Foot Pain at Night? Peripheral Artery Disease Could Be the Culprit
Do you often find yourself tossing and turning at night due to foot pain? You’re not alone. Many people experience this discomfort, and it could be more than just tired feet. It might be peripheral artery disease (PAD), a serious condition that can affect your overall health.
In this post, we’ll explore what PAD is, how it relates to foot pain, and what you can do about it.
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) develops when plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. Plaque consists of fat, cholesterol, and other substances.
When plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries, they reduce the flow of oxygen-rich blood to various parts of the body, including your feet.
How Does PAD Cause Foot Pain?
When blood flow to the muscles and tissues in your feet is restricted, they don’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients. This lack of oxygen causes pain, especially when you’re lying down, as there is no assistance of gravity to help blood flow to your feet.
Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
Claudication
The most common symptom of PAD is claudication, which is cramping pain in the legs and buttocks. You may notice this pain when walking or climbing stairs. It typically goes away with rest but returns when you start moving again.
Cold Feet and Toes
If you frequently experience coldness in your feet, especially if one foot is colder than the other, it could be a sign of poor blood flow due to PAD.
Numbness or Weakness
Numbness or a feeling of weakness in your legs or feet might also indicate PAD. This can worsen at night when you’re lying down.
Risk Factors for PAD
Age and Gender
Men over the age of 50 and postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of developing PAD.
Smoking
Current or past smoking is a significant risk factor. Smoking damages blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow.
Diabetes
Diabetes increases the risk of PAD because it can lead to damage in blood vessels over time.
Diagnosing PAD
Physical Examination
A thorough physical examination is the first step in diagnosing PAD. Your vascular specialist will check for weak pulses in your legs and look for any sores or swelling.
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
The ABI test compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the blood pressure in your arm. If the blood pressure in your ankle is much lower than that in your arm, it could indicate PAD. This test helps determine the severity of your artery blockage.
Ultrasound and Angiography
Doctors may use ultrasound-guided procedures to visualize blocked arteries and angiography to see the extent of the blockages.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are essential for diagnosing peripheral artery disease (PAD) as they evaluate overall health and identify risk factors, including cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and inflammation markers.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
MRA is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of blood vessels, helping to identify any blockages.
Treatment Options for PAD
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly can significantly improve PAD symptoms like foot pain.
Medications
Vascular specialists may prescribe medications to manage symptoms and prevent the progression of PAD. These can include cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood pressure medications, and drugs to prevent blood clots.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical procedures that a vascular specialist can perform include:
Atherectomy
Atherectomy is a procedure that helps improve blood flow by removing plaque from the arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry blood around the body.
During this process, vascular specialists use a thin tube called a catheter, which has a special tool that cuts away the plaque buildup. This makes the blood vessels smoother, allowing blood to flow better.
Atherectomy is usually done when an artery is really narrow and can be done along with other treatments.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a procedure where a catheter with a balloon at its tip is inserted into a narrowed blood vessel. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, compressing the plaque against the vessel wall and widening the artery.
This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and can alleviate symptoms like foot pain and leg pain, allowing patients to engage in physical activities with less discomfort.
Stenting
Stenting is another good treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD). An angioplasty is performed to open up a narrow artery. Then, the vascular specialist places a small mesh tube called a stent inside the artery.
The stent helps keep the artery open and stays there forever to provide support and stop it from narrowing again. Stenting can greatly improve blood flow and reduce problems linked to PAD.
Peripheral Artery Disease and Foot Pain Treatment at Pedes Orange County
If you suspect you have foot pain due to peripheral artery disease, don’t hesitate to consult our vascular surgeons and vascular specialists here at Pedes Orange County. Our highly trained and board-certified vascular surgeonss and vascular specialists offer comprehensive diagnostic services and personalized treatment plans to relieve your pain.
For more information about peripheral artery disease-related foot pain or to see one of our providers, call us at (949) 998-4568 or fill out our appointment form. We look forward to serving you!
