Foot-Related Peripheral Vascular Disease: Signs and Visuals
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), also known as Peripheral Vascular Disease, is a common condition that affects millions of people, particularly those over the age of 50. This ailment occurs when the blood vessels in the legs and feet thicken or harden, leading to limited or blocked circulation.
The main underlying cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, a condition characterised by the accumulation of fatty plaque in the blood vessels. This plaque buildup and arterial stiffening restrict blood flow to the feet and legs, resulting in symptoms such as poor foot circulation, coldness, numbness, tingling, and wounds that heal poorly.
Several risk factors contribute to the development and progression of PAD. One of the most significant is smoking, which damages the inner lining of arteries and accelerates atherosclerosis through inflammation caused by chemicals like nicotine and carbon monoxide. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure (hypertension) also increase the risk of PAD, as they contribute to fatty deposits in arteries, promote plaque buildup, and worsen vascular health.
Other risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle, older age, family history or personal history of cardiovascular or vascular disease, and anatomic abnormalities affecting blood flow. In some cases, injury or infection to the limbs can also contribute to the development of PAD.
Managing these risk factors is crucial in reducing PAD progression and related complications. Lifestyle changes such as quitting tobacco use, eating a nutritious diet, achieving and maintaining a moderate weight, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting adequate, good-quality sleep can all help ease PAD symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
If left untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications such as inadequate blood supply to vital organs or limbs, which can result in reduced mobility, stroke, heart attack, and erectile dysfunction in males. In its most severe form, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia (CLI), a condition characterised by persistent and severe burning pain in the legs and feet. CLI can lead to leg or foot amputation or even death.
Treatment for PAD can range from lifestyle modifications to surgical interventions such as angioplasty, bypass, and atherectomy. Doctors may also prescribe medications like angiotensin II receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, statins, antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication to help manage the condition.
It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of PAD, such as worsening coldness, numbness, blueness, or paleness of a limb or foot, chest pain and shortness of breath, persistent leg pain that does not go away with rest, leg swelling, heat, or redness, new sores, signs of infection such as fever or a feeling of illness. A vascular specialist can evaluate your PAD to determine the best course of treatment and advise whether you can safely wear compression socks, which can help improve blood flow in the legs.
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