Improve Your Foot Circulation To Improve Your Heart Health!

Improve Your Foot Circulation To Improve Your Heart Health!

Foot health may not come to mind when issues concerning your heart health are brought up.  However, warning signs in your feet, because of poor blood circulation, can tell you that there may be a more serious problem related to your heart condition.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) occurs when a blockage or narrowing of the arteries in your legs due to plaque buildup causes poor flood flow circulation throughout your legs and feet. Not only does the narrowing of arteries in the legs cause poor blood flow circulation, but it can also increase your risk for heart attack and stroke by a six times greater chance. If you’ve noticed the following symptoms in your feet, it’s critical to visit Brian Cragg, foot specialist at Markham Foot Care Clinic right away as they may be warning signs for a serious disease such as PAD. Early detection can improve your chances to slow the progression of the disease and decrease your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Symptoms of PAD include:

  • Pain or fatigue in your legs or thighs that occurs when you walk
  • Foot pain that disrupts your sleep
  • Foot wounds or ulcers that are slow to heal

Brian can run tests determining if you have PAD and can recommend the proper treatment to protect your foot and heart health. PAD can be treated with lifestyle changes and medicine including:

  • Controlling blood pressure
  • Lowering cholesterol
  • Preventing clotting
  • Managing high blood sugar if you have diabetes
  • Maintaining a healthy diet
  • Exercising regularly

With a serious disease such as PAD that affects millions of the population, it’s important to improve your circulation, starting with your feet! Brian Cragg offers these simple tips to improve circulation to your feet.

  • Walk regularly. Increasing circulation can be as easy as going for a daily walk that will help reduce weight and prevent fluid retention as well.
  • Wear properly fitting shoes to prevent blood flow restriction in your feet and ankles.
  • Elevate your feet while relaxing. By simply putting your feet up it encourages blood flow and fluid drainage.

Work to improve circulation in order to protect yourself from serious heart diseases like PAD! A great way to add walking in your routine is to participate in various walks either to raise funds or awareness. the Toronto Challenge held on June 10, 2012 is a great option. They host a 5k run, 5k walk or 1k walk. Proceeds will be used for non-profit organizations throughout the community who work to improve the quality of life for our seniors.  If you have any further questions or concerns with your foot health, please contact our office to set up an appointment with our chiropodist, Brian Cragg.