How you can manage peripheral arterial disease

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking is a major risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Quitting smoking may help prevent PAD or slow its progression. For more information on how to stop smoking, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
• Lower your cholesterol. For more information, see the topic High Cholesterol.
• Lower your blood pressure. For more information, see the topic High Blood Pressure (Hypertension).
• Get regular exercise.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet.
• If you have diabetes, carefully monitor and control your blood sugar levels. For more information, see the topics:
  • Type 1 Diabetes: Living With the Disease.
  • Type 1 Diabetes: Living With Complications.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Living With the Disease.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Living With Complications.
• Avoid getting sick from the flu. Get a flu shot every year.

Home treatment for PAD

Take good care of your feet and legs. When you have reduced blood flow to your legs, even minor injuries can lead to serious infections.

• Treat cuts and scrapes on your legs right away. Poor blood flow to the legs caused by PAD can result in small cuts and scrapes that do not heal properly. Prompt treatment can help you avoid this problem and is especially important for people who also have diabetes.
• Avoid shoes that are too tight or that rub your feet. Shoes should be comfortable and fit well. Avoid socks or stockings that are tight enough to leave elastic-band marks on your legs, which can make worse the circulation problems and symptoms associated with PAD.
• Keep your feet clean and moisturized to prevent your skin from drying and cracking. Place cotton or lamb's wool between your toes to prevent rubbing and absorb moisture.
• If open sores develop, keep them dry and cover them with nonstick bandages. See your doctor as soon as you discover an open sore.