Controlling PVD
Protecting Your Feet
Certain health problems make PVD worse.
These include high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, and diabetes. Talk to your
doctor about controlling these problems.
Below are some ways to help improve
your health and manage PVD.
With PVD, less blood reaches the feet. As
a result, foot problems may develop. To
help keep your feet healthy, check them
daily for changes. You may need to use a
mirror or ask someone to check for you.
Below are other tips to follow.
Stop Smoking
Caring for Your Feet
Smoking damages blood
vessels. It also raises
blood pressure. Ask your
doctor about stop-smoking
programs and aids.
Manage Diabetes
High blood sugar caused by
diabetes can speed up damage
to your blood vessels. If you
have diabetes, work with your
doctor to manage it.
Be More Active
Exercise improves blood
flow. It can even help new
blood vessels form. Exercise
may hurt at first. But with
regular activity, pain will
begin to ease. Talk to your
doctor about an exercise
plan that’s right for you.
Eat Right
Too much saturated fat in your
diet can raise cholesterol and
clog blood vessels. Avoid trans
fats. Limit animal fats and fried
foods. Choose healthier fats
such as nuts. And eat more fruits
and vegetables.
•Always wear shoes and socks, even indoors.
•Dry between toes after showering.
•Apply moisturizer daily to callus-prone areas of
your feet. (Do not put cream between your toes.)
•If advised, see your doctor for nail trimming.
•Other:
Call Your Doctor If:
F O O T
C A R E
Peripheral
Vascular
Disease
•You notice any changes in your feet. This
includes swelling and changes in color.
•Your leg or foot hurts while you are resting.
•Other:
Consultant:
Brad L.Z. Naylor, DPM, MS
With contributions by:
Jane E. Graebner, DPM
James W. Stavosky, DPM
This brochure is not intended as a substitute
for professional healthcare.
©2000, 2002, 2015 The StayWell Company, LLC.
All rights reserved. Made in the USA.
Other Treatment Options
Medications or surgery may be suggested
to help treat PVD. Your doctor may talk to
you about these treatment options.
911242
911242_Mech_1505.indd 1
1505
10/15/15 1:27 PM
What Causes PVD?
With age, smoking, and other problems, blood vessels can become damaged.
Plaque (a buildup of fat and other materials) may collect along the inner
walls of the blood vessels. The plaque can narrow or block blood flow.
A Healthy Vessel
A Narrowed Vessel
A Blocked Vessel
A healthy vessel allows
blood to flow freely.
Blood carries oxygen
to the muscles. During
activity, more oxygen is
needed so more blood
flows through the vessel.
Leg tissue stays healthy if
it receives enough blood.
Plaque buildup reduces
blood flow. Muscle tissue
does not get enough
oxygen-rich blood. Leg
muscles may cramp
during activity. This
cramping may go away
with rest, but return
when activity resumes.
Severe plaque buildup
does not allow blood
to flow. Leg muscles
become starved of
oxygen. Tissue begins
to die. Muscles may
cramp at rest. Pain at
night is common during
this stage.
What Is PVD?
Muscle
tissue
Does your leg hurt or become cramped
while you walk or climb stairs? When you
stop to rest, the pain may go away. But it
comes back when you start to move again.
This pain cycle is called intermittent
claudication. It can be a sign of peripheral
vascular disease, or PVD. (Many people
call this “poor circulation.”) With PVD,
the vessels that carry blood to your lower
body become narrowed or blocked. This
means the muscles in your leg may not get
the blood they need. If PVD is not treated,
leg and foot tissue may die. This is called
gangrene. The result may be loss of your
foot or leg. You can help avoid this by
working with your doctor to manage PVD.
Blood
flows
through
vessel.
F o o t n o t e
PVD can raise your risk for frostbite.
Keep your feet warm and dry in cold weather.
911242_Mech_1505.indd 2
Plaque
reduces
blood
flow.
Blood
flow is
blocked.
Blockage
can occur in
more than
one vessel
in your leg.
Muscle
below
blockage
begins
to die.
Physical Exam
Your doctor will ask you questions about when
you feel pain and how long it lasts. Your blood
pressure and pulses may be taken at both your
leg and arm. This helps show how well blood
is flowing. Your feet will be checked for color
changes, cracks, or sores.
During a Doppler exam,
your entire leg may be
checked for blockages.
Diagnostic Tests
Your doctor may order certain tests to check
blood vessels for blockages. A Duplex/Doppler
exam uses harmless sound waves to make
images of your blood vessels and blood flow.
Other imaging tests, such as CT scan, MRI,
or arteriography, may also be done. Some of
these tests use contrast fluid to help your
blood vessels show up clearly on the images.
10/15/15 1:27 PM