At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we find that many times patients don’t understand the ramifications of other medical conditions and lifestyle choices on the health of their feet. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a condition where some of the arteries in your legs become partially or fully blocked due to the accumulation of plaque or fatty deposits. This can have serious consequences for your lower extremities. Good circulation is necessary for healing wounds on your feet and maintaining overall good foot health.

Below are some facts about PAD that you should know:

FACT: One in five people over the age of 70 have PAD. It affects 8 to 12 million Americans currently.

FACT: Medical conditions that are often associated with PAD are:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes

FACT: Patients with PAD are two to six times more likely to die from stroke and heart attack.

FACT: PAD and diabetes are the leading cause of foot and leg amputations in the U.S.

FACT: Symptoms of PAD are:

  • Pain in your legs, thighs or buttocks when you walk
  • Foot or toe pain that wakes you up at night
  • Wounds on the skin or your feet or toes that don’t heal for 8 to 12 weeks
  • Hair loss on your toes and legs
  • Abnormal skin color on your feet

FACT: Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas can perform a simple test called an ankle-brachial index to determine if you have PAD. It compares the blood pressure in your arm with the blood pressure in your ankles.

FACT: There are several lifestyle changes that can decrease your risk for PAD:

  • Stopping smoking
  • Eating a healthy diet to avoid obesity and help lower cholesterol
  • Managing high blood sugar
  • Exercising regularly

FACT: Medications and surgical options to treat PAD are also available.

It’s important to pay attention to the condition of your feet and report any unusual changes to the foot doctor promptly. If you have any concerns, contact our Cromwell office by calling: (860) 632-5499.

 

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416