Reversal of Lower-Extremity Intermittent Claudication and Rest Pain by Hydration.

Background: Medical treatment of disabling intermittent claudication or critical limb-threatening ischemia causing rest pain often fails or has partial response.

Methods: In this pilot study, 36 patients (12 females) affected by disabling intermittent claudication or rest pain of the lower extremities were exposed to a daily 3-L water intake for up to 6 weeks. Cutaneous foot temperature, ankle/brachial index, time and distance of claudication, and pain intensity were recorded before and at the completion of the hydration period.

Results: Patients with a mean ± SE age of 71 ± 2 years (range, 40-86) had disabling claudication (less than 100 meters) for more than 5 months while 11% reported pain at rest. A 6-week water intake of more than 2,500 mL/24 hr was achieved in 35 of the 36 patients enrolled in the study. Increased water intake was associated with significant improvements in median ankle/brachial index (from 0.60 to 0.76; P < 0.0001) and skin temperature (first dorsal right toe, from 29.95°C to 30.0°C, P < 0.001). Time and distance to report claudication of supervised treadmill exercise improved from 1.25 to 6.25 min (P < 0.0001) and from 100 meters to 535 meters (P < 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusions: This study suggests that hydration attained by daily water consumption of more than 2.5 L has a robust impact on reducing the symptoms of disabling claudication and rest pain caused by peripheral vascular disease.