PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE

 COMPREHENSIVE AND COMPASSIONATE PODIATRY


Don’t ignore foot pain and aching legs

If you are experiencing muscle pain or cramping 
(claudication) when walking or climbing stairs this could be 
due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a common 
circulatory problem in which there is not enough blood flow 
to keep up with demand. You may benefit from assessment, 
diagnosis and management of peripheral arterial disease 
from Betafeet Podiatry. Offered in our clinics in Hemel 
Hempstead and Tring, and perfectly located for clients in 
Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, these services are 
performed by qualified podiatrists. Peripheral arterial 
disease (PAD) is where a build-up of fatty deposits in the 
arteries restricts blood supply to leg muscles. Diabetic 
patients are particularly at high risk for peripheral arterial 
disease.

ALLEVIATING DISCOMFORT

PAD is often symptomless and an underdiagnosed condition with approximately 20% of people over 60 years old having a degree of PAD. Those with a history of smoking, diabetes or coronary heart disease are particularly at risk. PAD can affect your wellbeing. All treatment options will be discussed and an agreed management plan will be put in place, which may include:
 
● Aggressive lifestyle and risk factor modification
● Stopping smoking or seeking smoking cessation services
● Regular podiatry foot checks
● Checking own feet on a daily basis
● Controlling cholesterol levels and weight
● Exercising on a consistent basis
● Referral for further investigation.

Peripheral artery disease symptoms

If peripheral artery disease progresses, pain may even 
occur when you're at rest or when you're lying down 
(ischemic rest pain), and it may be intense enough to 
disrupt sleep.

Other symptoms of this condition that you should not 
ignore can include:
● Hair loss or slower growth on your legs and feet
● Numbness or weakness in the legs
● Brittle, slow-growing toenails
● Ulcers (open sores) which don't heal
● Changing skin colour on your legs eg turning pale or blue
● Cold foot or leg compared to the other one
● Shiny skin on your legs
● In men, erectile dysfunction
● The muscles in your legs shrinking
● Finding needing to relieve the pain at night
● Painful cramp after or during activity
● Weak or no pulse in the legs or feet

Betafeet Podiatry  logo
LEARN MORE ABOUT PAD BOOK AN APPOINTMENT 
CALL 01442 249 080
Share by: