Peripheral arterial disease

In short

• With peripheral arterial disease, you experience pain and fatigue in your legs when you walk
• The pain usually disappears after a brief rest
• You may also find that your feet are often cold, your toenails become thicker and wounds take longer to heal
• Peripheral arterial disease is a narrowing of the arteries caused by atherosclerosis. This restricts blood flow to the legs
• Risk factors include smoking, an unhealthy lifestyle, a family history of the disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol
• It is good to keep walking (even if it is painful). It will not aggravate the condition
• Giving up smoking, getting enough exercise and eating a healthy diet help prevent peripheral arterial disease
• Physiotherapists prescribe exercise programmes specially designed to help people with peripheral arterial disease achieve a healthy lifestyle

What is peripheral arterial disease?

The medical term for this condition is ‘intermittent claudication’. The Latin ‘claudicatio intermittens’ means to walk with an intermittent limp. The condition is more commonly referred to as peripheral arterial disease. Peripheral arterial disease affects the blood vessels on the periphery of the body, far away from the heart.

Causes of peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease is caused by narrowing and hardening of the arteries known as atherosclerosis. Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight and not getting enough exercise all increase the risk of peripheral arterial disease. A family history of the disease is also a significant risk factor. The risk factors are cumulative. In other words, if you smoke and you are overweight, you are more likely to develop the disease. This is also the case if one of your parents developed heart or vascular disease at a young age. Peripheral arterial disease is more common in older people. It is important not to just endure these symptoms. Without the right treatment, the symptoms will persist and, in many cases, gradually get worse.

Symptoms of peripheral arterial disease

You experience cramping and fatigue in your legs during exertion. These sensations disappear when you stop moving. These symptoms generally occur when you walk, but they can also occur during activities such as cycling or climbing stairs. Some people experience symptoms when they move at a normal pace, others only experience symptoms when doing more strenuous exercise. You may find that your feet are often cold and/or that your toenails become thicker. Small wounds on your feet and lower legs take longer to heal and are more likely to become infected. The symptoms may differ from day to day, but without the right treatment, over time they will inevitably get worse.

Treatment of peripheral arterial disease

Your doctor can (arrange for a specialist to) examine you to see if you have narrowed blood vessels in your legs. This is done by comparing the blood pressure in your arms and ankles. If you are diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease, you will usually be referred to a specialist physiotherapist who is specially trained to prescribe a supervised walking programme for peripheral arterial disease. This treatment usually eliminates the need for surgery. Although occasionally hospital intervention (stenting or bypass) is needed.

Please note! It is important to find out from your physiotherapist if they specialise in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease. Many health insurers have specific eligibility requirements for reimbursement under basic health insurance. Among other things this means that the cost of a course of treatment will only be reimbursed if you are treated by a Chronisch ZorgNet therapist who specialises in peripheral arterial disease. Several High Five physiotherapists specialise in treating the disease. Check with the physiotherapist at your location.

Our physiotherapists are available nearby to provide immediate treatment for your symptoms. We have a practice in your company or in the area, so you can start treatment straight away and do not have to spend time travelling. Our physiotherapists are familiar with your workplace. They know a great deal about the workstations, working postures, workloads and strains that the employees within the company have to deal with. They will assess your condition and determine the right treatment and guidance to best meet your needs.