Commonly referred to as poor circulation, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is the restriction of blood flow in the arteries of the leg. When arteries become narrowed by plaque , the oxygen-rich blood flowing through the arteries cannot reach the legs and feet.

The presence of PAD may be an indication of more widespread arterial disease in the body that can affect the brain, causing stroke, or the heart, causing a heart attack.

Most people have no symptoms during the early stages of PAD. Often, by the time symptoms are noticed, the arteries are already significantly blocked.

Common symptoms of PAD include:

• Leg pain (cramping) that occurs while walking

• Leg pain (cramping) that occurs while lying down

• Leg numbness or weakness

• Cold legs or feet

• Sores that will not heal on toes, feet or legs

• A change in leg color

• Loss of hair on the feet and legs

• Changes in toenail color and thickness
  

If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to discuss them with your foot doctor. Left untreated, PAD can lead to debilitating and limb-threatening consequences.

Treatment for PAD involves lifestyle changes, medication and, in some cases, surgery.

Having both diabetes and PAD further increases the potential for foot complications. People living with diabetes often have neuropathy, so they do not feel pain when foot problems occur. When neuropathy occurs in people with PAD, ulcers can develop over foot deformities and may never heal. For this reason, PAD and diabetes are common causes of foot or leg amputations in the United States.

Once detected, PAD may be corrected or at least improved. Your foot doctor can then correct the underlying foot deformity to prevent future problems should the circulation become seriously restricted again.

Avoiding PAD Complications

Getting regular foot exams—as well as seeking immediate help when you notice changes in the feet—can keep small problems from worsening. PAD requires ongoing attention.

To avoid complications, people with this disease should follow these precautions:

• Wash your feet daily. Use warm (not hot) water and a mild soap. Dry your feet—including between the toes—gently and well.

• Keep the skin soft. For dry skin, apply a thin coat of lotion that does not contain alcohol. Apply over the top and bottom of your feet but not between the toes.

• Trim toenails straight across and file the edges. Keep edges rounded to avoid ingrown toenails, which can cause infections.

• Always wear shoes and socks. To avoid cuts and abrasions, never go barefoot—even indoors.

• Choose the right shoes and socks. When buying new shoes, have an expert make sure they fit well.

• Check your feet every day. Check all over for sores, cuts, bruises, breaks in the skin, rashes, corns, calluses, blisters, red spots, swelling, ingrown toenails, toenail infections or pain.

• Call your foot and ankle doctor. If you develop any of the above problems, seek professional help immediately. Do not try to take care of cuts, sores or infections yourself

Here at Dearborn Foot and Ankle, we are specialized in the treatment of a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions.

Come see us, we will be happy to go over your treatment options.

Contact us today for an appointment or to learn more.