If you’ve ever experienced leg pain or cramping while walking that eases when you stop, it might be more than just getting older, it could be Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). And if that’s the case, there’s good news: one of the most effective treatments doesn’t require surgery or medication; It’s walking, specifically, through a medically supervised close to home PAD Walking Program offered at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Heart Center, monitored by Interventional Cardiologist Dean Katsamakis, DO.
But what exactly is PAD? How does this walking program work? And how long do you have to commit to see real results? Let’s break it down.
First of all, what is PAD?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, reducing blood flow to the legs. It’s a circulation issue that can cause pain, fatigue or heaviness in the legs during physical activity.
Who Typically Experiences PAD?
- 1 in 20 adults over age 50
- 1 in 5 over age 70
When are you considered high risk for PAD? You may be considered high risk if you are/have:
- A history of smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- An African American ethnicity
- A personal or family history of heart disease, heart attack or stroke
What is the PAD Walking Program?
The PAD Walking Program at Sarah Bush Lincoln is a supervised exercise therapy designed specifically for people living with PAD. Offered through our Cardiac Rehab Center, the program focuses on walking, to help improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.
But this isn’t just any walk in the park. The program uses a structured walk-rest-walk approach to gently challenge your legs. You walk until you feel moderate discomfort, take a short rest, and repeat. Over time, this controlled exposure to discomfort helps your leg muscles adapt, improves their ability to use oxygen and increases your walking distance and quality of life.
Why Does Walking Help PAD?
Walking might seem too simple to be effective but for PAD, but it’s incredibly powerful. Regular, guided cardiovascular exercise can:
- Increase circulation in your legs.
- Strengthen your muscles to use oxygen more efficiently.
- Reduce symptoms like cramping and fatigue.
- Slow PAD progression.
- Improve heart health and overall endurance.
How Long is the Program?
Every person’s journey with PAD is unique, so the program is tailored to your individual needs, pain tolerance and overall health. That said, a standard program includes:
- Three sessions per week.
- One-hour sessions, including warm-up and cool-down.
- Typically lasts 12 to 24 weeks.
After completing the program, patients are strongly encouraged to continue walking independently or within a community-based setting to maintain the benefits.
The First Step is the Hardest
Living with PAD doesn’t mean giving up your favorite activities or accepting a life of discomfort. With the right support, movement becomes medicine and every step you take helps fight the disease.
Talk to your cardiologist today about how to get started. Your legs and your heart will thank you.
Pictured: Dean Katsamakis, DO
Please note the information in this blog is not a subsite for medical care. You should always consult your doctor for more details.
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