Three Little Letters that Can Spell Trouble for Your Feet

PAD

There are a lot of acronyms in medicine. Take COVID, for example, which – we know all too well – stands for “coronavirus disease.” Some other examples we speak of often in our society include CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). At Clifton Foot & Ankle Center, in Fairfax County, one particular acronym we speak of often is PAD.

PAD is shorthand for peripheral arterial disease, which describes diseases of the arteries outside of the heart. PAD is a condition in which the arteries that lead to your limbs, including your lower legs and your feet, become narrow. Narrowing occurs when fat and cholesterol build up on the walls of your arteries. We refer to that buildup as plaque.

Plaque impedes the flow of blood. For example, say you’ve got a lot of plaque in the arteries below your knee. Blood flow to your feet is therefore restricted, essentially starving your feet’s skin, tissues, and muscles of blood.

What are the symptoms of PAD?

  • Lower leg or foot pain, especially when walking
  • Legs that feel weak or numb
  • Legs that tire easily
  • Hair loss on lower legs, feet, and toes
  • Slow healing of cuts and sores on your feet
  • Cold feet or toes

Are you at risk for PAD?

It’s good to know if you’ve got a family history of PAD because it puts you at a higher risk for developing the disease. You’re also at risk if you’re a smoker, you’re obese, don’t get much exercise, or have diabetes. Finally, persistently high LDL cholesterol increases arterial plaque.

Active people who don’t smoke and watch their diet, weight, and cholesterol don’t have too much to worry about – unless a family history of PAD comes into play.

In short, any pain in your lower legs that subsides when you stop moving should be a red flag. Similarly, monitor your feet for hair loss, numbness, weakness, and other symptoms of PAD. Notify board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm of your symptoms. Dr. Wilhelm will take your medical history and examine your lower legs and feet, either diagnosing or ruling out this destructive, progressive disease.

P-A-D can spell trouble, but there are treatments

Lifestyle changes and medications can dramatically reduce the symptoms of PAD. Surgery may be another option to discuss with Dr. Wilhelm. Call (703) 996-3000 to make an appointment at our Centreville podiatry office or contact us online.

Leave a Reply