You have probably heard all about the negative effects that smoking has on your body. It has been known to cause health problems (and even cancer) for almost every organ in your body. But in case you need another reason to quit smoking, your feet and ankles can be negatively affected too.
The most obvious way that cigarettes affect the body is that the nicotine constricts the size of the arteries, making it more likely for them to get clogged. Additionally, when smoking, you inhale carbon monoxide while breathing, reducing the amount of oxygen you are able to intake. The carbon monoxide then attaches to hemoglobin in our blood, which prevents essential oxygen from being delivered to the rest of our body, including the feet.
What symptoms are felt in the feet when you smoke?
- numbness
- tingling
- cold
- soreness or pain
- wounds/ulcers that heal slowly
- pale skin
- slow hair and nail growth
Smoking can increase the chances of certain conditions that negatively affect the feet. Mainly, smoking is more likely to cause Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Plaque can build up in the smaller arteries, making it harder for blood and fluids to circulate. This prevents essential nutrients from being delivered to the rest of the body, especially the feet and lower legs.
Those who have diabetes and who are smokers are an even higher risk of losing sensation in the feet. On top of reduced circulation, high blood sugar levels damage the peripheral nerves (peripheral neuropathy), making it hard for the feet to communicate with the rest of the body.
When you think about the negative effects of smoking, you may not even remember to think about the feet, but they are certainly affected. It can result in many negative foot health complications, which we can help you with.
To get an assessment of your feet and ankles, make an appointment at our Crofton, MD office to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll. At Crofton Podiatry, we will use the latest treatment options to take care of your foot and ankle care needs. Our team is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie, MD areas.