November 2021 Tip of the Month

Reduce Claudication, Improve Quality of Life and Functioning in Your PAD Patients

 

Patients with PAD may experience claudication and other atypical symptoms that reduce their quality of life and functioning. This month we focus on a home-based exercise program by Dr. Jeffrey Olin to be used in the management of PAD patients. Patients who have intermittent claudication can benefit from a regular walking program. Studies have shown that regular exercise, particularly walking, can improve your symptoms of leg pain.

 

Home-Based Exercise Program
 
  • Patients should aim for 3-5 sessions per week, beginning, possibly, with 10 minutes of walking exercise per session
  • Increase walking per session by 5 minutes per week, until patient is walking 45-50 minutes per session (excluding rest periods)
  • Give your patients handouts with step-by-step instructions for both outdoors and on a treadmill

 

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