Changes in the feet sometimes provide the first clues to peripheral artery disease, or PAD. This condition develops when narrowed arteries restrict blood flow to the legs and feet. A podiatrist begins the evaluation by asking about symptoms and reviewing medical history. Questions focus on leg pain while walking, foot discomfort at rest, and wounds that heal slowly. The podiatrist also reviews risk factors like smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Some patients have few noticeable symptoms, making a careful examination especially valuable. Finding circulation problems early helps guide treatment before reduced blood flow causes potentially serious tissue damage.
During the examination, the podiatrist checks pulses in the feet and ankles. Skin temperature, color changes, and slow-healing sores provide additional clues. However, these findings alone do not confirm PAD. The next step frequently involves an ankle-brachial index, or ABI, which compares blood pressure at the ankle with blood pressure in the arm. Blood pressure cuffs and a handheld ultrasound device measure both pressures. A lower ankle pressure suggests reduced circulation. An ABI of 0.90 or below supports a PAD diagnosis. The podiatrist performs this test or arranges testing at a vascular laboratory, then reviews the results alongside the examination findings.
Additional testing helps when the initial results do not explain the symptoms. Diabetes and kidney disease sometimes cause stiff arteries that make ankle pressure readings misleadingly high. In these cases, a toe-brachial index compares blood pressure in the toe with pressure in the arm. Testing after treadmill walking also helps identify circulation problems that resting measurements miss. A more detailed ultrasound examines blood flow and locates narrowed arteries. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease that affects the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.
Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Monique Mitchell, DPM from Family Foot Centre. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD include:
- Claudication (leg pain from walking)
- Numbness in legs
- Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
- Paleness of the skin
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
- Coldness in one leg
It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.
Diagnosis
While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.
Treatment
Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Garden Hills, Nassau, Bahamas . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
