Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, is a condition that is characterized by narrow arteries that is a result of plaque build up. This hardening of plaque results in the body not being able to receive an adequate amount of blood and oxygen throughout the body, resulting in numbness. The legs and feet are two body parts that are most commonly affected. Since these areas are prone to infection, the end result could be
gangrene, which might require the amputation of that body part if not treated properly in time. Due to the blocked arteries associated with PAD, it likely will not surprise you to learn that PAD is also associated with a higher risk of both heart attacks and strokes. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If you happen to experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical treatment right away: sores on the feet and/or legs, leg pain when walking or climbing up stairs (not associated with leg day), a weak pulse in legs, or any other changes in the feet and/lower legs such as a change in color, coldness, or shiny skin. Smoking, having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or heart disease puts you at a higher risk of developing PAD.
