What's the difference between Restless Leg Syndrome & PAD–Peripheral Artery Disease?
Thanks in advance.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and restless leg syndrome (RLS) may have some symptoms in common, but are quite different illnesses. They do, however, both primarily affect the legs, and both can be treated. However, causes for PAD are easier to identify than causes for RLS in many cases.
Narrowing in the arteries due to fatty deposits causes PAD. In this way, it is like the artery disease that affects the heart. PAD may also sometimes be referred to as peripheral vascular disease, since PAD may also cause other arteries like those in the neck to become blocked.
With one exception, PAD generally has a known cause. However, in functional PAD, the blood vessels and arteries are fine, but occasionally a spasm will occur provoking severe pain. Spasms may be linked to cold weather, smoking or exercise
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March 3rd, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and restless leg syndrome (RLS) may have some symptoms in common, but are quite different illnesses. They do, however, both primarily affect the legs, and both can be treated. However, causes for PAD are easier to identify than causes for RLS in many cases.
Narrowing in the arteries due to fatty deposits causes PAD. In this way, it is like the artery disease that affects the heart. PAD may also sometimes be referred to as peripheral vascular disease, since PAD may also cause other arteries like those in the neck to become blocked.
With one exception, PAD generally has a known cause. However, in functional PAD, the blood vessels and arteries are fine, but occasionally a spasm will occur provoking severe pain. Spasms may be linked to cold weather, smoking or exercise
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