PAD (peripheral arterial disease)

PAD stands for peripheral arterial disease (in German: pAVK). The arteries in the legs are narrowed or blocked by deposits (arteriosclerosis), so muscles, skin and toes receive less blood. It is a form of angiopathy.

Risk factors

• smoking – the most important risk factor
• diabetes mellitus
• high blood pressure, raised blood lipids
• age, lack of exercise

Signs

• calf pain after a certain walking distance that eases when standing still (“window-shopping disease”)
• cold, pale feet
• poorly healing wounds on toes and heel
• slower nail growth, thin, shiny skin

Relevance for foot treatment

With circulatory disorders, even the smallest injuries heal poorly. That is why we work especially carefully – and always ask about vascular diseases and blood thinners when taking your history. Self-treatment with planes, blades or corn plasters is off-limits with PAD.