Bad leg circulation can make walking seem like a dreaded task, rather than a simple mode of transportation. For the millions of people who suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD), walking even short distances can be painful. Since this type of pain goes away when you are at rest, it can be tempting to avoid being on your feet.
Unfortunately, this causes a vicious cycle: the less you walk, the weaker your muscles become and the harder it is to accomplish daily tasks. And when you fall further into a sedentary lifestyle, it can cause subsequent health problems such as heart disease (already a risk for those with poor circulation), obesity and even depression.
We can design a physical therapy program to help you avoid these problems and deliver the following benefits:
- A gentle, gradual walking program will help strengthen your gait and increase range of motion.
- Physical activity boosts blood flow to the lower extremities, which can help
reduce the pain of PAD. - Stretching and strengthening exercises can help your body work more effectively.
While it may seem like something you can do on your own, it is important to work with a qualified therapist before starting a walking program for PAD. Because of the correlation between PAD and heart disease, you may need to be cleared by a vascular specialist or cardiologist prior to starting any type of exercise program. Also, people with PAD tend to adjust their gait to avoid pain; we can correct your stride so you can avoid additional problems caused by improper movement.
In some cases, physical therapy can work as well as surgery to relieve the symptoms of PAD. Even if you do require more invasive treatment, exercise will be an important part of your recovery.
The idea of walking can be daunting, but the rewards are well worth the effort. With a good walking program that we can develop for you, you will soon find yourself healthier, more comfortable and far more mobile.
