Research has shown that specific, regular exercise can encourage the development of collateral circulation. This means that the smaller arteries enlarge, allowing them to carry more blood and therefore more oxygen to the muscles.
There is also evidence that regular exercise can help the affected muscles to adapt, becoming less demanding of oxygen when you walk.
This helps to:
- increase the distance walked before pain starts
- improve quality of life
- prevent the need for an operation
Being regularly active also:
- improves overall fitness
- reduces your risk of heart disease, having a stroke or developing diabetes or osteoporosis
- helps to control blood pressure, heart rate, your weight, diabetes and cholesterol levels
Suggested exercises
Start doing each activity for one minute. You can progress as you feel able.
For this programme to work, you must exercise past the point at which you would normally stop.
Exercising with pain will not make your arterial circulation worse.
You should exercise until you can no longer be distracted from the pain in your leg muscles then wait until the pain disappears before restarting.
Walking
Walk as far as possible each day.
For this programme to work you must walk past the point at which you would normally stop.
Calf stretch
Stand with your feet hip width apart and take a step forward.
Take most of the weight on the lead foot and stretch the rear heel to the floor. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat.
Home exercise diary
Keep a record of how often you exercise.
Keeping a record of your achievements will help you to:
- get into the habit of exercising regularly
- help you to see any improvements
Make a note of:
- how long you do each exercise
- how many times you repeat it
Structured exercise classes
If you would like to attend a structured exercise class at a local leisure centre, please speak to your claudication nurse or physiotherapist who can refer you to the appropriate service.
When to avoid exercise
When you exercise, it is normal to feel:
- warm and a little sweaty
- slightly short of breath but able to carry out a conversation
- your heart beating a little faster than normal but not racing
If you feel any of the following symptoms, slow down or stop:
- very short of breath
- dizziness
- pounding/racing heart
- extreme fatigue
- chest pain
- blurred vision
If you do experience any of these symptoms you must speak to your doctor, nurse or physiotherapist before doing further exercise.
Do not exercise if you have a sore throat, cold, flu, infection/temperature.
With any illness, avoid exercise until you feel better, then restart your exercise programme slowly and gradually.
Contact
If you have any problems or questions please contact:
Susan Geddes
Physiotherapist
Intermittent Claudication
Physiotherapy Department
University Hospital Ayr
Phone: 01292 610555 (extension 14233)
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm