Physical activities such as walking can cause PAD pain.
If your legs are frequently sore and tired, this could be an indication of peripheral artery disease (PAD). This disease is caused by artery narrowing, which causes poor circulation in your extremities. Pain in the legs that is activated by physical activities such as walking but subsides when resting is a common symptom of PAD. PAD affects approximately 6.5 million US adults over the age of 40, and those with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, or diabetes are at a higher risk. Although statin medications are commonly prescribed to treat peripheral artery disease, making changes to your daily habits may also help improve your blood flow and provide needed relief. Here are four natural remedies for relieving the symptoms of peripheral artery disease.
#1: Vary your walking routine.
Walking for 30 minutes a day can help relieve pain, but it can be difficult if your legs are already aching. A workaround is to walk in a “start/stop” pattern, as if you were playing the childhood game “red light, green light.” Walk until you’re mildly uncomfortable, then come to a halt and rest. Begin walking again once the discomfort has subsided. A small study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery suggests that people with PAD benefit from moderate-pain or pain-free exercise.
#2: Make yourself a cup of coffee.
A 2013 study discovered that healthy participants who drank a 5-ounce cup of caffeinated coffee twice increased blood flow significantly more than decaf drinkers. Why? Coffee improves the function of the inner lining of blood vessels and reduces inflammation. This effect allows blood to flow more freely, which is required to alleviate PAD pain.
#3: Eat chocolate.
According to a study published in Circulation Research, PAD participants who drank a cocoa beverage daily for six months were able to walk farther than those who did not. Researchers attribute this benefit to cocoa’s antioxidants, including epicatechins, which improve blood flow to the legs and thus alleviate pain. Add 13 cup cocoa powder to a smoothie or eat 12 ounces of 85 percent dark chocolate every day.
#4: Take into account ginkgo biloba extract.
According to a review of studies published in The American Journal of Medicine, ginkgo biloba extract may help reduce intermittent claudication, a type of leg pain caused by poor blood flow that affects about one in every three people with PAD. More research, however, is needed to confirm the clinical relevance of this effect, according to the researchers. Before attempting a new supplement or treatment plan, consult your doctor.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your doctor before beginning any treatment plan.
Erin Balsa is a highly skilled and knowledgeable health journalist with a passion for educating the public on important health and wellness topics. With extensive experience in both traditional and digital media, Erin has established herself as a trusted voice in the field.