Facts about PAD

/
72605946_S_Shoes_shoe lace_heart_Diabetes check_strips.jpg

At Texas Foot Specialists our patients are often surprised when we ask questions that don’t seem to be directly related to their feet. However, many systemic health conditions can have a serious impact on your feet. One of them is Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD. Below are some important facts about this condition and how it affects your feet.

FACT: PAD occurs when fatty deposits or plaque accumulates in the arteries of the legs. This leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries which reduces the blood flow to your legs and feet.

FACT: Although PAD is often first seen in the legs, it can also occur in other arteries that go to the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs. Sometimes, the discovery in the feet is like an early warning signal for the rest of the body.  Catching PAD early can help prevent life-threatening conditions like stroke and heart attack.

FACT: It’s estimated that 8 to 12 million Americans have PAD and that one out of five seniors age 70 and over have this disease. PAD and diabetes are the leading causes of leg and foot amputation in the U.S.

FACT: There are several different symptoms related to PAD including:

  • Pain, heaviness or achiness in your legs, feet, buttocks, or thighs. You may also experience cramping.

  • Loss of hair on legs

  • Toes and toenails that don’t appear to be growing

  • Change of skin color to a pale or bluish tinge

  • Sensation of cold in one leg or foot

  • Tingling or a feeling of “pins and needles” in your legs or feet

FACT: Your risk for PAD increases if one or more of the following factors apply:

  • Obesity

  • High cholesterol

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Low level of physical activity

  • You smoke

FACT: PAD is treatable and there are also several steps you can take to help prevent it including:

  • Quit smoking

  • Eat a healthy diet

  • Lose weight or maintain an appropriate weight

  • Exercise regularly

  • Follow doctor’s recommendations for controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol

If you notice any odd symptoms in your legs or feet, please contact us to discuss them with the podiatrist.