PAD Is Often Misdiagnosed

SEPTEMBER IS PAD AWARENESS MONTH

Your body sends you signals all the time. “The thing is, we often don’t listen, ignoring the signs as part of getting older, putting it off for a less busy time or fear something might be really wrong,” says Dr. Kerry Zang of CiC Foot and Ankle in Phoenix. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of those conditions that is often not diagnosed until it has progressed. “If you find yourself needing to rest because your leg cramps when you walk even a short distance, or at night you need to stand up to relieve a cramp in your foot, that’s your legs and feet telling you they need help,” says Zang.

PAD is a buildup of plaque in the arteries, limiting the amount of blood that passes through them. “Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to your feet and toes which they need to stay healthy,” explains Zang. Without proper blood supply, the nerves and muscles in your feet are affected and become painful resulting in burning, tingling, numbness, or cramping.

Symptoms of PAD often are felt in your feet first, but they are an indication of what’s going on in the arteries throughout your body. “Without treatment, it will just get worse,” says Zang. He urges his patients to talk with their doctor about any changes they notice in their feet. “The earlier the condition is identified, the better your opportunity for preventing it from getting worse,” says Zang. Lifestyle changes, medication, and treatment can help prevent PAD from progressing to dangerous consequences.