Stop Leg Pain from PAD: 5 Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

Most people discover they have peripheral artery disease when they go to the doctor to find out why they’re experiencing leg pain. The providers at Heart & Vascular Institute suggest the best way to find relief for that pain is through making a few lifestyle changes. 

Why PAD causes pain

When you have peripheral artery disease, plaque builds up in the blood vessels in your legs, narrowing the area through which blood flows and stiffening the blood vessels.

In a healthy vascular system, when your muscles work extra hard, such as climbing the stairs, they signal a need for extra oxygen, which arrives through your blood. Your heart pumps harder, and your blood vessels expand so more blood can pass through quickly. 

In a body with PAD, your heart may pump harder, but more blood can’t get through the stiff, narrowed vessels. Without the additional oxygen, your muscles cramp. 

How PAD develops

PAD results from a complex set of factors, including your:

• Genetic makeup
• Medical history
• Exercise habits
• Diet
• Smoking status

Many of the factors that raise your risk of cardiovascular disease also raise your risk of PAD. The good news is that you can address some of them. 

Lifestyle habits that may ease PAD pain

Changing your lifestyle isn’t a fast solution to the leg pain PAD causes, but it’s one of the most reliable. Here are five lifestyle changes we recommend. 

1. Stop smoking

You know that smoking is bad for your health, but you may not know that it’s particularly damaging to your blood vessels. Smokers are far more likely to have hardened arteries. 

If you feel you can’t quit on your own, talk to our staff. Your doctor may suggest medication and/or proven smoking cessation programs. 

2. Walk

Any exercise is good, of course, but walking is one of the best forms of physical activity for people with PAD. There’s a catch, though: If you have PAD, walking can be painful. 

No one looks forward to an activity that hurts, and we understand why so many people with PAD are reluctant to begin an exercise routine. 

One way to overcome this barrier is to take it slow. Take regular walks, and if your legs begin to cramp, take a break. Once the pain eases, continue your walk. Over time, you’re likely to find that the breaks are fewer and further between. 

If you can’t bring yourself to walk, find a physical activity you enjoy. Perhaps biking or swimming is more your speed, or a dance-based exercise. If you have fun, you’re much more likely to continue, and consistency is key. 

3. Inspect your feet and legs

Just as your muscles need additional blood flow when they work hard, wounded tissue needs more blood to heal. One of the dangers of PAD is suffering a wound that won’t heal. 

Inspect your feet and legs daily. Also, wash and dry them thoroughly. Even small problems such as blisters, cuts, or ingrown nails can be problematic. If you spot an issue, see your doctor immediately. 

4. Consume a healthy diet

Adjusting what you eat can reap multiple benefits — you may lose weight, improve your blood pressure, and, significantly, reduce your cholesterol. Cholesterol contributes to the plaque that clogs up your arteries. 

Aim to consume mostly vegetables and fruits, lean protein, healthy carbohydrates, and some healthy fats. Limit highly processed foods, foods high in saturated fat, and sugary foods. 

5. Learn about your medications

Some over-the-counter cold medications narrow blood vessels, making PAD symptoms even worse. Talk to your doctor about the medications you take and which ones you should avoid. 

If you have questions, we encourage you to schedule an appointment by phone or online today at one of the six Michigan locations of Heart & Vascular Institute.