Can Clogged Arteries Hurt Your Feet?
The answer is yes! In addition, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often shows signs in your legs and feet first. At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we want all our patients to be aware of this potentially dangerous condition and how to prevent it.
What’s Behind PAD
PAD occurs when cholesterol and other materials build up on the walls of your arteries reducing blood flow and resulting in poor circulation. Common podiatric problems such as bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails and toenail fungus can become serious in patients with PAD. Minor injuries like cuts or sores on the feet can turn into a serious medical threat because of the difficulty of getting an adequate supply of blood (needed for healing) to the injury site.
Left undiagnosed and untreated PAD can also affect the arteries to the heart and brain putting you at risk for a heart attack or stroke. Some patients will notice certain symptoms in their legs and feet--although often times it is not until a significant portion of the arteries is blocked. Signs of PAD can include:
Leg cramping and pain that occurs when walking or lying down.
Numbness or weakness in the legs
Sores on toes, feet or legs that don’t seem to be healing
Consistently cold feet and legs
Loss of hair on toes, feet and legs
Discoloration of leg skin
Changes in color or thickness of toenails
If you notice any of the above symptoms it’s important that you contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 for an appointment as soon as possible and get it evaluated by our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales. The foot doctor will go over your medical history and examine your legs and feet. There are simple, non-invasive tests which can be done to diagnose this condition.
Healthy Choices Reduce Risk
Although your risk for PAD increases if you have a family history of the disease or you are over 50, there are many ways to lower your chances of developing PAD. These include:
Being active and exercising regularly
Not smoking
Eating a heart healthy diet that keeps your cholesterol in check.
Patients with high blood pressure and diabetes are at greater risk for PAD. Managing these conditions as directed by your physician is important for lowering your risk.
If you have questions about PAD or want to assess your risk for this condition, contact us today.