Pain While Walking Could Be a Sign of PAD

If you are experiencing pain in your legs and feet when walking, don’t just chalk it up to being tired or being sore. Our podiatrists at Precision Foot and Ankle Center want you to know that lower leg pain could be a sign of a serious condition called Peripheral Arterial Disease, or PAD.

 

What is it?

Peripheral arterial disease is a serious circulatory disease that affects the blood vessels that carry blood to your extremities. Fatty deposits accumulate in these blood vessels, resulting in constriction and narrowing, which limits blood flow to your extremities and increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

 

Any of the following symptoms may be early signs of PAD:

  • Lower leg pain, especially while walking

  • Changes in skin color in the lower extremities

  • Wounds that are slow healing

  • Tinging, numbness, or cold feet

  • Changes in toenail texture, thickness, or color

 

Who is at risk?

You are at an increased risk of developing PAD if:

  • You have a family history of PAD

  • You smoke

  • You are 65 years or older

  • You have diabetes

  • You have high blood pressure

  • You have high cholesterol

 

Early detection is important

With heightened risks of serious consequences like heart attacks and strokes, it’s important to prevent PAD through early detection. In fact, many people do not realize they have PAD, so using diagnostic tests like PADnet can be extremely helpful. Our podiatrists can help perform these diagnostic test, which are fast, pain-free, and performed in office, and similar to the process of getting your blood pressure taken. In addition to diagnostic tests, you can decrease your risk of developing PAD by:

 

  • Quitting smoking

  • Maintaining normal blood glucose levels

  • Keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure levels in check

  • Scheduling regular visits with a podiatrist, especially if you have diabetes

 

Our podiatrists can help

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort or other symptoms from above in your legs, don’t wait to make an appointment with our foot doctors at Precision Foot and Ankle Centers. Our team of dedicated podiatrists, Dr. Eric Feit, Dr. Alona Kashanian, and Dr. Roohbakhsh Maher can perform foot health assessments to diagnose any foot problems and provide effective and individualized treatment plans. Contact any of our offices in Los Angeles, Torrance, or San Pedro, CA to make an appointment today!

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