
24 Feb How Heart Problems Show Up in Your Feet
February is Heart Awareness Month, so what better time to raise awareness of potential heart problems like peripheral artery disease that often shows symptoms first in your feet. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes your arteries to narrow, causing muscle cramps and claudication to make ambulation painful.
Your foot doctor can help catch early symptoms of PAD and get you started on a proper diet and exercise regimen to help avoid serious heart problems like heart attack and stroke.
Some symptoms of peripheral artery disease that can show up in your feet include the following:
- Severe cramping in the thighs, calves, and feet
- A numbing sensation in your extremities
- Your skin may have an unusual sheen.
- Toenail and hair growth on your feet will take longer.
- The pulse in your legs and feet will weaken, and one foot will be colder.
- Erectile dysfunction is also a common effect of PAD.
- Cuts and wounds on toes, feet, and other extremities do not heal and may become infected.
For any PAD symptoms in your feet and ankles, be sure to seek treatment from your foot doctor for early detection and to help avoid more serious heart problems down the road.
If you have pain in your foot or heel, problems with your ankle, an injury, ingrown toenails, or any other issues with your feet, our experienced team of podiatrists is here to help!
Contact us today to make an appointment with Alta Ridge Foot Specialists at one of our three offices at 105 Chestnut Street, Mars Hill, or 440 Alta Pass Highway, Spruce Pine, or 2211 NC Hwy 105, Boone, NC. Our doctors are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care to our patients. Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode, and Dr. Thomas Verla and their staff serve patients in Madison, Mitchell, and Watauga County. We look forward to hearing from you!