the same day to recover comfortably.
Will my insurance cover PAD treatment?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover the diagnosis and treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease. Our team will work with you to verify your coverage and provide a clear understanding of any potential costs.
Take the Next Step
Schedule a Consultation Today
Don’t wait for your leg pain to get worse. The first step toward relief is a comprehensive evaluation with a specialist who understands your condition. At Joint & Vascular Institute, we will diagnose the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to improve your circulation and quality of life.
Regain comfort. Restore mobility. Live pain-free.