Leg Pain

Smoking

Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for IC. If you smoke, your risk of developing the peripheral arterial disease is two to seven times greater than nonsmokers. Smoking increases the risk of IC by:

Narrowing blood vessels, which decreases blood flow to the legs.
Reducing the amount of oxygen in your blood, which can increase leg pain.
Irritating the lining of blood vessels, which can speed hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
People with IC who continue to smoke also have a 10-fold greater risk for limb amputation.

Most podiatric physicians include an antismoking component as a routine part of their encounters with all patients regardless of the diagnosis and no matter what age.

High Cholesterol

High blood cholesterol is another risk factor for IC. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance made by the liver, and it also enters the bloodstream from the food you eat. When cholesterol builds up in the walls of the arteries of the legs, blood flow is reduced, causing pain when you walk. Studies suggest that lowering the amount of fat in the blood, including cholesterol, may slow the progression of IC and possibly relieve symptoms.

Some steps you can take to control high blood cholesterol include eating a heart-healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active. These lifestyle changes are the same as those recommended for people with IC, giving you even more reason to undertake them. When diet and exercise aren’t enough, medication may be needed. Your doctor can determine what treatment is best for you. For more on what you should know about cholesterol, visit the National Cholesterol Education Program on the Web.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for IC. It contributes to the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which is the basis of peripheral arterial disease and IC. Although clinical studies have not yet been performed to determine if lowering high blood pressure relieves IC symptoms, it’s wise to take steps to control your blood pressure. For more information on lowering high blood pressure, visit the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Web site.

Physical Inactivity

Doctors have found a link between IC and an inactive lifestyle, which means that people with IC are most likely not getting enough exercise. A sedentary lifestyle can result in muscle loss, lower endurance, and higher blood pressure-all of which complicate IC.

To become more active, people with IC can begin by walking every day for 20 minutes, alternating walking with periods of rest. Your podiatric physician can ensure your feet will be up to the task of starting a walking regimen. The goal is to increase continuous walking to 30 to 45 minutes each day for at least six months. Ask your doctor before you start or significantly increase an exercise program.

Exercise yields many rewards. Research has shown that regular exercise can help control IC risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes as well as almost double your pain- free walking distance.

Obesity

Excess weight can make other IC risk factors much harder to control. It raises blood pressure and blood cholesterol and increases the risk of developing diabetes. A commitment to losing weight and maintaining that weight loss can be challenging, but by losing even 10 to 20 pounds, you can help reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Your doctor can help you begin a healthy weight loss plan which may include both diet and exercise.

Diabetes

If you suffer from diabetes (high blood sugar), your risk for developing IC is two to three times greater. Steps to help control diabetes include quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, being physically active, and controlling sugar intake. By controlling diabetes, you may also be able to delay or prevent its complications, such as IC. For more information on controlling diabetes, visit the National Diabetes Education Program Web site.