Legs discomfort that aggravates while you walk and eases while you stop can be a cause of concern. Even though most people present no symptoms, peripheral claudication occurs when your legs or arms do not receive enough blood flow to fend for their oxygen demands. This can be due to atherosclerosis, the narrowing of blood vessels due to plaque buildup. If you have peripheral arterial disease (PAD) symptoms, peripheral arterial disease Coconut Creek has effective interventions that will restore your lower extremities function. Some of the treatment options for PAD include.
1. Regular supervised Exercises
Supervised exercises are effective in alleviating your level of pain when walking. Mostly, a doctor will recommend a supervised exercise program that incorporates simple walking exercises, treadmill, and leg exercises. You will be required to show up for your exercise program at least three times a week. If you are consistent, your symptoms will gradually improve by the fourth to eighth week.
2. Diet Changes and adjustments
Even though peripheral arterial disease is prevalent in lower extremities blood vessels, it can affect any blood vessel. As such, you need to watch out for what you eat. Individuals with PAD have been shown to have elevated levels of cholesterol. Adjust to a diet that is low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and trans fats. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will also lower your risk for PAD.
3. Quit Smoking
Successful treatment for PAD will require that you make some vital lifestyle changes. Even though some like quitting smoking are easier said than done, smoking cessation programs are handy during the transitioning period. According to clinical research, smoking has a four times higher chance of causing PAD. Additionally, not only does tobacco smoke predispose you to PAD, but your risks for developing heart attack and stroke are also high. Ceasing to smoke will slow your PAD symptoms as well as enhance your heart health.
4. Medications
Patients with intermittent claudication can use cilostazol and pentoxifylline. Your doctor may also prescribe antihypertensive drugs for elevated blood pressure and statins to lower your cholesterol levels. These medications work to treat your risk factors for PAD and reduce your risks of stroke and heart attack. Moreover, you will be able to exercise longer if you have intermittent claudication.
5. Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatments
If your leg pain is persistent, restricts your movement, and doesn’t ease with medications or exercise, you may require surgery. A minimally invasive surgery will help improve your blood flow to your extremities to ease severe pain and constrained mobility. Some heart condition treatments like angioplasty, peripheral artery bypass surgery, stents, and atherectomy also help treat PAD.
Like most health conditions, PAD is manageable when caught on early. Knowing the warning signs of the disease will help you know when it’s most appropriate to seek medical help. Remember, your condition may progress faster than another person’s, depending on where atherosclerosis occurred on a blood vessel and other risk factors. However, with the many PAD interventions in place, you can prevent your condition from aggravating. Quitting smoking, adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medications will help manage your PAD. Knowing the warning signs
