Penn Highlands Healthcare Urges Early Detection During Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month

September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, and Penn Highlands Healthcare is encouraging community members to learn the warning signs of this common yet frequently undiagnosed vascular condition.

Peripheral Artery Disease affects more than 10 million Americans and is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in the United States. PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and restricts blood flow to the limbs, most commonly the legs and feet. Despite its severity, nearly 70% of people living with PAD do not know they have it because early symptoms are often mild or mistaken for normal signs of aging.

“Patients may regard leg pain or cramping while walking as just a natural part of getting older, but it can actually be a key warning sign of restricted blood flow,” said Adil Waheed, DO, FSCAI, a five board-certified and fellowed interventional cardiologist at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “PAD is not just a leg problem, it’s a clear indicator of systemic vascular health. Catching it early allows us to protect both life and limb through simple lifestyle changes, medication or non-invasive procedures.”

Recognizing the Symptoms and Risk Factors

The most common symptom of PAD is muscle pain or cramping in the legs or arms triggered by activity, such as walking, that disappears after a few minutes of rest. Other warning signs include:

• Numbness, weakness or a cold sensation in the lower leg or foot.

• Sores or wounds on the toes, feet or legs that heal slowly or not at all.

• Changes in skin color or shiny skin on the legs.

• Slowed hair growth on the legs or slower toenail growth.

Individuals over the age of 50, current or former smokers and those living with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol are at an increased risk for developing PAD.

Preventive Care and Advanced Treatment

When left untreated, PAD can lead to limb ischemia, tissue loss or amputation. However, up to 90% of PAD-related amputations are preventable with early intervention and proper treatment plans.

“Our primary goal is limb preservation and improving our patients’ everyday quality of life,” said Dr. Waheed. “With non-invasive screenings like an ankle-brachial Index (ABI) test, we can quickly assess blood flow in the legs. If you have risk factors or are experiencing leg discomfort, speaking with your doctor could quite literally save your leg.”

The wound care experts at Penn Highlands Healthcare are dedicated to healing patients with chronic and difficult wounds, including those that are caused by circulatory problems that stem from diabetes, trauma, paralysis or burns. The clinical staff thoroughly assesses each patient’s injury, including any underlying causes. After each assessment, an individualized treatment plan is developed to meet patients’ specific needs. For more information, visit www.phhealthcare.org/woundcare.