Blogs
Two Kinds of PAD Pain and Two Ways to Fight It
Two Kinds of PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteriesArteries are blood vessels that carry blood to your heart and other parts of your body. and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. Pain and Two Ways to Fight It How bad is my pain from peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in […]
What are Varicose Veins?
What are Varicose Veins? Have you been noticing little purple and blue veins suddenly appearing on your legs? You could have varicose veins. These veins are abnormal, swollen and twisted blood vessels. They are often surrounded by thin, red capillaries commonly known as spider veins. Varicose veins are a type of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), […]
The Symptoms and Risks Factors of PAD
The Symptoms and Risks Factors of PAD Would you recognize the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) even if you were experiencing them? Sometimes the signs of pain in your legs and feet are so gradual they’re easy to ignore. But PAD can lead to amputation if left untreated! Dr. Kirk Minkus, Vascular & Interventional […]
Clearing Up Misconceptions About PAD
Clearing Up Misconceptions About PAD Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects up 20 million Americans.41 Yet the disease is not well known — and many people have never even heard of it. Maybe you know of PAD, but we want you to have the most accurate information! PAD is a dangerous disease and should not be […]
Gangrene — A Dangerous Sign of PAD
Gangrene — A Dangerous Sign of PAD Do you or a loved one have blackened areas or ulcers on your feet or toes? These are not just effects of old age — and they should not be ignored. In fact, this could be a sign you have gangrene. Gangrene is the localized death of body […]
How to Exercise with PAD
How to Exercise with PAD One in twenty Americans over the age of 50 have peripheral artery disease (PAD).8 With this condition, many people experience heavy and tired legs. So how can you exercise with PAD safely to feel better? The first step is to start slowly — but consistently — with a new routine. […]
PAD Treatment Options
PAD Treatment Options More than 20 million Americans have peripheral artery disease (PAD).1 However, while so many Americans are affected by PAD, too few are receiving treatment. PAD is a complex disease. Early detection and getting treatment could help stop the disease from getting worse – and potentially save a toe or leg from amputation.17 […]
Learn the Connections Between Kidney Disease and PAD
Learn the Connections Between Kidney Disease and PAD Chronic kidney diseaseA disease that impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products and extra water from the blood. (CKD) is a difficult but manageable condition with proper treatment. But did you know it is connected to other health risks, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD)? PAD […]
Don’t Ignore the Signs. Early Detection Can Make a Difference in PAD.
Don’t Ignore the Signs. Early Detection Can Make a Difference in PAD. As you get older, you might assume that some of the aches and pains you’re experiencing are just a normal part of aging. Maybe you have frequent discomfort in your legs and feet, and you figure it’s just poor circulation. But poor circulation […]
It’s Okay to Ask for a Second Opinion
It’s Okay to Ask for a Second Opinion Peripheral artery disease (PAD) has many treatment options, including long-term lifestyle changes and medications. However, if you have advanced PAD, these treatments might not be enough. Your doctor may recommend bypass surgery or amputation, a common treatment for the most severe stage of PAD.3 This is an […]
Stop Smoking and Improve Your PAD Outlook
Stop Smoking and Improve Your PAD Outlook You’ve likely heard it many times: Smoking is bad for your health. But if you have peripheral artery disease (PAD), smoking cigarettes could have a stronger effect on your health than you realize. Smoking is a significant risk factor for PAD.37 The lives of patients with PAD who […]
Consider a Doctor’s Reputation When Looking for a Second Opinion Before Amputation
Consider a Doctor’s Reputation When Looking for a Second Opinion Before Amputation There are 160,000 amputations related to peripheral artery disease (PAD) performed every year in the U.S.3 Many of these patients might have avoided such a drastic procedure with a strong clinical support team. Gain Insight Before Making a Decision In this video, Kym […]
Partner With Your Doctor for PAD Treatment Options
Partner With Your Doctor for PAD Treatment Options You’ve suspected for a while that your pain is more than just getting older. Wounds won’t heal. Your skin’s discolored. Maybe you’re experiencing numbness or even burning in your legs and feet. You might have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This serious condition can lead to amputation or […]
Reducing Health Disparities: Black Americans and PAD
Reducing Health Disparities: Black Americans and PAD Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is more common in Black Americans than any other racial or ethnic group.63 Black Americans are also twice as likely to get an amputation than White Americans due to PAD.47 Why do these health disparities exist? And what can be done to reduce the possibility […]
ARC Act Proposed to Prevent Amputations
The ARC Act — A Bipartisan Effort to Prevent PAD-Related Amputations Too many of us know people in our communities who’ve had amputations for conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD). The procedure is all-too common, especially in minority populations.47 But there is hope — with screening and treatment options that can help prevent amputations. Congressional […]
The Importance of ABI Tests
