Peripheral arterial disease is more commonly referred to as poor circulation because that is the end result when arteries become narrowed by plaque accumulation on their walls. Although it can affect any arteries in the body, it most frequently impacts the legs and feet and that is when we at North Jersey Podiatry get involved.

Know the Signs

PAD is associated with several other health conditions. Not everyone has symptoms. You are more likely to develop PAD if you have any of the following risk factors:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Over the age of 50
  • Smoker
  • Family history of PAD, heart disease, heart attack, or stroke
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Patients who have PAD may experience these symptoms:

  • Leg pain or cramping that occurs when walking or while lying down
  • Numbness or weakness in the legs
  • Cold feet or legs
  • Change in skin color in your lower extremities
  • Change in toenail thickness or color
  • Sores that don’t heal on toes, feet or legs
  • Hair loss on your legs or feet

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and you have any of the above risk factors, you should contact our Wayne, New Jersey office by calling: (973) 595-1555 and make an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Paul G. Klein. Our podiatrist will get your medical history and examine your feet and legs. There are a number of noninvasive tests the foot doctor can do, such as the ankle-brachial index (ABI) that tests the blood flow to your leg.

If you are diagnosed with PAD, there are medical and surgical treatment options available, but often the foot doctor will recommend lifestyle changes such as an exercise program, healthy eating plan, and smoking cessation program. It’s also important that you carefully monitor and follow all physician instructions in caring for existing medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. PAD that goes untreated can lead to serious complications for your feet and as cause a heart attack or stroke.

If you believe you may have PAD or have any unusual symptoms in your toes, feet or ankles, contact us as soon as possible to get your condition diagnosed and the proper treatment.