Diseases of the leg arteries are perhaps the most commonly encountered vascular problem seen by the Hickory Surgical Clinic physicians. The cause is almost always atherosclerosis, and this process is hastened by diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. A small percentage of people have chemical deficiencies that cause premature atherosclerosis.

When lower extremity arterial disease becomes symptomatic, the person will often note that the muscles of the calves or thighs cramp or give out after walking a certain distance. It is almost always made better by stopping or sitting. This problem is called intermittent claudication. More severe degrees of arterial disease can cause constant pain in the foot or lead to tissue ulceration or gangrene. The conditions are obviously more severe and require immediate attention.