Condition that affects the legs of some athletes
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The popliteal artery runs behind the knee. When it’s squeezed between the muscle and the tendons, blood flow to the lower portion of the leg decreases. Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) can cause damage to the artery as well as leg pain and cramping.
Although rare, the condition most commonly develops as the calf muscles grow. It primarily affects those with larger leg muscles, such as young male athletes who play sports that involve running. Some people are born with the popliteal artery following an abnormal path down the leg, leading to PAES.
The team in our Vascular and Endovascular Program is a leader in innovative minimally invasive techniques to treat vascular conditions such as popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.
What are the symptoms of PAES?
Just 35 years old and active, Joel Patton did not look like someone with a serious vascular problem. But he was – and an alert diagnosis and rapid treatment from vascular surgeon Rajesh Malik, MD, saved his leg. Read more.
Symptoms of PAES are often present during physical activity and may be relieved within five minutes of resting. During exercise, symptoms will occur in the same leg and may include cramping, numbness or pain. Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome may resemble adventitial cystic disease, in which a cyst forms in an artery, narrowing or blocking blood flow.
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