How Nicotine Jeopardizes Foot Health

Any former smoker knows that giving up cigarettes isn’t easy, but if you still smoke, quitting is the single best thing that you can do for your health. You already know that tobacco use is dangerous for your heart and your lungs and can shorten your life. Less alarming, but also important to know about, is the effect of smoking on your feet. Smoking negatively affects circulation and puts your podiatric health at risk.

Signs that Your Feet Are Paying the Price

Many podiatrists can easily identify smokers among their patients through two major telltale signs. The skin on smokers’ feet is often thinner, shinier, and redder than that of other patients. Additionally, smokers typically take longer to heal from surgery or injury than non-smokers.

The Impact on Circulation

It’s hardest for your heart to pump blood to your hands and feet because they are farthest away. As a result, they don’t receive as much circulation as other parts of your body. This lower blood flow is common in people of both genders and all ages and explains why the extremities are often cold. However, it’s especially prevalent and more severe among smokers, as tobacco use further diminishes blood flow.

Conditions Exacerbated by Smoking

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) occurs when plaque builds up in arteries, causing them to grow stiff and narrow. It then becomes 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 diabetes diagnosis puts you at even more risk. 

  • Spotting PAD: Be on the lookout for leg pain and for sores or injuries on your feet that heal poorly, or not at all.

Raynaud’s Disease

Raynaud’s Disease is a condition in which the blood vessels of the hands and feet spasm and overreact to cold environments. This is temporary, but can be uncomfortable. Cigarette smoking leads to and exacerbates Raynaud’s Disease.

  • Spotting Raynaud’s Disease: Take note of cold, pale feet with white or blue toes.

Buerger’s Disease

Buerger’s Disease causes blood vessels in the arms and legs to swell, interfering with blood flow and causing clots, pain, tissue damage, or gangrene. Non-smokers rarely contract Buerger’s Disease; almost everyone with the condition is a current or former smoker. The risk is highest for people who smoke more than a pack a day.

  • Spotting Buerger’s Disease: Be aware of a potential problem if your feet become pale, red, blue, cold, or uncomfortable, if you experience pain in the arch of your foot when walking, or if there are painful sores or ulcers on your feet.

The Role of ABI Studies and Physical Exams

Understanding PAD symptoms and risk factors (e.g., smoking, diabetes) is crucial. These studies enable personalized treatment plans for optimal podiatric health. Additionally, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth performs detailed physical exams, including pulse assessments in the feet and ankles, to further evaluate vascular status and circulation. If you suspect PAD or have risk factors, schedule a consultation for a comprehensive examination at our clinic. Your foot health is our priority.

ABI Studies:

  • Screens for PAD by comparing ankle and arm blood pressure.
  • Reveals PAD presence and severity.
  • Normal ABI: 1 or 1.1; abnormalities indicate narrowing or blockage.
  • Detects symptoms like leg pain during exercise or at rest.

TBI Studies:

  • Assesses PAD in lower extremities via arm and big toe blood pressure.
  • Determines the presence or severity of Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD).
  • A TBI of 0.75 or greater is considered normal.

Recognizing Peripheral Artery Disease

When a person smokes, they inhale carbon monoxide instead of oxygen. This, in turn, causes the heart to pump a lot faster than usual to maintain the correct oxygen levels. Thus, not only is there less blood flowing to the feet due to the arteries being narrowed, but the blood is also not carrying enough oxygen to the feet anymore.

This can cause symptoms such as:

  • Pain in your legs and feet when walking.
  • The skin may become pale and may have blue patches.
  • Nails become brittle and thick with yellow dislocation.
  • Slow-healing sores can develop.

The Road to Recovery

What if I stop smoking? Quitting smoking will slow down any vascular disease and potentially prevent any future complications. It has been said that in as little as 2 weeks after quitting smoking, the blood flow to your feet will start improving again.

Smoking is not only a threat to your heart and lungs but also to the well-being of your feet. The effects of nicotine on circulation can lead to serious podiatric issues, including slow wound healing and increased risks of conditions like PAD, Raynaud’s Disease, and Buerger’s Disease. If you are a current or former smoker, taking steps to quit and seeking regular podiatric care can significantly improve the health of your feet and lower limbs. Remember, smoking is dangerous to foot health, and a smoke-free life can be a step towards a healthier version of yourself.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth at Align Foot & Ankle Clinic! Contact our office at (512) 882-4911 or schedule an appointment on our website. Don’t forget to check out our socials for valuable insights and updates: