Foot problems due to PAD

 

Foot problems due to PAD

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Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a cardiovascular disease in which arteries narrow and reduce blood flow to the limbs. It is usually caused by atherosclerosis, a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries that impedes circulation. Symptoms of PAD include pain in the legs, limited ability to walk, and can affect quality of life.

 

If he has PAD due to atherosclerosis, he has a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Left untreated, his severe PAD can lead to limb loss. Your doctor can look for signs of foot problems due to PAD during a standard physical exam.

 

What are PAD symptoms in the feet?

Some people with PAD have mild symptoms, while others experience leg pain and difficulty walking. Common symptoms of peripheral arterial disease in the legs include:

*) Cramps in the hips, thighs, or calves when climbing stairs or walking

*) Cold extremities such as lower legs and feet

*) A wound that does not heal

*) Change leg color

*) No or weak pulse in the legs or feet

*) Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

 

What tests help diagnose PAD in the feet?

The easiest way for a doctor to diagnose PAD in the feet (or a vascular problem that can lead to peripheral arterial disease) is to check your pulse during a physical exam. , look for foot deformities such as hammertoes and bunions. Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing foot complications because of neuropathy that causes numbness in the feet.

 

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Some of the diagnostic tools doctors can use to find PAD foot problems include:

 

Ankle Bracer Index (ABI):

Your doctor will put blood pressure cuffs on your arms and legs and use a Doppler and ultrasound machine to listen to your leg's pulse. Useful for assessing blood flow. Her ABI, which is abnormal, means she may need additional tests and treatment.

Pulse volatility recording (PVR):

 This test measures changes in leg blood volume before and after a treadmill workout. Arm and leg blood pressure cuffs record changes in blood pressure during inflation. PVR is most useful for detecting leg blockages.

Vascular ultrasound:

 Attach the wearable device to the skin over the artery. Sound waves create images of blood vessels that help identify blockages in arteries.

What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce foot pain from PAD?

If you want to relieve your PAD pain, certain lifestyle changes can help him reduce his PAD symptoms.

No smoking :

Quitting smoking slows the development of peripheral arterial disease and helps lower blood pressure.

Eat a balanced diet:

A high-fiber diet low in cholesterol, sodium, and unhealthy fats is best. Losing weight raises HDL (good) cholesterol and lowers total cholesterol.

Become active:

Exercise, especially walking, is ideal for patients with PAD foot problems. People who walk regularly experience improvement in leg pain. If he experiences PAD leg pain during a workout, take intermittent breaks. PAD takes a long time to develop and takes time to improve.

Take care:

Treating health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes is key to feeling better.

Are there medications to treat the symptoms of PAD?

PAD may require treatment with drugs such as antihypertensives, statins, and antiplatelet drugs. Cilostazol, an antihypertensive drug prescribed to improve walking distance, has been shown to help extend exercise duration in people with PAD-related leg pain.