Prior blogs and information I've shared about poor circulation has focused on the typical pins and needle feeling that we all experience from time to time. But, poor circulation in the feet and legs can be caused by PAD, peripheral arterial disease. When the arteries become blocked, plaque builds up in the legs, thus the arteries harden and narrow resulting in poor circulation. PAD most commonly occurs in the feet and legs and affects 8 to 12 million Americans. Another scary statistic is that 1 in 5 people over 70 years old currently have PAD.
How can one limit the risks of PAD?
- Stay physically active & lose weight if obese
- Stop smoking
- Keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check
- Carefully monitor diabetes
If you or someone you know has any of the following symptoms, visit a podiatrist right away. Early detection can slow the progression of the disease. If left unattended, narrowing of the arteries can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
- Foot or toe pain when resting
- Slow healing skin wounds or ulcers on feet or toes
- Pain in legs, thighs, or buttocks when walking or working out
- Fatigue
Citation:
Photo by Adams999. (2011). Peripheral-Artery-Disease. Retrieved from Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/42045498@N05/5814509608/
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