A runner’s calf pain was a sign of a rare condition. It took years to find a doctor who could treat it.

Military veteran and avid runner Sierra Prindle faced excruciating pain in her left calf that she had never experienced before. The journey to find a diagnosis was a long and arduous one for Prindle, starting with muscle spasms and weakness in her 30s and culminating in a slipped disc diagnosis that didn’t quite explain the severity of her symptoms. Despite countless doctor visits, tests, and misdiagnoses, Prindle’s pain persisted, affecting every aspect of her life.

After five years of suffering, Prindle finally received a rare diagnosis: Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES). This condition, which compresses the popliteal artery supplying blood to the lower leg, is often misdiagnosed due to its rarity. Dr. Katherine Gallagher, a vascular surgeon, explained that PAES can be congenital or develop from intense exercise, making it challenging to identify.

Following her diagnosis, Prindle underwent bypass surgery to reroute blood flow through the affected artery. However, the relief was short-lived as she experienced increased pain and numbness in her toes post-surgery. It was through a chance encounter on a Facebook page that Prindle discovered Dr. Sean Lyden, a leading expert in PAES treatment at the Cleveland Clinic. Lyden recommended a muscle removal surgery to alleviate the artery compression, a procedure that proved successful in relieving Prindle’s symptoms.

Recovering from two surgeries, Prindle now enjoys a semblance of normalcy in her life. While she still experiences some pain and discomfort in her left leg, the overall improvement is significant. Her right leg, in particular, has shown a remarkable recovery. Prindle now resides in Florida, balancing her work as a contract specialist for the U.S. Air Force with an active family life.

Looking ahead, Prindle hopes to regain her athletic abilities, including running, which she has missed dearly. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance and advocating for oneself in the face of medical challenges. Prindle’s story serves as a reminder that with determination and the right medical support, it is possible to overcome even the most complex health issues.