Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) can seriously impact foot health, leading to complications like ulcers and infections. 🦶 Early detection and regular foot exams with your podiatrist are key to staying on top of this condition! 🩺 #Podiatry #FootHealth #PADAwareness #FFLC

Dr. Isin Mustafa, DPM,MSHS, FACFAS,DABPM
Kevin Lam, DPM, FACFAS

Overview:
– What is PAD?
– Recognizing Symptoms
– Podiatrist’s Role
– Treatment Options
– Importance of Early Detection

Dr. Isin Mustafa is a podiatric physician and surgeon practicing in Southwest Florida. Board Certified: American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition that narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the extremities, especially the legs and feet. For podiatrists, PAD is of particular concern because compromised blood flow can lead to serious foot complications, including ulcers, infections, and even amputations. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, however, many of the risks associated with PAD can be mitigated. Let’s explore PAD from a podiatrist’s perspective, focusing on the role of foot health in managing this often overlooked condition.

What is PAD?

PAD is caused by the buildup of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Over time, this buildup restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the lower extremities, particularly the legs and feet. The reduced blood flow can lead to pain, particularly the legs and feet. The reduced blood flow can lead to pain, particularly during physical activity, a symptom known as claudication. Patients with PAD may also experience numbness, weakness, or a feeling of coldness in their feet and toes.

For podiatrists, PAD is a red flag because it directly impacts foot health. Without adequate blood flow, even minor foot injuries can take much longer to heal, increasing the risk of ulcers and infections. In severe cases lack of circulation may lead to tissue death (gangrene) and the need for amputation. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes are at an increased risk for PAD and subsequent foot complications.

One of the biggest challenges with PAD is that it often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. As a podiatrist, we often see patients with advanced PAD because they initially dismiss symptoms like leg cramping or cold feet as normal signs of aging. Early symptoms may include:

– Pain or cramping in the legs, especially during exercise (claudication).
– Leg numbness or weakness.
– Coldness in the lower leg or foot.
– Sores or wounds on the feet that heal slowly or not at all.
– A weak pulse in the legs or feet.
– Shiny skin or loss of hair on the legs and feet.
– Darkened or discolored toes.

Many patients with PAD report that their pain improves with rest but returns when they try to walk again. For podiatrists, this recurring pain during physical activity is a significant indicator of PAD.

The Podiatrist’s Role in PAD Management

Podiatrists are often the first line of defense in diagnosing and managing PAD, as many patients initially seek care for foot-related issues. We conduct a thorough physical examination of the feet, checking for signs of poor circulation such as weak pulses, slow-healing wounds, or discolored skin. If PAD is suspected, we may order a non-invasive test known as an ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares the blood pressure in the arm. A low ABI indicates reduced blood flow to the legs and confirms the presence of PAD.

In addition to the ABI test, we may recommend other diagnostic tools such as Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow or imaging studies to pinpoint blockages in the arteries. Once PAD is confirmed, or role shifts to managing foot health in collaboration with other healthcare providers, including vascular specialists and primary care physicians.

The Podiatrist’s Role in PAD Management

While podiatrists play a crucial role in managing foot complications caused by PAD, the condition itself required a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment typically focuses on improving circulation, managing symptoms, and preventing complications. Here are some key aspects of treatment:

1. Lifestyle Changes

Patients are encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyle habits to slow the progression of PAD. This includes quitting smoking (as smoking significantly worsens arterial disease), eating a heart-healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise. Walking programs, in particular, can help improve circulation and reduce the severity of claudication.

2. Medications

Blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and medications to manage blood pressure are commonly prescribed to patients with PAD. These medications help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes while improving blood flow to the legs.

3. Wound Care

As podiatrists, one of our primary responsibilities in PAD treatment is wound care. Poor circulation means that even small cuts, blisters, or sores on the feet can lead to serious infections. We provide specialized care for foot ulcers, using techniques such as debridement, advance dressings, and in some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy to promote healing.

4. Surgical Interventions

In advanced cases of PAD, surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow. Procedures such as angioplasty (inserting a small balloon to open the artery) or bypass surgery (creating a detour around a blocked artery) may be recommended by a vascular specialist. As podiatrists, we work closely with surgeons to ensure that post-operative foot care is optimized, reducing the risk of complications.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of PAD is critical to preventing of PAD is critical to preventing severe complications, including limb loss. For patients at risk — particularly those with diabetes, a history of smoking, or a family history or cardiovascular disease — regular foot exams with a podiatrist are essential. During these exams, we not only assess the overall health of the feet but also look for signs of poor circulation that could indicate PAD.

For many patients, a podiatrist may be the first healthcare professional to recognize the warning signs of PAD. That’s why education plays a significant role in our practice. We work to raise awareness about PAD and encourage patients to seek treatment as soon as symptoms appear.

Peripheral Arterial Disease is a serious condition that can lead to lead to severe foot complications if not managed properly. Podiatrists play a crucial role in early detection, treatment, and educating patients about PAD. Regular foot exams and timely intervention are essential for preventing issues like ulcers, infections, and amputations.

If you are experiencing PAD symptoms, contact Dr. Mustafa’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit www.NaplesPodiatrist.com to schedule an examination.