Walking Relieves Leg Pain Caused by Peripheral Artery Disease

We know how important walking can be for overall health. A new study now shows it can also help reduce leg pain in patients with Peripheral Artery Disease.  12 million Americans have PAD and 4 million of those patients suffer with leg pain.

A study released in July’s Journal of the American Medical Association, followed nearly 200 patients on a 6-month intervention program that included part of the group walking 5 days a week for 50 minutes. Patients also spent one day a week in a support group for 45 minutes.
Most walkers increased speed and endurance. The results showed that supervised walking on the treadmill improves PAD symptoms as much or more than surgery.

Researchers believe the support group combined with the exercise was a key part of patient success. Those not assigned to exercise — who attended weekly health lectures instead — actually grew weaker, walking 30 feet less than when they started.

At South Florida Vascular Associates we encourage a healthy lifestyle as part of the overall treatment for PAD. Our expert interventional radiologists develop a specific treatment plan for patients with vascular problems. At SFVA we choose to treat patients in minimally invasive ways whenever possible.

The minimally invasive techniques used by interventional radiologists often replace open surgical procedures. This means smaller incisions, less risk, less pain and shorter recovery time for patients.

At South Florida Vascular Associates many of our patients are treated right in out Coconut Creek office in a sophisticated endovascular surgery suite – one of the first of its kind in the country. If you’re suffering from any vascular disease, the doctors at SFVA can help. We have 3 office locations for your convenience. Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach and Plantation. Contact us  today for an appointment - (954) 725-4141.