Why ABI Tests Are Important for PAD Diagnosis and Treatment Are you concerned that you’re at risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD)? There are steps you can take to protect your health. You can maintain healthy lifestyle habits that may prevent the disease. You can also prevent the more serious complications of PAD through early […]
The Connection between CAD and PAD
The Connection between CAD and PAD It’s tempting to focus only on one thing at a time, especially when it comes to a medical issue. However, there are many interrelated conditions that are important to pay attention to for your long-term health — such as the connection between coronary artery diseaseA disease in which a […]
We Stand with the ADA for Health Equity
Know Your Rights to Get the Healthcare You Deserve Too many minority and low-income Americans do not have access to the health care they need. The COVID-19 pandemic increased awareness of these inequities, and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has a Health Equity Bill of Rights to balance the injustices. Healthcare disparities have many effects, […]
How to Get a Second Opinion
How To Get a Second Opinion: Important Steps Before Agreeing to an Amputation Many people fear that seeing a doctor will lead to bad news. With peripheral artery disease (PAD), early detection is important. Getting appropriate screening and treatment could help stop the disease from getting worse – possibly saving a toe or leg from […]
Telehealth — A Way to Stay on Top of Appointments
Telehealth — The Modern Way to Make House Calls People with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) symptoms need to stay on top of appointments — even during a pandemic. While doctors and patients used telehealth appointments as a way to meet for years, COVID-19 accelerated its increased use. There are a variety of ways that telehealth […]
What to Expect from Your PAD Medical Team
What to Expect from Your PAD Medical Team Have you noticed new or increased symptoms such as poor circulation, leg pain, cold legs and sores recently? Too many people dismiss these important signs as mild irritations. Some also worry that physicians won’t take their concerns seriously or, worse, will recommend amputation. It feels easier to […]
PAD Treatment Evolution Helps Stop the Disease from Getting Worse
PAD Treatment Evolution Helps Stop the Disease from Getting Worse More than 20 million Americans have peripheral artery disease (PAD).1 However, while so many Americans are affected by PAD, too few are receiving treatment. PAD is a complex disease. Early detection and getting treatment could help stop the disease from getting worse — and potentially […]
Keep Your Appointments During COVID-19
Why You Should Keep Doctor Appointments during COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic makes staying physically and mentally healthy more difficult. COVID-19 only adds to overall stress and anxiety. There’s second-guessing daily choices and longer-term decisions often feel more complicated. But there is one important step you should take to get through the pandemic as healthy as […]
The Importance of Angiograms
The Importance of Angiograms for Treating PAD Too many people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have a toe, foot or leg amputated as their first-line treatment. “53% of the people in this country get amputations without getting diagnostic tests taken to see whether or not you can increase the blood supply to the leg,”5,16 says […]
Racial Disparities in Amputation
Racial Disparities in Amputation African Americans are twice as likely to get an amputation than Caucasians. Hispanics are 50% more likely to be amputated compared to Caucasians.47 These numbers are disappointing and unacceptable. Our goal at Take A Stand Against Amputation is to reduce the number of unnecessary amputations. Amputation can be a life-changing procedure […]
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Is Peripheral Neuropathy the Same as PAD? When you talk with your doctor about diabetes, you may hear a variety of medical terms, including peripheral artery disease (PAD) and peripheral neuropathyThe most common type of neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. It affects the nerves in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. It generally starts in the feet, and it […]
Be an Advocate for Your Health — Get a Second Opinion About Amputation
Be an Advocate for Your Health — Get a Second Opinion About Amputation Is your doctor recommending amputating your leg or foot as treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD)? It’s important to know that you don’t have to accept that prognosis before doing more research. You can — and should — advocate for yourself by […]
What Doctors Diagnose and Treat Peripheral Artery Disease
What Doctors Diagnose and Treat Peripheral Artery Disease? Are you worried that pain in your leg is getting worse? Or are you experiencing cold toes or feet? Sometimes you may even have numbness or burning sensations in your legs. You may be experiencing symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD). It’s important to not assume these […]
We’re Here to Stand Against Amputation with You
We’re Here to Stand Against Amputation with You A lesser known health condition is making a big impact in the U.S. Every year, about 160,000 Americans undergo an amputation due to peripheral artery disease (PAD).3 That is a significant number for one health condition, and it’s staggering considering that it represents more amputations than all […]
Telehealth: Another Option for Medical Treatment
Telehealth: Another Option for Medical Treatment Early detection and ongoing medical care are crucial to maintaining good health – especially if you have a chronic condition, such as kidney disease, diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may feel hesitant about visiting a doctor, but you can’t let that stop you. […]
Stop ignoring the signs. Talk to a PAD specialist. Take control of your health.