Can Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome Go Away On Its Own & What Are Its Natural Remedies?

Primary symptoms of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome are cramping in the leg and lower back during activities and resolve with rest.¹

Rest usually resolve the symptoms and improve the pain in the legs.²

PAES is responsible for symptoms in athletes and young adults. An alternative therapeutic approach is found effective for vascular complications.³

The latest research, reviews, and debate provides an alternative treatment for sports and exercise-related pain.⁴

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) occurs from an anomalous positioned or enlarged calf muscle that connects amid the posterior lower limb musculature and the popliteal artery. It happens when nearby tendons and muscles pinch the knee’s main artery, restricts bloodstream, producing signs like leg pain during exercise.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare condition in young and athletic adults. Although this is a potentially serious disease, it is accounted for with a documented risk of acute coronary-artery and peripheral-artery thrombosis.¹

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is identified to be a primary cause of intermittent claudication in young adults and athletes. The condition is difficult to diagnose as it resembles many other disorders.

Multiple classifications of PAES have been described however the functional entrapment is characteristically noticed with enlarged muscle development. The main symptoms of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome include leg swelling, cramping, muscle fatigue, numbness, and tingling feeling in the foot.

Most symptoms happen after overuse of the muscles either during exercise or activities and disappear on its own with rest. Other symptoms include

• Cold foot
• Heaviness and swelling in leg and calf area.

As popliteal aneurysms grow in size, they progressively become lined by an old blood clot. When the symptoms occur due to sports activities, a sports physician will carefully analyze the symptoms and examine the warning signs (pain, swelling, and decreased sensation in the legs).²

Your doctor typically checks for the blood pressure since blood pressure in your legs should be higher than in your arms however when you have popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, your blood pressure drops. Generally, the initial screening is done through ultrasound to assess the constriction of the popliteal artery.

The condition cannot be prevented however initial diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for the recovery and preventing the progression of PAES besides improving their quality of life. Awareness of the disorder is a requirement for correct diagnosis.

Surgery is the only option to cure the anomalies in the lower limb and calf muscles. Based on your diagnosis and symptoms, your healthcare provider may suggest surgery. In certain cases of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, a 4 to 6-inch incision is made to remove the compression under the knee and to relieve the pain. However, for a few cases, a 4 to 6-inch incision is made inside of the calf muscle to avoid recurrence of the syndrome and also to provide complete relief. The procedure takes not more than an hour. The patient will be required to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.

However, when you are experiencing the condition over a longer duration and it is progressing, then your doctor may recommend for artery bypass surgery. Surgery usually doesn’t affect leg function and instead provides relief from pain.^3,4

References: