Peripheral Artery Disease
Also known as: PAD, Peripheral Vascular Disease, PVD
Narrowing of arteries in the legs due to atherosclerosis — common in diabetes and a major risk factor for foot ulcers and amputation.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when atherosclerotic plaques narrow the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet. Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for PAD; people with diabetes are 2–4 times more likely to develop it than the general population.
Symptoms include intermittent claudication (leg cramping with walking that resolves with rest), non-healing wounds, cold feet, and rest pain in severe cases. Many patients with diabetic neuropathy have concurrent PAD and are asymptomatic due to absence of pain sensation — making their foot ulcer risk especially high.
For therapeutic shoe coverage, PAD is one of the five qualifying foot conditions under Medicare's diabetic shoe benefit (along with neuropathy, peripheral neuropathic disease, a history of amputation, and foot deformity or pre-ulcerative callus). PAD also affects wound healing when ulcers do occur.
Frequently asked
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Narrowing of arteries in the legs due to atherosclerosis — common in diabetes and a major risk factor for foot ulcers and amputation. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when atherosclerotic plaques narrow the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet. Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for PAD; people with diabetes are 2–4 times more likely to develop it than the general population.
How does Peripheral Artery Disease relate to Medicare coverage?
Medicare Part B covers most durable medical equipment related to Peripheral Artery Disease. Contact us to verify your specific coverage for related diabetic supplies.
Where can I get diabetic supplies related to Peripheral Artery Disease in Phoenix?
We deliver Medicare-covered diabetic supplies throughout the Phoenix metro area. Call us or complete the form above to verify your coverage.