CONNECTING THE DOTS

Here at Bay Area Foot & Laser Podiatry Group, we always take your health history along with your current lifestyle into consideration. If you have a known heart-related condition, please let us know before we diagnose and treat your leg or foot problem.

Heart Disease and Your Feet

Take a proactive step to understand the connection between heart disease and your feet. For even more information about Atherosclerosis and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), the American Heart Association is a great resource.

Atherosclerosis

Arteries are blood vessels that run through your body. When artery walls build up with plaque from fats and cholesterol, blood has trouble flowing through them. Signs of poor circulation affecting your lower limbs include cramps, color change, temperature drop, sore development, and even hair loss on your legs and feet. High blood pressure is often related to Atherosclerosis, too. So if you have high blood pressure, then it’s important to let Dr. Huey know during your visit.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Atherosclerosis can lead to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). If your blood has trouble flowing to your legs and feet because your arteries are significantly blocked, then you might feel pain or tiredness in your legs, thighs, and buttocks when you’re walking. You might also feel pain in your feet or toes while you’re resting, or that wakes you up while you’re sleeping. Also with this condition, wounds that develop are slow-healing and may get infected because of it. We can perform a simple test to determine if you have PAD.

Ischemic Wounds

As a result of reduced blood flow (Ischemia), wounds often develop in the area of the shins, feet, and toes. The color of these ischemic wounds can be yellow, grey, or black. Although swelling may occur, the wounds usually don’t bleed. Ideally, taking preventative measures is the best course of action because these wounds can be very painful and difficult to treat. But if these wounds do form, then seeking care immediately is important. We can help to reduce the pain and prevent them from spreading or getting infected, all in an effort to avoid surgery.

Please don’t ignore any symptoms in your legs or feet because they could be warning signs of something more serious. If you think you might have a heart condition, we encourage you to visit your primary physician.