Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries leading to the legs and feet receive decreased blood flow. The decrease in blood flow is due to the narrowing of arteries or a potential blockage. Those diagnosed with this serious health condition may require peripheral artery disease therapy, which can be painful.
PAD therapy consists of exercising to build pain tolerance. This therapy is ultimately beneficial, and patients can expect to work out their legs until exhaustion. This process can be painful, but it helps prevent the more severe pain associated with the disease, such as cramping, numbness, and tingling sensations in the extremities.
Pain Associated With PAD Therapy
The pain experienced with PAD therapy is uncomfortable and may be frustrating at times, but just as with other diseases, practice is key. Continuing to receive therapy will prevent or reduce the more painful side effects associated with PAD.
PAD therapy is much deeper than a “no pain, no gain” attitude. Patients undergoing PAD therapy will inevitably experience pain associated with selected exercises. Depending on the severity of the disease in the patient, PAD therapy may be more painful to some people than others.
Why PAD Therapy is Necessary
The pain level for each person with PAD will be different across the board. However, with intense exercise routines, patients will likely experience soreness and some pain. Despite this, PAD therapy remains necessary.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA) journal, pain treatment for PAD should begin with supervised exercise therapy. Patients are also treated with medications when appropriate.
When combined, medication and exercise therapy can help treat symptoms of PAD. Some of the symptoms associated with PAD consist of:
- chronic cold legs and feet
- numbness
- tingling
- burning
- poor circulation
- cramping
- sores slow to heal
To reduce the above symptoms, consider PAD therapy. While PAD therapy cannot completely erase symptoms associated with PAD, it can help relieve pain temporarily. Not only does PAD therapy help treat symptoms, but it can also improve movement and walkability.
Types of PAD Therapy
Thankfully, symptoms of PAD can be lessened with various therapies. Patients can curb pain with specific exercise techniques and medication solutions. When combined, the therapies can be effective.
Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapy requires the patient to complete specific fitness goals, working out the muscles in the legs and feet to curb any negative sensations brought on by PAD. This type of therapy can assist with pain-free walking and maximum walking distance.
With exercise therapy, patients adapt to cardiovascular fitness, improving their condition. Exercise therapy is the primary type of therapy for those diagnosed with PAD.
Medication Therapy
Analgesics, or pain-relief medication, are prescribed to coincide with exercise therapy. Opioids and non-opioids have been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain. Although opioid therapy is helpful for pain management, the medication can be abused.
Opioid drugs have clear risks, including:
- excessive sweating
- depression
- dependency and addiction
- respiratory distress
- severe withdrawal
- seizures
- overdose
- death
Patients prescribed opioids should follow recommendations from their doctor or a healthcare professional who knows their medical history.
Cilostazol is a common medication prescribed to treat patients with chronic symptomatic PAD. Patients treated with cilostazol can increase their maximal walking distance according to the AHA.
Risk Factors for PAD
There are several risk factors associated with PAD, according to the National Library of Medicine. Some of the risk factors include:
- diabetes
- high cholesterol
- family history of peripheral artery disease, stroke, or heart disease
- obesity
- high blood pressure
- smoking
Because of the risk factors associated with PAD, therapy is necessary. If you fall into any of these categories and are concerned you may be at risk for PAD, speak with a healthcare professional.
Consider PAD Therapy for Pain Management
The United Heart Institute provides services for those who need peripheral artery disease therapy. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation so we can help you receive pain management therapy.
