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Peripheral Arterial Disease is a condition that causes the flow of blood to be limited in the leg’s arteries. This can be due to plaque buildup and will make blood carrying oxygen more difficult to reach the feet. This can cause complications to the feet since minor cuts or skin breaks can turn into significant infections due to the lack of blood flow and lowered healing ability.
This condition can lead to amputations. Moreover, foot complications caused by this condition can be a sign of arterial disease that may cause heart complications. Other symptoms of this condition include a burning sensation in the feet, feet feeling cold, skin discoloration on the feet, leg discomfort and numbness. Factors that increase the chances of this condition occurring include elderly age, smoking, diabetes or genetic predispositions.
Treatment for this condition includes:
- Refraining from smoking.
- A low-fat diet to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Getting plenty of exercise through simple activities such as walking with gradual increases in distances.
- Control other health conditions such as high cholesterol or blood pressure and diabetes.
- Do whatever it takes such as lifestyle changes to reduce and eliminate the incidence of foot infections.
- Using precautions such as taking medications to eradicate any lingering fungus or bacteria when possible.
- When conservative methods are not that helpful, surgical procedures such as bypass surgery may be required to clear up arteries and help improve blood flow throughout the body so it can adequately reach the feet.
This condition can cause many problems all over the body. One these complications are foot related problems that can affect how readily the foot can handle infections. At Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, located in Waterbury 203-755-0489 & Newtown 203-270-6724, Connecticut, our podiatrist, Dr. Joel S. Segalman, DPM, will develop a strategy that can help increase the chances of fighting off foot infections from a lack of regular blood flow and assist with combating the root cause of your peripheral arterial disease. So, please call our office at any of the two numbers listed above to schedule an appointment with us today!