Blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to your body, and is especially important in your legs and feet. If you aren’t getting enough blood flow, you may have a condition known as Peripheral Arterial Disease. September is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness month and a good time to talk about why your podiatrist is important in dealing with this condition.
What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
When you hear the word atherosclerosis or a problem with fatty deposits in your arteries, most people think about the heart. However, this build up of plaque that clogs your arteries can occur anywhere in the body, even the arteries going to your legs and feet. PAD is a problem with blood flow getting to your legs because of atherosclerosis causing narrowed arteries.
Unfortunately, if you are diagnosed with PAD, you don’t just have a problem with blood flow to your limbs. Often it is a sign that you have more widespread problems in other arteries throughout your body.
What are the Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
Many people who have PAD have very minimal or no symptoms at all, and can go undiagnosed. When you do have symptoms you may notice:
- Pain in your hip, thigh, or calf muscles after walking or climbing stairs that goes away with rest, but returns with activity
- Numbness in the legs or feet
- A change in color of your legs
- Weakness in your legs
- Constantly cold lower legs or feet
- Skin on your shins is shiny
- Hair loss on your feet and legs
- Slower growing toenails
- Pain when you are resting or lying down
- Pain in your legs that wakes you up at night
What Should I do if I have some of the Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Schlam at Hollowbrook Foot Specialists by clicking here or calling (845) 298 – 9074 as soon as possible. There are quick, easy, and painless ways to find out if you have PAD. Don’t ignore the symptoms of PAD because this condition can worsen and lead to gangrene and amputations.
By: David Schlam
