Cholesterol is an important component of the body, playing a role in the structure of cell membranes and participating in the production of hormones. However, when the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood remains high for a long time, it will begin to accumulate and form plaque on the walls of the blood vessels. This accumulation narrows the vessels and impedes the flow of blood, leading to a condition called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
PAD is a common complication in people with high cholesterol, and the feet are often the first place to show warning symptoms. Because the toes and feet are the areas farthest from the heart, they are susceptible to anemia if the vessels are narrowed.
What are the signs of high cholesterol in the feet?
1. Burning sensation
One of the early symptoms that the patient may feel is a dull, aching or burning pain in the soles of the feet or toes, especially when resting or at night. This feeling is like a needle prick or a slight burning sensation, appearing in waves and lasting from a few minutes to hours. It signals that the blood flow to the local tissue is being reduced, causing damage to the peripheral nerve endings and an abnormal pain response.
2. Pain
In addition to the burning sensation, a deep, dull ache in the legs often appears. The pain can start when you raise your legs high, walk a lot or even when you are resting. This is the result of a lack of oxygen in the muscle tissue due to blocked blood vessels, causing the muscles to tighten and create a feeling of severe pain.
These sensations should not be ignored, especially if you have risk factors such as smoking, lack of exercise, being overweight, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol.
Other signs that may accompany them include:
- One leg feels cooler than the other
- Erectile dysfunction, especially if you also have diabetes
- Poorly growing toenails
- Red or blue color on your legs or feet
- Sores on your toes and feet that do not heal
- Weak or absent pulses in your legs or feet, which your doctor will check for.
Strategies to help you manage burning and aching feet/toes due to high cholesterol
1. Eat a healthy diet
Diet directly affects your blood cholesterol levels. Reducing bad fats and increasing fiber will help limit plaque buildup that clogs blood vessels in your feet. Eating plenty of green vegetables, fruits, and good fats from fish and olive oil will help improve circulation and reduce burning and aching in your feet.
2. Increase exercise to improve blood circulation
Regular physical activity helps blood circulate better to the lower extremities, thereby relieving burning, numbness or pain in the soles of the feet. Walking lightly every day is a simple but effective way to improve this condition.
3. Maintain a reasonable weight
Being overweight increases pressure on the feet and makes the blood vessels vulnerable. Losing weight will help lower cholesterol, improve blood circulation and relieve pain in the feet/toes.
4. Check your feet daily
Watch for signs such as skin discoloration, slow toenail growth or ulcers that take a long time to heal to help detect complications early. This is especially important if you have high cholesterol or diabetes.
5. Quit smoking (if you smoke)
Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels, making it easier for cholesterol to build up and cause blockages. Quitting smoking improves blood circulation to the feet, reduces burning pain and the risk of limb necrosis.
6. Elevate your legs at night
When you lie down, blood has difficulty flowing to your feet. Elevating your legs above your heart while you sleep will help improve circulation, which can reduce pain and burning sensations in the soles of your feet at night.
7. See your doctor regularly for PAD and cholesterol checks
Pain in your legs can be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Regular checkups and blood lipid tests can help detect and treat them early before complications occur.
8. Keep your feet clean and dry
Foot injuries caused by poor circulation are susceptible to infection. Cleaning your feet every day, drying them thoroughly, and protecting them from minor injuries will help prevent ulcers and serious complications.
