Anybody who has read the back of a medication label or heard the potential side effects of a medication on a television commercial understands that certain drugs can increase or risk of different health issues. The hope is that any side effect is the lesser of two evils compared to the condition being treated, but these side effects can have a real impact on our body and our health if we’re not careful.
We usually ask patients about their medication regimen and whether or not they are experiencing any symptoms tied to their use. It’s not uncommon to hear from patients that they are taking blood pressure medications, and we know that these drugs have the possibility of causing issues for your feet. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at how blood pressure medications can have an affect on your foot health.
Alpha-Blockers And Foot Health
Blood pressure medications, otherwise referred to as alpha-blockers or calcium channel blockers, work by helping certain muscles relax and ensuring some smaller blood vessels remain open. They do this by blocking the action triggered by norepinephrine, which is a hormone that narrows blood vessels and tightens muscles around the prostate and bladder. Allowing these smaller blood vessels to remain open can decrease blood pressure and reduce your risk of cardiovascular events linked to elevated blood pressure, like heart attack or stroke.
So how can these medications impact your foot health? On the plus side, these alpha-blockers can improve blood flow throughout your body, including to your feet. This aids in oxygen and nutrient delivery to key areas of your foot, promoting tissue repair and reducing your risk of issues like cramps or muscle strains.
However, there are also some risks you’ll want to be aware of. For starters, one common complication associated with many prescription medications, including blood pressure medications, is dizziness or balance problems. These medications can make you a little more unsteady on your feet, which can contribute to devastating falls that affect your feet or other areas of your body. Falls can also be the result of orthostatic hypotension, which is a form of low blood pressure that occurs when standing up too quickly. Blood pressure medications can increase your risk of orthostatic hypotension, so you’ll want to be more aware of your balance and steadiness when shifting from a seated to standing position.
Another potential issue to watch for is swelling in the feet and ankles. The opening of these blood vessels can bring more fluid to your feet, and if your heart has a difficult time removing this fluid buildup, it can lead to swelling in the feet and ankles. This swelling can be uncomfortable, leading to sheering and skin irritation or increase your risk of developing an infection, so you’ll want to keep an eye on your feet and work to manage any swelling issues that you notice. You should also bring these symptoms up to your treating physician.
Finally. some patients experience ankle numbness when taking alpha-blockers due to nerve compression or circulatory issues, but this tends to be more rare than the above symptoms. At a minimum, make it a point to take stock of your foot health, regularly check your feet for signs of physical changes and let your doctor know about any symptoms you’re experiencing that may be tied to your medications. Oftentimes these side effects aren’t as serious as the condition being treated, but they still warrant attention and care to avoid them spiraling into a major health concern.
Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking, and be sure to inform them if you’re noticing any issues with your feet that may be the result of new medications or a deviation from your standard regimen.
For more information about caring for your feet while taking blood pressure medications, connect with Dr. Silverman today!