Smoking can be harmful to your heart and lungs but can also harm your feet as well. Under normal situations, the feet do not receive as much blood circulation as other body parts, but in those who smoke, blood circulation from the heart is further decreased. According to our Grapevine foot specialist, this can lead to many issues including chronic foot pain.
Smoking-Related Foot Conditions
Smoking often leaves visible signs on the skin of a smoker’s feet. According to our Grapevine foot specialist, the skin can appear shinier and reddish in color and be thinner than the skin of those who do not smoke. Smoking can worsen diabetic foot conditions that already exist. In addition, smoking can cause conditions such as:
- Peripheral arterial disease. This disease happens when plaque builds up in the arteries and causes them to narrow. It leads to poor blood circulation to the feet and legs. Common symptoms of peripheral arterial disease include leg or foot pain or foot sores that do not heal properly.
- Raynaud’s disease. This disease causes the blood vessels in the feet to overreact to cold temperatures. Those who smoke can aggravate this condition. Common symptoms of Raynaud’s disease include feet that are cold and pale and toes that turn white or blue.
- Buerger’s disease. This disease causes the blood vessels in the legs to swell. This can lead to blood clots, tissue damage, pain, and gangrene. This disease affects smokers more often than non-smokers, and common symptoms include painful sores on the feet, pain in the arch of the foot when walking, and feet that feel cold or look pale, blue, or reddish in color.
Treatment Options in Grapevine, TX, for Chronic Foot Pain
Stopping smoking is the best option to improve your overall health and reduce your risk for potential chronic foot pain / problems. If you’re experiencing chronic pain in your feet, consult a Grapevine foot specialist who will evaluate your condition and recommend treatment options that are suitable for your needs. Some options may include correcting any circulation issues and improving blood flow by removing blockages in your arteries.
Contact Our Grapevine Foot Specialist With Questions
If you have questions about smoking as it relates to chronic foot pain or are experiencing problems in your feet or ankles, our Grapevine foot specialist in Texas can help. To request an appointment with our Grapevine foot specialist, fill out our convenient online contact form, or call our office today.
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