You may wonder why we are discussing February’s American Heart Month in connection with your feet and lower legs. Peripheral artery disease or PAD is a common circulatory problem where the arteries are narrowed, restricting blood flow to your limbs.
If you have PAD, your legs will not receive enough blood flow to keep up with the demands of walking, standing and exercising. You may have pain or an uncomfortable feeling when walking.
PAD is often called by atherosclerosis, plaque build-up inside your arteries that restricts blood flow. Your risk of PAD increases if you smoke, have diabetes, are obese, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or have a family history of PAD, heart disease or stroke.
PAD Symptoms
In addition to pain while walking, PAD symptoms may include:
Cramping in the thighs, calves or hips after walking or climbing stairs.
Leg weakness or numbness.
Foot coldness.
Foot, toe or leg sores that won’t heal.
Leg or feet hair loss.
Slowed toenail growth.
Weak pulse in the feet or legs.
Prevent PAD with a Healthy Lifestyle
Quit smoking!
Individuals with diabetes should manage their blood sugar levels.
With your doctor’s permission, exercise 30-45 minutes several times a week.
Work with your doctor to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid foods with saturated fat.
Leg and foot pain and numbness are not a normal part of aging. Please call us and make an appointment for an evaluation. We can help!
We Can Help with Foot and Ankle Pain
If you have any problems with your toenails, or neuropathy or any foot problem like heel pain or plantar fasciitis, discomfort from arthritis, an injury or just from overuse, please call Michele Kurlanski, DPM at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Kurlanski offers expert and professional podiatry services in Cumberland County, Maine. Please call us today at 207-774-0028 to schedule your appointment in our Scarborough office.