Temperatures have been creeping upwards, and the snow is starting to melt. You may be getting ready to head outside for some exercise if you haven’t already.
Getting active after a long period of inactivity can cause a bit of a shock to the system. You may notice some cramping in your lower body, as well as other aches and pains.
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But not every cramp or pain in the legs is as innocent as growing pains. Sometimes it can be an early signal of a condition called peripheral artery disease, or PAD, and it should be checked by your doctor.
PAD happens when plaque develops in the blood vessels of the extremities and restricts blood flow to the legs and sometimes arms. If left alone to become severe, it can lead to amputation.
Early-stage symptoms are barely noticeable or easily attributable to something else. The first signs of a problem are repeated pain, cramping, or heaviness in one or both legs while walking or exercising. These symptoms happen because muscles aren’t getting oxygen or nutrients.
If allowed to advance, symptoms can become more severe and include wounds or ulcers on the feet that won’t heal. Continuous pain or numbness is also a possibility.
With PAD, the earlier it is identified and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be. Treatments often include dietary changes, exercise, medication, and in some cases, medical procedures.
Genetics plays a role in PAD risk, but 4 of the top 5 risk factors are controllable. Smoking, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, diabetes, and high cholesterol will all boost the risk of PAD but can also be controlled with lifestyle decisions.
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Smoking is the biggest risk factor, as PAD is far more prevalent in smokers than non-smokers.
Quitting smoking, getting into a structured exercise program, and eating a healthier diet can all help. If pain persists during exercise, take a rest when needed.
If you’ve been experiencing pain in your legs, talk to your doctor. If they can identify PAD, they can help you develop the best way to treat it.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
