Can High Cholesterol Affect The Feet? Symptoms And Treatments!
High cholesterol can affect the feet in many ways. The most common is that it can lead to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
This is a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood away from the heart. When this happens, blood flow to the legs and feet slows down and can become blocked completely.
Contents
Signs Of High Cholesterol In Your Feet – What Are The Treatments?
This causes pain in the lower limbs, aching in the toes and ankles, and numbness or tingling in the feet.
It may also cause swelling of the ankles and legs, which can make it difficult for people with PAD to walk comfortably.
High cholesterol levels also make it more likely for someone to develop diabetic foot ulcers.
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore on the bottom of one or both feet caused by poor circulation.
People with diabetes have high levels of sugar in their blood because their bodies cannot properly use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels throughout their bodies.
The excess sugar damages nerves and tissue in your feet, leading to infection and ulcers that don’t heal properly, often causing amputation (the removal of all or part of a limb).
High cholesterol also increases your risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD), which blocks blood flow through arteries leading away from the heart.
PAD can cause leg pain when walking and numbness or tingling in your feet. You may also have a hard time exercising because of this condition.
The Link Between High Cholesterol And Foot Problems
High cholesterol makes your feet more susceptible to injury because it makes them stiffer and less flexible.
It may also cause inflammation due to damaged blood vessels which can lead to infection or ulceration on the sole of your foot or heel.
When this happens, you may feel pain when walking or standing up after sitting down for long periods of time.
Your doctor may recommend surgery or medication if other treatments don’t work effectively enough or if there are any complications with your blood vessels.
In addition, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and losing weight if you’re overweight.
Peripheral Arterial Disease(PAD) – Symptoms
High cholesterol in the feet can cause a number of symptoms, including pain and swelling. The condition is also known as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).
The risk factors for high cholesterol in the feet are similar to those for heart disease. They include:
🟤 Age — you’re more likely to develop high cholesterol in your feet as you get older
🟤 Smoking — It increases your risk of PAD by about 50 percent, compared with nonsmokers
🟤 Obesity — excess weight puts more strain on your heart and arteries
🟤 Diabetes — people with diabetes have an increased risk of PAD
🟤 High blood pressure — high blood pressure increases your risk of PAD by up to five times, according to the American Heart Association.
Treatments For High Cholesterol In The Feet
Treatment for high cholesterol depends on how severe it is and whether or not you have any related conditions.
If you have high cholesterol, your doctor will recommend following a healthy diet and exercising regularly as part of your treatment plan.
They may also suggest taking medicine or changing your lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing complications from high cholesterol levels.
Prevention
The best way to prevent high cholesterol in your feet is by eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients and vitamins. You should also get plenty of exercise and avoid smoking.
It’s important to note that if you have diabetes or kidney disease, it’s best to consult a doctor before starting any new exercise regimen or supplement.
