Have you recently been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (P.A.D., for short) or know someone who has the condition? If so, it is crucial that you are familiar with how to take care of your feet. This is because this particular disease leaves your feet particularly vulnerable to developing infections, ulcers and wounds. The reason for this is due to the fact that the P.A.D. causes less blood and oxygen to get various limbs, including your feet, thus causes injuries to heal at a slower rate.

Tip #1: Maintain a Daily Foot Care Regimen.

Just as you have a daily routine for face care, it is very important that you have a regimen that you partake in on a daily basis for your feet. This should consist of your washing your feet thoroughly with soap and warm water, patting your feet dry (paying close attention to the spaces between your toes), and then moisturizing your feet. Moisturizing is a crucial step, as this helps to prevent dry and cracked skin. If you allow your skin to become dry and cracked, it leads to an increased risk of infection.

Tip #2: Make Sure You Have Well-Fitted, Comfortable Shoes.

It is important that you don't just wear any pair of shoes. While you don't necessarily have to go out and buy a pair of $100 shoes, you shouldn't necessarily go for the cheapest pair either. All in all, it doesn't matter what they cost as long as they fit your feet well and don't cause any discomfort. The shoes should not pinch your feet, chafe your skin, or anything similar because they are too tight. Otherwise, they will rub and break your skin, creating the perfect invitation for bacteria and an infection. Also, don't forget to throw on a pair of thick, seamless socks for additional protection.

Tip #3: Don't Go Barefoot.

Unfortunately, when you have P.A.D., walking around barefoot is not an option. Yes, you will be tempted when you are at the beach and when you are lounging around your home, but it is very important that you have sandals, slippers or some type of shoes on your feet at all times. Otherwise, you are leaving your bare feet exposed to multiple household and environmental hazards, such as broken glass, metal, pebbles, wood splinters, etc. that are far more dangerous to you, an individual with P.A.D., than the average person.

If you have P.A.D., make sure that you visit with your doctor on a regular basis for check-ups and vascular radiology.