Tips to Survive with Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease is a condition in which the peripheral arteries are narrowed resulting in blood flow reduction to your limbs. Mostly the arteries of the legs and arms are affected with peripheral artery disease. Peripheral artery disease is also called as peripheral vascular disease
Arteries play a major role in carrying the blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Certain deposits are left behind in the arteries when the blood flows through it. These deposits will form plaques and stick inside the artery and this condition is referred to as atherosclerosis. These plaques gradually increase in size over the years resulting in narrowing of arteries. This stage of narrowing of arteries is referred to as occlusive disease or peripheral vascular disease.
Peripheral Vascular Disease Symptoms
The most common symptoms observed during peripheral vascular disease Symptom are:
- Leg weakness
- Painful cramps
- Sores on toes and feet
- Leg numbness
- Hair loss or slower hair growth on your legs
- Appearance of shiny skin on legs
- Weak pulse in your legs
- Ulcer formation
- Loss of sensation
Peripheral Vascular Disease Causes
There are different factors that are responsible for peripheral vascular disease Causes like:
- Atherosclerosis
- Blood clots
- Autoimmune disorder
- Inflammation of arteries
- Diabetes
Tips for Peripheral Vascular Disease or Peripheral Artery Disease Patients
It is painful to survive with peripheral artery disease but, the symptoms of peripheral artery disease can be minimized with the following tips:
- Exercise
Talk to your doctor regarding the exercises that is best for you. Your doctor will suggest exercise plans that can curb peripheral artery disease symptoms. 30-40minutues daily exercise will help you to reduce the peripheral arterial disease symptoms. Regular physical activity will also help in controlling your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
- Know when to stop
In Peripheral artery disease excess of physical exertion will lead to chronic side effects. Start minimal walking for a small period of time. Wear comfortable shoes while walking to avoid pain.  Wiggle your toes several times a day to keep the blood flowing. While wiggling if you feel pain or discomfort, stop and take a break as it might increase your pain.
- Be gentle with your feet and leg
You will feel more pain in your legs during the course of disease, especially in calves or thighs. The pain and numbness is observed because the blood cannot flow freely. Generally you will feel pain while walking or doing some physical activity as during these activities muscles needs more blood.
There is a high risk of infection, when the blood cannot flow freely in your legs. Check your feet regularly for sores, crack and corns. A tiny sore during peripheral artery diseases can become a chronic condition.
- Eat well
Try to avoid alcohol, saturated fats and artificial trans fats that can complicate the symptoms of peripheral artery disease. Sticking to a particular healthy diet including foods like seafood, nuts, beans and veggies can help in improving peripheral artery disease symptoms.
- Stay warm
Use warm woollen clothing and be indoors. Try to do physical activity indoors and Use warm water to wash your feet and dry them.
- Avoid smoking
Quit smoking as it makes it difficult for your arteries to carry blood to different parts of the body and in most cases the culprit for this disease.
- Avoid medication
Certain medication like pseudoephedrine that is used for cold and allergy has side effects. These medications narrow your blood vessels that can increase and worsen the symptoms of peripheral artery disease.
If you observe any symptoms of peripheral artery disease, then you can consult Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala for treatment. He is an efficient endovascular surgeon in Hyderabad known to perform many successful endovascular surgeries.