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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffMany people can manage the symptoms of peripheral artery disease and stop the progression of the disease through lifestyle changes, especially quitting smoking. To stabilize or improve PAD:
- Stop smoking. Smoking contributes to constriction and damage of your arteries and is a significant risk factor for the development and worsening of PAD. If you smoke, quitting is the most important thing you can do to reduce the progression of the blockage and reduce your risk of complications.
- Exercise. This is a key component. Success in treatment of PAD is often measured by how far you can walk without pain. Proper exercise helps condition your muscles to use oxygen more efficiently. Your doctor can help you develop an appropriate exercise plan. He or she may refer you to a claudication exercise rehabilitation program.
- Eat a healthy diet. A heart-healthy diet can help control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which contribute to atherosclerosis. Preliminary research indicates foods with omega-3 fatty acids may have some beneficial effects on peripheral artery disease symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, which also appear to improve the treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease, can be found in fatty cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring. Lesser amounts are in flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil.
Careful foot care
In addition to the above suggestions, take good care of your feet. People with peripheral artery disease, especially those who also have diabetes, are at risk of poor healing of sores on the lower legs and feet. Poor blood circulation can postpone or prevent proper healing and increases the risk of infection. Follow this advice to care for your feet:
- Wash your feet daily and moisturize them well and often to prevent cracks that can lead to infection.
- Wear well-fitting shoes and thick, dry socks.
- Promptly treat any fungal infections of the feet, such as athlete's foot.
- Take care when trimming your nails.
- Avoid walking barefoot.
- See your doctor at the first sign of a sore or injury to your skin.
