Peripheral arterial disease, also called peripheral artery disease or simply PAD, is a circulatory disorder where the blood vessels of the legs and feet become clogged with plaque, constricting blood flow. PAD can lead to chronic leg pain during normal activities like walking and climbing stairs, but regularly exercising the legs may help reduce pain cause by PAD.
Walking
Since PAD affects the legs by constricting blood flow and therefore oxygen delivery to the muscles, even mild physical activity that uses the legs can lead to pain. One of the best ways to promote an improvement in PAD symptoms is to exercise the legs by walking regularly. Walking not only forces the leg muscles to be constantly engaged, but it also raises the heart rate, which can improve heart health and further increase circulation. Exercising for PAD is somewhat unique in that pain is not necessarily a bad thing. For instance, you may only be able to walk for 5 minutes before pain starts to set in. By stopping at the slightest sign of pain, you will not as effectively promote an improvement. To improve, you should try to walk through mild pain until it becomes too debilitating to continue. Try to walk further each workout, eventually working your way up to 30 minutes. You will likely find that pain will take longer to set in as your walking routine progresses--this is a sign of increased circulation in the legs. It can be wise to do your walking on a treadmill if possible, so that you can stop walking when you need to.
Stair Climbing
PAD can severely limit mobility to the point where a simple task like climbing a flight of stairs is painful. While a person with PAD may never fully get rid of the problem, exercise can help regain mobility. After partaking in a walking program to strengthen the legs, you should eventually move on to more difficult tasks to fight against PAD. Stair climbing is a good way to push circulation to the next level, while performing a useful task. If you have stairs in your home, slowly walk up and down until pain sets in. If you regularly go to a public places with stairs, try walking up a flight of stairs or two instead of taking an elevator. Just like walking, climbing stairs will likely cause pain quickly at first, but you will likely be able to work out longer without pain over time.
Leg Strengthening
Basic leg strengthening exercises using weight machines or resistance bands may also promote improved circulation in those with PAD. Exercise machines at a gym can also be useful, since weights can be selected easily without physically picking up weight plates. Some exercises to consider are leg press, leg curls and quadriceps extensions. Each of these exercises works major muscle groups of the legs which will be engaged in walking and stair climbing. Begin any lifting exercises with a low amount of weight, aiming for 12 to 20 repetitions and increase by small increments as you get in better shape.
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