About P.A.D.: Foot Care and P.A.D.

Why is foot care important for people with P.A.D.?

People who have peripheral arterial disease (P.A.D.) 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 P.A.D. 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-uh-thee). 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.

Minor foot injuries in people with P.A.D. and people with diabetes can cause sores or ulcers that can turn into serious infections. If these sores are not treated right away, they may lead to losing a toe, foot or leg. In fact, P.A.D. and diabetes are the leading causes of foot or leg amputations in the United States.

The good news is that people with P.A.D. can prevent serious foot problems and amputations by taking care of their feet—every day. If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet and keeping your blood glucose levels under control also can help keep your feet safe.