A New Pulse of Hope: How Shockwave Therapy Is Changing the Landscape of Peripheral Vascular Disease Care
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), often used interchangeably with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) when arteries are involved, is a circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs—most commonly the legs. The underlying cause is typically atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits along arterial walls that restricts circulation. Over time, this reduced blood flow can lead to pain, numbness, weakness, slow-healing wounds, and in severe cases, tissue damage or limb loss. PVD affects millions of Americans, particularly older adults and individuals with risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. In the early stages, walking may cause only mild discomfort, known as intermittent claudication. However, if left untreated, symptoms can progress to persistent pain at rest and critical limb ischemia, a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. As awareness grows, so does interest in innovative, non-invas...