The journey of peripheral artery disease is often misunderstood, but our PAD community proves that knowledge, persistence, and the right support can change outcomes.*
When we launched the PAD Legsaver Hotline podcast, our vision was simple: create a space where patients with peripheral artery disease could share their experiences, learn from one another, and find the courage to advocate for better care. Our latest episode brought together voices from across the country, each with powerful stories that illuminate both the challenges and possibilities for those living with PAD.
Understanding PAD: More Than Just Leg Pain
Peripheral artery disease affects approximately 8-10 million Americans, yet remains severely underdiagnosed. Put simply, PAD occurs when arteries that supply blood to your limbs become narrowed or blocked, primarily due to atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque inside the arteries.
The symptoms include:
- Leg pain or cramping when walking (claudication)
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Coldness in your lower leg or foot
- Sores on toes, feet, or legs that won't heal
- Shiny skin on the legs
- Hair loss or slower hair growth on feet and legs
- Slower toenail growth
- No pulse or a weak pulse in the legs or feet
When PAD progresses to its advanced stage, Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI), patients experience:
- Severe pain in the feet or toes, even when resting
- Sores and wounds that won't heal
- Gangrene (tissue death)
- Increased risk of amputation
Walking as Medicine: The Science Behind Claudication
One of the most powerful insights from our conversation centered around something we've long advocated for: walking as medicine. But not just any walking—specific, intentional walking that triggers collateral vessel growth.
"Walking has been proven to be the number one thing to create collaterals," Douglas emphasized during our discussion. "The reason why walking is the best is when you push off, it pushes that blood back up. Your calf is like the second heart muscle."
The key concept here is claudication time—the period from when pain begins until it becomes unbearable. This pain window is precisely when your body receives the signals to build new blood vessels around blockages.
As one of our guests, Alan, shared: "The first appointment that I had with my vascular surgeon, he told me that I had to start walking to induce claudication." When Alan asked how to learn more about this approach, his doctor directed him to our resources—a validation of the evidence-based information we work to provide.
Beyond Symptoms: The Emotional Rollercoaster of PAD
Living with PAD affects far more than just physical mobility—it transforms daily life in profound ways. Douglas captured this reality perfectly when he said, "How many of us think, this is not what we thought life would look like at this time of our life?"
For Eddie, who joined our conversation, the disease progression has been particularly challenging: "I've lost 25 pounds in the last three months. And the walking, right now I could walk for a short period of time, but it's like it just zaps everything out of me. It makes me feel really bad because I can't do anything like I used to do."
Another member of our community, Alan, spoke candidly about the severity of his pain: "I've spent 80% of my time in the last three months in bed. That's why I've lost all the muscle in my legs."
His daughter's observation was heartbreaking but accurately describes what many experience: "Dad, you're not living, you're just existing."
Becoming Your Own Best Advocate
Many PAD patients spend years being misdiagnosed before receiving proper treatment. Eddie's experience highlights this problem: "I went undiagnosed for like four years, just walking through the pain."
Learning to ask the right questions can dramatically change your care path. Douglas shared how our educational resources have empowered patients: "How many of us have gone to doctors now after we've learned some questions to ask, and the doctor stops in his tracks and looks at us like, 'Uh-oh, where'd you get that from? Where'd you learn that from? How do you know that?'"
Imelda, another podcast participant, emphasized how important it is to seek information independently: "I went on a video by Dr. William Lee, who was a vascular doctor. And he said there were two things that were absolutely very good for your little tiny arterioles in your toes. One was beets and one was pomegranate juice."
The Hidden Dangers of Smoking with PAD
For those with PAD, continuing to smoke isn't just risky—it actively reverses progress made through other treatments. As we discussed during the episode: "We talk about walk, walk, walk, right? But every drag [of a cigarette] you took takes away one of those steps."
This insight has been life-changing for many in our community. One member named Becky stopped smoking immediately after learning this fact from Dr. Oneida Duwa at Mass General, realizing she couldn't afford to undo her hard-won progress.
From Diagnosis to Daily Management: Building a New Normal
Building a new normal with PAD requires practical strategies beyond medical treatments. Many of our community members have found ways to adapt:
- Kevin Morgan, author of "How to Fight the Crippling Pain of Peripheral Artery Disease," regularly shares practical exercises like "toe yoga" to improve circulation on InspirationalSelfHelpBooks.com
- Douglas performs circulation exercises even in waiting rooms, sharing: "It's like, okay, get up and do my toe yoga"
- Imelda has incorporated specific foods like beets and pomegranate juice into her diet based on research about their benefits for circulation
The "PAD 100" exercise has become a favorite for many—simple movements that can be done even while lying in bed to help improve circulation.
Finding Hope and Community
What ultimately emerged from our conversation was the power of community. PAD can be isolating, but connecting with others who truly understand creates hope and practical support.
"It's nice to know I'm not the only one who goes through these things," Douglas reflected. "Our experiences are all a little bit different, but in dealing with, in some ways, the same stuff."
Take Action Today
If you or someone you love is living with PAD or experiencing symptoms, don't wait:
- Call our Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS for personalized guidance
- Join our support communities at padsupportgroup.org and the walkingsupportgroup.com
- Sign up for our lifestyle programs including the My Steps walking app and I Quit smoking cessation program
- Email info@padhelp.org for more information on any of our services
For educational content, subscribe to our YouTube channel at youtube.com/thewaytomyheart, where you'll find past episodes of the PAD Legsaver Hotline and other valuable resources.
Remember Douglas's powerful motto: "PAD is just a part of who we are today. It doesn't make us who we are. It doesn't define you." With the right knowledge, support, and determination, you can navigate this journey successfully.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on patient experiences shared during our PAD Legsaver Hotline podcast and is intended for educational purposes only. This content should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Every PAD journey is unique, and treatment approaches that work for one person may not be appropriate for another.
All patient stories are shared with permission, though some details may have been modified to protect privacy while preserving the essential educational elements of their experiences.
Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any changes to your treatment plan, exercise regimen, diet, or medication. Proper diagnosis and individualized care from vascular specialists are essential for managing PAD effectively.
The Way to My Heart, the Global PAD Association, and affiliated programs mentioned in this article are dedicated to patient education and support. While we strive to provide accurate information based on current medical understanding, healthcare is constantly evolving, and readers should verify all information with their healthcare providers.
If you're experiencing symptoms that may indicate PAD or CLI, especially severe pain, non-healing wounds, or changes in skin color or temperature in your extremities, please seek immediate medical attention.