Peripheral Artery Disease

Pain in your legs when you walk?

Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD, is a condition that affects blood flow to your legs and may signal broader heart health issues. When your muscles don’t get enough blood during activity, such as walking, you can feel pain, cramping or weakness in your legs. PAD and heart disease share the same underlying process, so PAD can also be a window into your heart health.

Symptoms of PAD

If you experience any of the following when you walk or move, talk to your doctor:

Cramping, aching, or fatigue in your calves, thighs, or hips
Pain that begins with activity and improves with rest
Legs that feel weak or tired
Cold feet or lower legs
Slow-healing wounds on your feet or toes
Changes in skin color on your legs

These symptoms are common, but not normal. Many people assume PAD is just part of aging. It’s not.

Who is at risk?

Certain factors make PAD more likely, including:

Smoking or past tobacco use
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Being inactive
A family history of heart or vascular disease
Age (risk increases with age)

If you have one or more of these risk factors, ask your doctor whether screening for PAD makes sense.

Treating PAD with Supervised Exercise Therapy

If you’ve been diagnosed with PAD, or think your symptoms may be related, talk with your primary care provider about whether Supervised Exercise Therapy, or SET, is right for you.

We are the first in the region to offer this non-surgical treatment for people with PAD.

In this program, you’re supposed by a trained Cardiac Rehab care team who understands PAD and how it affects your body. It includes:

3 structured walking sessions per week for 12 weeks (30-60 minutes per session)
Careful monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure
Walking to the point of discomfort, then resting
Gradual increases in activity as your condition improves

SET is covered by Medicare and many private insurers.

Coronary Calcium Scoring

Cardiac Rehab

Cardiac Nuclear Stress Testing

Cardiac Care

FAQs

Is leg pain just a part of getting older?

No. Many people think they are just slowing down. But leg pain that stops when you rest is a medical sign. It means your body needs better blood flow. The good news is that PAD can be treated. You do not have to live with the pain.

What is Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET)?

SET at NMC Health includes:

Exercise plans made for each person
Supervision by trained staff during exercise
Monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels
Education on healthy habits, such as nutrition and quitting smoking

Does the Supervised Exercise Therapy program involve surgery or needles?

No. There are no needles, no cuts, and no surgery. It is a natural way to get healthy. It is often the first step doctors suggest before they even think about surgery.

What happens during a visit?

You will walk on a treadmill at a slow pace. When your legs start to ache, you sit and rest. Our team will watch your heart rate and blood pressure the whole time. We make sure you are safe and comfortable. Each visit lasts about an hour.

How long does the program last?

Most people come for therapy three times a week. The program usually lasts for about 12 weeks. Many patients start to feel better and walk further in just a few weeks!

Does Medicare or insurance pay for this?

Yes. Medicare covers this program for people with PAD. Most private insurance plans help pay for it, too.

Do I need a referral to start?

Yes. You will need a referral from your primary care doctor. It tells us that your doctor thinks this program is the right choice for your health.