Resting pain in your lower body is often a sign that something is not right with your biomechanics.
If your legs hurt when you’re not active or if you suffer from foot pain even when you’re resting, talk to board-certified podiatrist Dr. Stephen G. Eichelsdorfer and our team at Town Center Foot & Ankle. From our practice in Kingwood, Texas, we help you discover whether you could have an underlying condition in need of medical treatment.
In this blog, Dr. Eichelsdorfer explains the risks related to peripheral artery disease (PAD). If you think your resting leg and foot pain symptoms may be related to PAD, get in touch with our team for diagnosis and treatment.
Your muscles rely on sufficient blood flow. If your arteries can’t deliver enough blood to parts of your body like your lower extremities, you could suffer pain and muscle cramping, as well as more serious issues.
Fatty deposits called plaque can build up in your arteries, causing them to narrow, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Narrow arteries can’t carry as much blood, and you end up with PAD.
You have a higher risk of PAD if you:
Your risk of PAD also goes up as you get older, especially beyond the age of 65.
PAD can cause pain at rest and while active. You may feel pain in your hips, thighs, or calves. Your pain and muscle cramping may be worse when walking, especially when climbing stairs.
In some cases, PAD-related pain improves when you stop using your legs and rest, but you can also suffer from resting pain in your legs or feet due to this condition.
Other symptoms of PAD include coldness in the affected leg or foot, numbness or weakness in addition to pain, and a weak pulse in the affected limb. PAD can adversely affect one or both of your legs, or even your arms. You may also notice sores on the affected limb that don’t heal or slowed hair growth.
Your pain may be mild or severe. Muscle cramps can even disturb your sleep. And PAD-related symptoms may make it harder for you to stay active, creating a negative cycle for your health and wellness.
When you come to us with leg pain or foot pain problems, Dr. Eichelsdorfer examines you and reviews your health history. If he confirms a PAD diagnosis, you may need medications such as statins, antihypertensives, or antiplatelet drugs to effectively manage your condition.
Healthy lifestyle changes, like increasing your walking stamina, losing weight, avoiding trans fats in your diet, and quitting smoking can also help with mild PAD symptoms.
If resting leg pain regularly bothers you, reach out to Dr. Eichelsdorfer and our team at Town Center Foot & Ankle to find out why and what you should do to get rid of your persistent symptoms. Schedule an initial consultation by calling today, or request an appointment online now.
