Exercising When You Have Peripheral Artery Disease: Steps to Reduce Leg Pain

Pain or unusual sensations in your legs are common symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Exercise can help, but it’s difficult to find the motivation to stay active when you’re not feeling well. 

With three offices in McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas, our team at Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, offers highly personalized care for a wide range of conditions, including peripheral artery disease. 

If you’re ready to move beyond leg pain, reach out to John Hovorka, MD, and Cynthia Salinas, MD, to schedule a one-on-one consultation. In the meantime, here are a few tips on how — and why — to stay active with PAD.  

Why does PAD cause leg pain?

PAD develops when the arteries that transport oxygenated blood into your arms and legs become more narrow than normal. This restricts the volume of blood that can flow into the affected extremities, leaving them without enough blood and causing a number of symptoms. 

Leg pain is a common indication of lower extremity PAD. You might also notice muscle pain or cramping in your calves, thighs, or hips. Your legs may feel weak or numb, and you could notice that one leg feels colder than the other. 

The leading cause of PAD is an accumulation of plaque within your arteries. This is called atherosclerosis, and many people don’t know they have the condition until symptoms arise — like leg pain. 

What’s the best exercise for people with PAD?

It might surprise you to learn that you don’t have to join a gym or embrace an extreme workout routine to see benefits. Why? Walking is the best exercise for PAD. Simply adding a daily walk can dramatically reduce pain and help improve your overall health. 

Walking is a low-impact exercise that can elevate your heart rate without extreme exertion. It also helps develop stronger leg muscles and boosts your lower body circulation in general. This helps enhance your stability and balance, both of which are critical in reducing your fall risk. 

Walking outdoors also helps you get fresh air and controlled sun exposure, which is critical for getting enough vitamin D. Many people find that outdoor walks help them manage stress better, and improve their sleep quality, too. 

To get even more out of your walks, consider inviting a friend or loved one to come along, or look for a walking group in your area. Exercise can be more enjoyable when you add a social component. 

Water exercise has unique benefits for PAD

If walking is too difficult at first, or if you want to try a different approach, consider exercising in a pool. Water exercise helps reduce stress and strain on your joints, and also provides a unique kind of resistance. 

For example, walking laps in the shallow end of a pool will challenge muscles in a different way than walking on a track, because the water provides “buoyant resistance,” slowing your stride and forcing you to push a bit harder to swing your legs. 

Most community centers and gyms have structured water workout programs, but you can achieve benefits simply by spending time moving in the pool. If you’re looking for guidance on specific water exercises, there are numerous videos that can help you refine your technique. 

Tracking your progress can help you stay motivated

As you embark on a new exercise routine, one of the best ways to stay motivated is by keeping track of the way your body responds. Some people find it helpful to keep a simple daily log of their exercise effort and how they feel afterward.

You can track your pain levels, how much (or how little) you tend to rely on medication to manage pain, or just how you feel in general. Tracking your sleep is also helpful, and gives you one more way to gauge how much exercise is improving your quality of life with PAD. 

If you’re concerned about PAD-related leg pain and looking for treatment options, schedule a visit at your nearest Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, office in McAllen, Rio Grande City, or Raymondville, Texas, today.