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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Peripheral Artery Disease In The Knees Be Treated?

I have PAD having an artery blocked around my knee....when I exercise I cramp up in right calf. I can start very slowly and work up to a 30 minute treadmill session at 3.2 mph. I thought doing this religiously would keep my veins open to get blood to lower leg. Am I doing the right thing because it has occured to me by exercising like this i am building a larger calf muscle which requires more blood flow which I am deficient of? What is best way to work on my condition so it does not worsen....I am willing to put in the time and work.
Sat, 12 May 2018
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

If you are having the main artery at the knee, the popliteal artery blocked, and you are experiencing pain while exercising, then it would be good to get the balloon angioplasty done to open up the block.

This is done by the Radiologist. However, if you are asymptomatic, and can do exercise without discomfort, then it means that collateral vessels have opened up and blood supply to the muscles are adequate. In such a case, you need not undergo the angioplasty.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ajit Kumar Varma
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How Can Peripheral Artery Disease In The Knees Be Treated?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. If you are having the main artery at the knee, the popliteal artery blocked, and you are experiencing pain while exercising, then it would be good to get the balloon angioplasty done to open up the block. This is done by the Radiologist. However, if you are asymptomatic, and can do exercise without discomfort, then it means that collateral vessels have opened up and blood supply to the muscles are adequate. In such a case, you need not undergo the angioplasty. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ajit Kumar Varma