Carolina Nephrology provides expert kidney care, chronic kidney disease treatment, dialysis services

Doctors often talk about heart health, but the health of your legs is just as important. When plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your legs, it causes a condition known as Peripheral Arterial Disease . This buildup narrows the path for blood. Over time, your muscles do not get the oxygen they need to work properly. Common Symptoms to Watch For Many people think leg pain is just a sign of getting older. That is not always true. The most common sign is a painful ache or cramp in the hips, thighs, or calves while walking. This pain usually goes away when you rest. It happens because the narrowed arteries cannot keep up with the demand for blood during exercise. Other signs include sores on your toes or feet that will not heal. You might notice one leg feels colder than the other. Sometimes the skin on your legs looks shiny or changes color. If you notice these changes, you should not ignore them. What Causes the Damage? The main cause is atherosclerosis. This is...

Hemodialysis is an indispensable and effective therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. One of the prime aspects for the success of this modality is the availability of safe and reliable vascular access. The blood flow during the sessions and the whole treatment period is guaranteed by two methods that are widely used. Understanding Vascular Access for Dialysis Hemodialysis is a process that leads to and fro blood circulation. An access point that is strong enough to resist uninterrupted use is a must. The location of access is determined by medical condition, vein quality, and treatment plans. What Is an Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula An Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula is the process which involves connecting a healthy artery to the nearest larger vein, usually in the arm. This procedure not only increases the diameter of the vein as blood flow into it increases but also strengthens it. The access will be suitable for regular dialysis sessions after the treatment. What Is ...