02/06/2024
February is heart awareness month. Our heart health affects our legs and feet health as well.
It is called : Peripheral Vascular Disease
People who have peripheral artery disease (PAD) are
more likely to have foot problems. When the blood vessels
in your feet and legs are narrowed or blocked by the buildup
of fats (or plaque), not enough blood flows to these parts of
the body. As a result, minor problems such as cuts, sores or
blisters cannot heal quickly, or heal at all.
People who have PAD and diabetes have an even greater risk of foot problems. Not only do they have poor blood
flow (or circulation) to their feet and legs but they also may
have nerve damage from high blood glucose (sugar) levels.
This problem is called diabetic neuropathy (ne-ROP-uhthee). Nerve damage can cause you to lose feeling in your
feet. You may not feel a pebble inside your sock that is causing a sore, or you may not feel a blister caused by poorly
fitting shoes.
Check your feet every day.
Look at the top, bottom and sides of your feet as well as between
your toes. Use a mirror or ask a family member or friend
to help if you have trouble seeing the bottoms or sides
of your feet. Use your hands to feel for hot or cold spots,
bumps or dry skin. Check for:
• sores, cuts, bruises or breaks in the skin
• rashes
• corns, calluses and blisters
• red spots and swelling
• ingrown toenails and toenail infections
• pain
If you find any of these foot problems,
call your health care provider right away.
Do not try to take care of cuts, sores or infections yourself.
**On The Mend Advanced Foot Care provides 15 minute free consults if you are unsure of your foot health. We will provided an assessment and encourage you to seek medical attention if required. **
