Discovering The Impact of Cardiovascular Health On Your Feet
February is American Heart Month, and it’s important to remember that our feet play a crucial role in our overall health. As podiatrists, we often see patients who suffer from foot pain, numbness, tingling, or other problems in their feet. Many people don’t realize that the health of our heart and cardiovascular system can also directly impact our foot health. Healthy blood flow and circulation are essential for foot health; heart disease can impair this. So, caring for our feet and heart is vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Heart-Feet Connection
- Heart disease can cause poor foot circulation, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, sores, and slow wound healing.
- Plaque buildup in the arteries narrows vessels, restricting blood supply to the feet and contributing to peripheral artery disease.
- Weak heart function can cause swelling in the legs and feet, while nerve damage from diabetes can cause foot pain and numbness.
- Leg cramps or pains when walking may signal peripheral artery disease caused by cholesterol-clogged arteries.
Heart Health = Foot Health
Did you know that taking care of your cardiovascular function can be a powerful way to support overall foot health? By making a few simple changes, you can significantly improve the health of your feet. Check out our top tips below to get started.
- Maintain a healthy weight and diet.
- Stay active with regular exercise.
- Monitor blood sugar if diabetic.
- Quit smoking.
- Consult your doctor regularly to manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Healthy feet and an active lifestyle are essential for maintaining good heart health. If you experience any foot pain or numbness, it could indicate cardiovascular issues. Don’t hesitate to contact one of Chicago’s top podiatrists for help and take a proactive approach to get your feet and heart back on track.
Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.
