Leg pain, cramps, and slow-healing wounds in the feet are symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which increases the likelihood of heart disease.
Dr. Erben at Mayo Clinic, Florida, USA, recommends that people monitor for signs of peripheral artery disease. This is a condition of atherosclerosis in the limbs (almost always the lower limbs) causing ischemia. Mild PAD may be asymptomatic or cause intermittent claudication. Severe PAD can cause pain at rest along with skin dystrophy, hair loss, body bruising, or necrosis.
Research shows that PAD may increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. In fact, more than 12 million Americans with PAD are susceptible to developing heart disease. If cholesterol and fat build up in leg arteries, they can also build up in other places, such as arteries that supply blood to the heart and brain, experts say. Heart disease is predicted to affect 61% of adults in the US by 2050. Therefore, recognizing potential problems is important.
“PAD of the lower extremities (legs or feet) has many degrees, from leg pain when walking to more severe cases, where blood flow to the legs is so impaired that the patient has pain when resting. Some person presenting with a wound,” said Dr. Young Erben, a vascular surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.
Risk factors for PAD include smoking habits, sedentary lifestyle, age over 50, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and family history of the disease.
Illustration of a heart attack. Image: Pexel
If left untreated, PAD can cause open ulcers that won’t heal, potentially leading to tissue necrosis, Dr. Erben warns. In severe cases, the patient must have a limb amputated. Treatment depends on the severity of each case.
He recommends that people with frequent leg cramps, leg pain when starting to exercise, and small wounds on their feet that are slow to heal, should see a doctor.
“People often tend to ignore mild symptoms. They don’t realize there is a problem with their body until the disease becomes severe. The important message I want to send to patients is to report unusual symptoms.” to your doctor, even the smallest thing. It can point out diseases you never thought of,” said Dr. Erben.
PAD patients are often recommended walking to increase blood flow to the legs. The University of Michigan recommends walking four to five times a week, gradually increasing to at least 30 minutes per session, while paying attention to leg pain, cramps or calf tightness.
“My patients have improved over time with this method. In 3 to 6 months, if they walk diligently, the pain will subside. People with early-stage PAD can almost return to normal.” , he said.