When you live in a beautiful area such as Massapequa, NY, how you choose what outdoor activity to try on a day off? On April 5-6, 2014, take your whole family on a seal cruise! Riverhead Fountain Seal Cruises in Freeport, NY will take you sailing to view winter harbor seal populations. Learn about biology and marine life from an on-board naturalist and enjoy a day out on the water. If you have been living with pain and cramping in your legs or feet, though, standing on a boat all day may be the last thing you want to do. These are symptoms that could indicate peripheral arterial disease and should be evaluated so you can keep enjoying the outdoor activities you love to do.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has been called a silent killer because it often goes unnoticed. Patients sometimes live with symptoms for long periods of time, not knowing what is going on and not getting evaluated. Left untreated this condition can cause disabling pain, limb loss and possible loss of life. It is a circulatory problem most often caused by atherosclerosis, which is when fatty deposits build up in your arteries. This causes the arteries to become narrow and affects the blood flow to your limbs. It is important to pay attention to signs and symptoms of PAD, which include pain and cramping in your feet and legs while walking or sleeping. The reason is because PAD is often a warning sign of heart disease and the blood flow to your heart and brain could be compromised as well. When plaque builds up in your arteries over time, you can develop open sores that don’t heal and are at risk for stroke and heart attack.

We want you to stay healthy and active. If you love to be outdoors but have been staying in due to foot or leg pain, don’t chalk it up to the aches and pains of aging—contact Mark Gasparini, D.P.M. for an evaluation and treatment. Call our Massapequa, NY office at (516) 804-9038 for an appointment today.

Photo Credit: mapichai via freedigitalphotos.net

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