In recognition of American Heart Month, it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about circulation problems like peripheral artery disease that can lead to severe problems like heart attack and stroke. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by excessive fat deposits in the lining of your arteries that often causes adverse symptoms in the feet and ankles. Muscle cramps in the legs and feet can make it very hard to just walk and climb upstairs.
Fortunately, with the help of your foot doctor, you can catch early symptoms of PAD and treatment can be started early to help avoid more serious complications.
Peripheral artery disease often exhibits the following symptoms:
- Severe cramps—in your thighs, hips, and calf muscles
- A numbing sensation in the legs and arms
- Your skin will often look shiny
- Nail and hair growth on your feet will slow down
- You will have a weak pulse in your legs and feet
- Erectile dysfunction is also common
- Cuts and scrapes on toes, feet, and legs don’t heal properly
- One foot and leg will be colder than the other
If you are showing telltale signs of PAD in your feet and ankles, be sure to seek treatment from your foot doctor for early detection and to help avoid a higher risk of a heart attack, stroke, and many other problems. At Atlantic Foot and Ankle Specialists, Dr. Melissa Robitaille and Dr. Todd Newsom treat all types of foot and ankle disorders including bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and heel pain. Equipped with leading-edge technologies such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and laser surgery for toenail fungus, we provide specialized, compassionate service for patients in the Pooler, Georgia area of Chatham County. For any pain and discomfort you are experiencing with your feet and ankles, contact us today at (912) 988-3323.
.
