By Melissa Czapka

DAYTON–Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition that develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms and legs, become entirely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis. PAD affects between eight and 12 million people in the U.S., contributes to wound healing difficulties, and is associated with amputation. Though the symptoms may be severe, an astonishing 40 percent of people with PAD do not experience any symptoms.

Columbia County Health System is the Regions Top Wound Care/Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center, and a member of the Healogics® network. We treat chronic wounds with underlying conditions of the disease as well as performs non-invasive tests for PAD and counsels' patients how to manage the illness, which can, if left untreated, lead to lower limb amputation and death.

In addition to chronic wounds on the toes, feet or legs, the experts at Columbia County Health System's Wound Care Center give the following risk factors and symptoms of PAD:

•Those who smoke or have a history of smoking have up to four times greater risk.

•One in every three diabetics over the age of 50 is likely to have the disease.

•People with high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or a personal history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke are at greater risk.

•As you get older the risk increases since the disease develops gradually.

•While some people dismiss it as a sign of aging, nearly everyone with PAD is unable to walk as fast or as far as they could before.

•A typical sign is experiencing fatigue or heaviness in the limbs or cramping in the thigh or calf after walking or climbing stairs and then feeling better after resting.

•Leg or foot pain may cause trouble sleeping for those with PAD.

•The skin of the feet may change color and become pale or turn blue.

•Toenails that do not grow as well as before and decreased hair growth on the toes and legs may be another symptom.

Advanced PAD results in delayed wound healing and a higher risk of limb loss. Timely detection and treatment of any wound can reduce the risk of amputation and improve the quality of life. Our Wound Care Center offers advanced wound care treatment, technology, and research. That means patients heal faster than those who receive only generalized wound care.

For more information on managing PAD and treating chronic or infected wounds, you can contact the CCHS Wound Care Center directly at 509-382-8422.

"We are committed to personalizing wound care to our service area to enhance the quality of life."

Melissa Czapka is an ARNP with the Columbia County Health System Wound Care/Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center