At 35 years old Layla Sanai was diagnosed with a rare disease known as scleroderma. Scleroderma causes the body to attack the connecting tissues of the major organs and limbs. Symptoms Sanai experienced as a result of the disease include tissue scarring, organ damage, and poor circulation.
As a result of a decreased blood flow, Sanai developed ulcers which turned into gangrene over the years, resulting in the loss of four fingers and a toe. To make matters worse, Sanai stopped taking blood thinners, resulting in the clotting of her foot becoming so unbearable that her left leg had to be amputated from the knee down.
Poor circulation is not always life-threatening, but it can cause major discomfort. If you need help dealing with poor circulation in your feet, contact a podiatrist like Dr. Bryant Tarr of Sudbury & Westford Podiatry. Dr. Tarr can diagnose your problem and provide you with the best treatment options available to alleviate it.
What is Poor Circulation in the Feet?
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development.
It can also cause:
· muscle pain
· numbness in legs
· cramps
· skin discoloration
· weakness
· slower nail & hair growth
· stiffness
· erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes and or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, or who are over 50.
If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices in Sudbury and Westford, MA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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