DO YOU KNOW WHAT VASCULAR DISEASE IS?
Vascular disease is the buildup of plaque and cholesterol in arteries throughout your body. Did you know that your feet are an early warning system for vascular disease? It’s true! Your feet are often the first place where signs and symptoms of vascular disease appear. That is why podiatrists are often the first physicians to spot and diagnose vascular disease.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF VASCULAR DISEASE?
Common symptoms include the following:
- Fatigue, tiredness or pain in your legs, thighs or buttocks that always happens when you walk but goes away when you rest
- Foot or toe pain at rest that often disturbs you in your sleep
- Skin wounds or ulcers on your feet that are slow to heal (or that do not heal for 8-12 weeks)
Although these are common symptoms of vascular disease, many individuals with vascular disease do not experience typical leg symptoms such as cramping, pain or fatigue known as claudication.
VASCULAR DISEASE CAN ALSO MANIFEST ITSELF IN THE FORM OF ULCERS.
Here is what you need to know about two common types of ulcers associated with vascular disease:
Common signs of a venous ulcer:
- Shallow of superficial appearance
- Irregular shape
- Small to large
- Brownish in appearance
- Skin tends to be thick
- Painful, usually related to edema or swelling
You’ll most likely find a venous ulcer on the lower leg or ankle.
Common signs of an arterial ulcer:
- Punched-out appearance
- Smooth wound edges
- Cool to the touch
- Skin is pale, shiny, taut and thin
- Minimal to no hair growth on the limbs
- Painful, especially at night
You’ll most likely find an arterial ulcer on the side of the foot but one can appear anywhere on the lower leg or foot.
AS YOU SEE, SIGNS OF VASCULAR DISEASE CAN GO FROM A SIMPLE PAIN IN YOUR FOOT OR TOES, TO AN ULCER. THAT IS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW YOUR RISK FOR VASCULAR DISEASE
Assessing Your Risk for Vascular Disease: Do you….
1. Smoke?
2. Have a cardiovascular disease or family history of cardiovascular disease?
3. Use oral contraceptives?
4. Have high cholesterol or blood pressure?
5. Have a history of obesity or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight?
6. Have diabetes?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you are at risk for vascular disease. Fortunately, there are several preventive measures you can take to decrease your risk for developing vascular disease. Talk with your podiatrist today to discover more about your risk for vascular disease and form a preventive treatment plan that is right for you!
Dr. Ruth Ann Cooper
Regenerative Medicine is using medical procedures that promote self-healing. Swift treatment for warts was approved by the FDA in late 2018. The procedure was developed in Scotland and has been used in the United Kingdom for several years. I have been using the Swift treatment for warts for several months. What is Swift and how does it work? Swift microwave is designed to promote your local immune response and allow your body to heal itself. Swift treatment results in a degree of localized tissue stress promoting a healing response, recruiting antibodies and stimulating a heat shock production. Swift treatment of warts has shown positive results for my patients. I have seen as many as twenty-three warts resolve as a result of the Swift treatment. No medication, no bandages and non-invasive. You can find out more on the Plantar Wart Therapy page on my website.
Dr. Ruth Ann Cooper
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