Get Moving To Relieve Pain From Leg Cramps

Do you ever go for a walk, only to be derailed by cramping in your calves or a heavy, tired feeling in your legs? Does the pain ever cause you to limp? If so, you could be experiencing claudication - leg cramping caused by inadequate blood flow to the muscles.

According to Melissa Hetrick, D.O., a vascular surgeon at Henry Ford Health, claudication is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition that develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries and restricts blood flow.

Managing Your Risk For Peripheral Artery Disease

"People who smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or are over the age of 60 are at higher risk," explains Dr. Hetrick. The good news is that you can lower your risk of PAD - and ease claudication - by quitting smoking, controlling your blood sugar and keeping your blood pressure in check.

It might surprise you, but the best way to relieve leg cramps while walking is not to stop completely - it's to pause briefly, then keep going.

"I encourage my patients to walk for 30 minutes, resting as needed," says Dr. Hetrick. "Don't count rest breaks toward your 30 minutes. Try to make walking part of your daily routine."

Walking stimulates the growth of small arteries in the legs, which improves circulation over time. Importantly, the cramping you feel while walking is not causing harm to your muscles or arteries, Dr. Hetrick reassures.

If your doctor agrees, start with a simple walking plan: begin with 10 minutes a day and gradually increase your time. This steady approach can help improve blood flow, reduce exercise-related leg cramps and build your endurance.

Recovering from PAD or a Vascular Procedure

If you've been diagnosed with PAD or are recovering from a vascular procedure, you may benefit from a supervised exercise program. Many hospitals offer vascular rehabilitation, in which you can exercise safely while being monitored by a healthcare professional. These programs help build confidence, extend your walking distance and reduce complications from vascular disease.

For more advanced cases of PAD, treatment may include minimally invasive procedures or surgery. Talk with your primary care provider to see if you would benefit from a vascular screening or consultation with a vascular surgeon.