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Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is a rare disorder where the popliteal artery and calf muscle are abnormally oriented, causing leg pain, numbness, and tingling. Treatment may include medication, activity restriction, or surgery, and regular appointments with a doctor are important to prevent complications. Diagnosis is confirmed through an arteriogram, and mild cases can be treated with lifestyle modifications and medication. Surgery is often necessary for more severe cases.
Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is a relatively rare developmental disorder in which the popliteal artery and gastrocnemius calf muscle are abnormally oriented relative to each other. Symptoms of this condition may include leg pain, numbness or tingling in the feet and toes, or a slow heart rate in the affected artery. Treatment for popliteal artery entrapment syndrome may include the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications, activity restriction, or surgery. Complications such as blood clots are possible if this disorder is left untreated, so it is important for patients to make regular appointments with a doctor once this condition is diagnosed.
Patients with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome often have difficulty walking normally or performing ordinary activities because of pain in the legs, which tends to worsen with physical activity. The affected artery can become compressed, causing frequent muscle cramps that often decrease in intensity during periods of rest. If the associated nerves become involved, numbness or tingling sensations may be felt. Electric shock sensations may indicate that nerve damage has occurred. A physical exam by a doctor often reveals that the pulse in the popliteal artery is lower than normal, suggesting that proper blood flow has been decreased.
A specialized test known as an arteriogram can be used to confirm a suspected diagnosis of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. This procedure can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the patient’s overall health. Contrast medium is injected into the popliteal artery and an X-ray is taken so the supervising doctor can detect problems such as blockages or structural damage to the artery. Once a definitive diagnosis of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome has been made, an individualized treatment plan can be implemented.
Mild cases of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome can be treated with a combination of lifestyle modification and medications. Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and blood thinners are among the medications that are often used to treat the symptoms of this disorder. If symptoms are relatively mild and occur only following strenuous exercise, physical activity may be limited in an effort to avoid the need for more invasive treatment methods. Eventually, most patients with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome must have one or more surgical procedures to correct the damage to the blood vessels, muscles, and nerves.
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