TENS Research for PAD Leg Pain

A team at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) are set to investigate how patients can use TENS and increased activity to relieve leg pain. 

The study will examine how the use of electrical stimulation can help patients to walk further, increasing physical activity and reducing health risks.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) affects  2.7 million people in the UK. The NHS define PAD as follows:

“Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common condition, in which a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries restricts blood supply to leg muscles. It’s also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD).”

The condition causes narrowing of the arteries and pain in the lower limbs which makes walking difficult and painful, reducing activity levels.

Previous research has already shown that TENS can reduce pain and increase the walking capabilities of patients. This research is hoped to build upon previous findings, by focusing on how use of TENS to manage the pain can contribute to overall activity and health.

TENS Pain Relief

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and is a means of using electrical stimulation to manage pain. It is a system which is used in a range of medical requirements, including arthritis, knee pain, back pain, period pain and even childbirth.

Joint-Chief Investigators Dr Christopher Seenan (GCU) said:

“Regular exercise and physical activity are central to the management of PAD and help to improve walking distances and reduce the health-risks associated with PAD such as heart attack and stroke. However, exercise and physical activity in this population is often limited due to pain. The study will investigate whether TENS can improve the physical activity of patients with PAD when delivered alone and/or alongside a patient education programme.”

TENS and Varicose Veins

There are certain TENS devices which are marketed as being suitable for varicose vein pain and swelling. However, medical advice is that TENS pads should NEVER be placed over varicose veins and systems are not be suitable for severe varicose veins, so readers interested in using TENS for other venous leg conditions need to take great care and seek medical advice in case of any doubt.

London Vein Treatment Centre

Cosmedics’ London Vein Treatment Centre offers the very latest EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal at their London vein treatment centre with a renowned vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

This treatment has over a 95% success rate in treating varicose veins.

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