Dr. Hill: Thank you for writing in with this question, Greg. First, I suggest you visit your doctor to discuss what you’re experiencing with your leg pain. Painful leg cramping that comes on with exercise and goes away with rest is a symptom of a condition called peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
PVD is a circulatory condition that happens when your blood vessels are blocked or narrowed. Generally, PVD affects the legs, but it can affect other parts of your body as well. If you have PVD, one of the main symptoms is pain or cramping in your legs while walking or exercising. That pain, called claudication, eases or goes away with rest. This pain happens because narrowed blood vessels reduce your body’s blood flow, and reduced blood flow means your body can’t supply enough oxygen to keep up with the demands of exercise.
Sometimes, your environment can cause PVD. Emotional stress and cold temperatures can cause your blood vessels to constrict. More commonly, though, PVD is caused by lifestyle choices or other conditions. Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are common causes of PVD. Other risk factors include being overweight, living a sedentary lifestyle, having kidney or heart disease and family history of PVD.
PVD can have serious complications. Fortunately, this condition can be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes. Your doctor may recommend medications to help with your PVD as well. Exercise is such an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Getting regular movement improves your physical and mental health and wellbeing. Managing your PVD will keep you on your feet and living a healthy life.