Persistent Resting Foot Pain: Could it Be PAD?

You may be tempted to ignore the pain in your feet. After all, we all have days when we feel aches and pains, but what happens when those aches and pains are persistent?

September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, and our experts at Ledesma Foot and Ankle want to use this opportunity to bring attention to a condition that often goes unnoticed but can have serious consequences if left untreated.

If you experience persistent foot pain, especially at rest, it could be a sign of PAD. Read on to find out what that means and what you can do about it.

What is peripheral arterial disease?

PAD, sometimes called peripheral arterial disease, is a common condition in which narrowed arteries (usually clogged by plaque and fatty deposits) decrease the blood flow to the extremities. As a consequence, tissues receive less blood, oxygen, and nutrients. 

Signs your foot pain might be caused by PAD

Due to the limited blood flow to the feet, PAD causes several specific symptoms. Here are some signs to watch out for:

Elevation worsens the pain

When you elevate your legs, it becomes even harder for blood to reach your feet, exacerbating the pain. Keeping your feet down can aid circulation and alleviate discomfort because gravity helps blood flow to the feet. If you notice that elevating your legs makes the pain worse, this could be a sign of PAD.

Pain is sharp and can appear while sleeping

Another characteristic of PAD-related pain is that it can be sharp and occur even while you’re at rest, such as during sleep. This happens because lying flat can decrease blood flow to the feet, leading to pain due to insufficient oxygen supply.

Many individuals find that dangling their legs over the edge of the bed alleviates the pain, as it improves blood flow to the lower extremities.

Pain can increase with activity

This type of pain, known as intermittent claudication, is common in PAD. You might experience discomfort not only in your feet but also in your calf muscles. When you engage in physical activity, your muscles require more oxygen, but due to the narrowed arteries, the blood flow is restricted, and the oxygen demands aren’t met. 

Extremities are cold and pale

If you have PAD, you may notice that your legs and feet feel unusually cold or appear pale compared to the rest of your body. This occurs because poor blood flow can’t adequately warm the tissues in your extremities. 

Ulcers on feet and toes

In more advanced stages of PAD, you might develop ulcers on your feet and toes. Due to the compromised blood flow, these ulcers will have small amounts of fluid and may appear pale or pink. 

What to do if you suspect PAD

Limited blood flow to the feet does more than cause you pain and discomfort. When left untreated, it can cause serious complications that can lead to tissue necrosis and infections and may even lead to an amputation. 

Fortunately, when diagnosed, our experts can help you evaluate your symptoms and discuss treatment options, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or a referral to a vascular specialist. If you suspect PAD, get peace of mind by scheduling an appointment at our office in Scottsdale, Arizona, to ensure your feet receive proper care.