Quit Smoking Now to Improve Foot Health

Giving up cigarettes isn't easy, especially if you've been smoking for many years, but it's the best thing that you can do for your health. Nothing else even comes close.  Tobacco use is dangerous for your heart and your lungs and can shorten your life.

Less immediately alarming, but also important, is the negative effect of smoking on your feet: smoking diminishes circulation and puts your podiatric health at risk. Because the hands and feet are farthest from the heart, it's hardest for the circulatory system to deliver blood to these areas. This lower blood flow explains why the extremities are often cold in people of both genders and all ages. However, this is especially prevalent and more severe among smokers, as tobacco use further restricts blood flow.

Do you know that many podiatrists report that they can easily tell which of their patients are smokers? Two telltale signs are the giveaway, even when patients deny tobacco use:

The skin on smokers' feet is usually thinner, shinier, and redder than that of other patients.

Smokers take longer to heal from surgery or injury than non-smokers do.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition that occurs when plaque builds up in arteries, causing them to grow stiff and narrow. These restricted pathways make it difficult for blood to circulate, especially to the legs and feet. Smokers have a four times greater risk of developing PAD than non-smokers do. Continuing to smoke after a diagnosis of diabetes further increases that risk.

Buerger's Disease

Buerger's Disease causes swelling of the blood vessels in arms and legs, impeding blood flow and causing clots, pain, tissue damage, or gangrene. It is extremely rare for a non-smoker to contract Buerger's Disease; almost everyone with the condition is a current or former smoker. People who smoke more than a pack of cigarettes daily are at the highest risk.

Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud's Disease is a condition in which the blood vessels of the hands and feet overreact to cold environments by spasming. This intermittent response is worse in cold weather or environments and can be uncomfortable. Cigarette smoking causes and exacerbates Raynaud's Disease.

Quitting is hard, but it's easier now than ever before. New medication is available to help you. If you are a current or former smoker, regular visits to the podiatrist are especially important in maintaining good health in your feet and legs.

Contact Podiatry Group of Annapolis and let us help with all your foot and ankle needs. Dr. James Mckee and Dr. Adam Weaver are experienced and dedicated podiatrists who provide high-quality individualized care. Call us today at 410-224-4448 or visit us online to make an appointment at our conveniently located Annapolis office.