OSWEGO – Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a serious circulatory condition in which the arteries that supply blood throughout the body become completely or partially blocked. This blockage is caused by fatty plaque deposits that harden arteries, called atherosclerosis, and significantly impair blood flow. The most common type is lower-extremity PAD, where there is a reduction in blood flow to the legs and feet. When left untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene or even limb loss.

PAD affects more than 12 million Americans. In fact, one in five people over the age of 60 are living with PAD. PAD increases the risks of hard-to-heal wounds by obstructing circulation to the legs. Risk factors for PAD include smoking, advanced age, vascular disease and diabetes. Although the long-term effects of PAD are serious, anastonishing 40 percent of people with PAD do not experience any symptoms.

The Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine at Oswego Health, a member of the Healogics® network, provides specialized wound care and non-invasive tests, including a painless Doppler ultrasound, which evaluates blood flow in arteries near the wound, helping identify circulation issues and potential blockages. When appropriate, an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test may also be performed. This approach to early detection and assessment of PAD can help prevent complications and reduce amputation risks.

The following are the signs and symptoms of PAD:

• Pain or cramps in the back of the leg while walking or exercising
• Lower legs and feet that are cool to touch or that have shiny skin
• Legs and feet appear pale when raised and bluish/purplish when hanging down
• Numbness or tingling in the feet and legs
• A sore or wound on the toes, legs or feet that does not heal

Advanced PAD results in impaired wound healing and a greater risk for limb loss. Twenty-five percent of those with advanced PAD may require an amputation within one year. People who are at risk for PAD should call The Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine if they develop a wound that is slow to heal. The specialized treatment provided by The Center may accelerate healing times, boost healing rates and significantly diminish amputation risks.

For more information on recognizing PAD and treating chronic or infected wounds, contact The Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine located at Oswego Hospital, or call 315-326-3780.

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About Healogics

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., Healogics is the nation’s wound healing expert. Last year, over 300,000 patients received advanced wound care through a network of over 600 Wound Care Centers. Healogics also partners with over 300 skilled nursing facilities to care for patients with chronic wounds and provides inpatient consultations at more than 60 partner hospitals. As the industry leader, Healogics has the largest repository of chronic wound-specific patient data in the country. The Healogics Wound Science Initiative offers peer-reviewed research andadvanced analytics in the pursuit of not only better outcomes but a better way to provide care.

About Oswego Health:
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. As a nonprofit healthcare system established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to be Oswego County’s largest private employer. More than 1,400 employees spread throughout its 18 locations, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 132-bed community Oswego Hospital, a 32-bed psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community.  The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services, and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, the healthcare system includes Oswego Health Medical Practice, a multi-specialty medical group offering the community accessible, high-quality healthcare. 100+ physicians, advanced practice providers, and caregivers offer an extensive array of services across CNY, including primary care and specialty care in the areas of orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, general surgery, urology, and bariatrics. For more information about Oswego Health visit www.oswegohealth.org.

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