Silent disease could be a ticking time bomb for your legs — beware these red flags

Time doesn’t heal all wounds.

Slow-healing or non-healing open sores on the toes, feet or lower legs can be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a silent and serious condition where narrowed arteries restrict blood flow to the legs or arms.

“Many people with PAD don’t have noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages,” Jennifer Jones-McMeans, divisional vice president of global clinical affairs for Abbott’s vascular business, told The Post.

“Others may mistake symptoms like leg fatigue or discomfort for normal signs of aging.”

Research suggests that 21 million Americans have PAD, a result of a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in artery walls.

Here’s everything you need to know about the underdiagnosed condition, including the symptom that often affects men but not women.

Risk factors for PAD

PAD risk increases significantly with age, particularly after 50 — it’s also influenced by genetics, certain health conditions and lifestyle habits.

“This includes smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a family history of vascular disease,” Jones-McMeans said.

“Black and Hispanic communities are also disproportionately affected.”

Women really feel the pressure with this condition, as they are more likely to suffer greater functional decline, such as a decrease in walking speed.

They tend to be diagnosed later — at a more advanced stage of PAD — because they often have atypical symptoms or no symptoms at all.

A range of symptoms

The No. 1 symptom is pain with walking.

It’s most often reported by men, while women usually experience achy, tired legs or leg pain while resting.

Because women are frequently diagnosed at an older age, conditions like arthritis or nerve damage may mask leg pain.

Other symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness or coldness in the lower legs or feet and the loss of leg hair.

Skin may also change color — turning pale or blue — and become shiny and smooth on the legs.

If sores develop, they may be dry, scabbed or feature a dark or discolored center.

“In some cases, the skin around the wound can look shiny, pale or feel cool to the touch,” Jones-McMeans said. “These wounds are a sign that blood isn’t flowing properly to the area, which can slow or prevent healing.”

These symptoms should prompt a visit to the doctor.

“Getting diagnosed early can prevent serious complications,” Jones-McMeans said.

Diagnosis of PAD

There are several non-invasive or minimally invasive tests to diagnose PAD.

“One common test is the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares the blood pressure in your ankle to the pressure in your arm,” Jones-McMeans said.

“Other diagnostic tests include ultrasound imaging, which looks at blood flow in the arteries, or angiography, which gives a detailed view of blood vessels.”

PAD treatment options

PAD can worsen over time without treatment.

“In the most serious cases, it can result in critical limb ischemia, where tissue dies due to lack of blood flow,” Jones-McMeans said. “This can lead to amputation.”

Reduced blood flow can also lead to severe infections and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Treatment focuses on boosting blood flow and addressing underlying issues.

“This often includes lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet and staying physically active,” Jones-McMeans said.

“Medications may be prescribed to lower cholesterol, control blood pressure or improve circulation,” she continued. “In more advanced cases, procedures like angioplasty (to open narrowed arteries) or bypass surgery may be needed.”