For years, Ginger had leg pain without knowing she had peripheral artery disease (PAD).

She was active, but the pain kept getting worse. Four years ago, it became so severe that she went to the emergency room. She was admitted, given anti-inflammatory medication and eventually referred for an orthopedic evaluation for a possible hip replacement.

That orthopedic surgeon changed the direction of her care.

While Ginger did have some arthritis, he told her the symptoms she was describing might be vascular.

An ABI test followed.

Ginger learned she had about 50% blood flow in one leg and 60% in the other.

The first vascular surgeon she saw was prepared to move forward with an angiogram and potentially balloons and stents.

Then Ginger got a second opinion.

That vascular surgeon offered her another option to consider first: a three-month walking program.

When Ginger started, she could barely make it to the mailbox without debilitating leg pain. She describes it as feeling like someone was squeezing the life out of her leg.

Walking around her block took 37 minutes.

She kept walking.

Today, Ginger is hiking, active and living her life. Her PAD hasn't disappeared. She can still have discomfort. But her symptoms are no longer lifestyle limiting.

I wanted Ginger to share her story on The Heart of Innovation because there are several lessons here that I think every person with PAD should hear.

Leg pain isn't always orthopedic.

Getting the right diagnosis matters.

A second opinion can change the course of your care.

And for appropriate patients with intermittent claudication, a structured walking program isn't simply advice to "walk more." Exercise therapy is an important part of PAD treatment that deserves a real conversation before deciding what comes next.

Ginger's story also isn't an argument against angiograms, balloons, stents or other procedures when they're medically appropriate. It's a reminder that PAD treatment should be individualized, and patients should understand their options.

If you have leg pain when you walk that gets better when you stop, don't assume it's simply aging, arthritis, your hip or your back. Ask whether your circulation should be checked.

And if you have PAD and have been told you need a procedure or are facing a possible amputation, you can call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline at:

1-833-PAD-LEGS

We help patients better understand their diagnosis, prepare questions for their physicians and explore options for additional evaluation when appropriate.

PAD Walking Program:
thewaytomyheart.org/pad-walking-program

Join The Great Circulation Challenge to get started walking as well during PAD Awareness Month in September: TheGreatCirculationChallenge.org

Subscribe to @TheWayToMyHeart for more patient stories and conversations about peripheral artery disease, circulation, limb salvage and cardiovascular health.

DISCLAIMER: This program is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Not everyone with PAD is an appropriate candidate for the same exercise or treatment strategy. Talk with your healthcare team about what is appropriate for your condition.

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