It’s winter in Texas, so my feet are just cold from the cooler weather…right? While this might be a temperature issue, cold feet can also be a sign of something more serious going on in your body.
WHAT DO SMOKING AND FEET HAVE IT COMMON?
MORE THAN YOU THINK.
While most people know the effects smoking has on your lungs, but did you know that smoking can also affect your feet? Precision Podiatry in Austin, Texas is here to help you learn more about the link and what you can do if you suspect you are at risk:
Peripheral Artery Disease
You may or may not have heard of a term Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD. If you smoke, your risks for this disease increase greatly, and are further compounded if you have diabetes or any other type of cardiovascular disease.
With Peripheral Artery Disease, your body develops plague in your arteries – including the ones in your legs – and this makes circulation to your feet more difficult. Bloodflow is restricted as arteries get narrower and more stiff. The reduced circulation can then lead to bad circulation in your feet, which can produce achy feet, sores that don’t feel or are slow to heal, and discoloration of your skin on your feet. Many doctors say they can see the symptoms of PAD right away when they look at a patient, as the skin on their feet often looks shiny and thin. Smoking is a leading cause of PAD, and the symptoms can compound as we age and our arteries tend to weaken naturally.
Some patients have symptoms such as these, while others may have none at all. Other more obscure symptoms could be hair loss, slow growth of toenails, leg numbness, or cramping in your hips or legs when doing activities like walking or exercise.
If you are concerned about Peripheral Artery Disease, please do not hesitate to come see the team at Precision Podiatry! PAD can be treated and we can help you on your way to a healthier lifestyle. Call us today as your feet and ankle specialists in Austin, Texas.
You Might Also Enjoy...
It’s winter in Texas, so my feet are just cold from the cooler weather…right? While this might be a temperature issue, cold feet can also be a sign of something more serious going on in your body.
Every year, millions of Americans suffer from the formation of corns on their feet. Many may not even realize they have corns! At Precision Podiatry – a leading podiatrist near Round Rock, TX, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle injuries.
January – March are big snow ski months; those months when half of Texas heads up to Colorado or New Mexico to enjoy the snow and ski to their hearts content! Skiing can be all fun and games until an injury occurs.
As we age, the number of doctors visits tend to increase. There are more well checks, more follow-ups, and more ailments to tend to. It’s just a part of life. But one doctor visit that often gets overlooked is a visit to the podiatrist near me.
Athlete’s foot is a common foot ailment that affects many Americans. In short, it is caused when various types of fungus attack the skin and an infection develops. If you suspect athlete’s foot, you’ll likely feel burning and itching...
You may have heard the term “plantar fasciitis,” but have never really understood what it means. The truth is, plantar fasciitis is a common foot ailment that affects many Americans. As the best foot clinic in Austin, Precision Podiatry has everything.