Above: U-M PAD patient and barber Steve Duris is back on his feet without pain after getting treatment for PAD at the U-M Frankel Cardiovascular Center (learn more about Steve below).
PAD Leg Pain Can Be a Sign of More Serious Heart Problems
If you’ve been told your leg pain is a result of poor circulation, it’s likely that you have peripheral artery disease, or PAD. Nearly 12 million people in the United States have PAD, but many don’t realize it because symptoms are often mild.
Leg Pain in the Calf, Thigh or Buttock: Although PAD is most commonly found in the lower leg, typically in the muscle and tissue of the calf, PAD can also occur in the thigh, hip and buttock.
Don't Ignore the Pain: If you've been diagnosed with PAD, it’s a sign that your blood vessels are not healthy. This means you’re more likely to develop other serious cardiovascular issues such as coronary heart disease or heart attack.
Treatment for Every PAD Patient: Whether your PAD is mild or severe, the Peripheral Arterial Disease Program at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center cares for all PAD patients, whether your pain is annoying but mild or if your condition is limb-threatening and disabling.
Team Approach Means Customized PAD Treatment for Every Patient
American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology guidelines for treating PAD recommend care from a team of physicians with multiple specialties represented.
Our team at the Peripheral Arterial Disease Program:
- Brings together a strong team of experts from multiple cardiovascular specialties all in one location.
- Meets regularly to discuss individual cases and develop the best strategy for every patient.
- Works closely with podiatry and diabetes specialists to prevent amputations where possible.
Few other centers offer such a complete PAD program.
PAD Patient Stories
Ann Arbor Barber Back on His Feet: Cutting hair has been a part of Steve Duris’ life for 52 years. So when the 69-year-old barber was faced with giving up his career because of debilitating foot pain, he was determined to find a solution.
Duris, who had a heart attack in 2005, returned to the U-M Frankel Cardiovascular Center, where he was diagnosed with blockages in his heart as well as PAD. He had surgery for his condition and is now back on his feet, pain free.
After Treatment, a Walking Trip Through Europe: While in cardiac rehab for other issues, Jolette Munoz experienced pain in her calf that went up her right leg to her thigh and buttock area. "The pain was so intense," Jolette says, "that I couldn't even walk to the mailbox."
After doctors inserted a covered stent, Jolette took a 3-week trip to Europe, where she walked for miles without pain. "They helped me fulfill my dream. I can do all these things because they cared enough."
More Information About PAD
Visit these pages on our website to learn more about PAD:
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): General information about PAD, including symptoms, PAD's relationship to diabetes, and amputation.
- PAD Treatments: Non-surgical treatment options including aspirin, improved diet and exercise, and surgical options for patients with the most severe symptoms.
- Frequently Asked Questions About PAD: Includes common questions and answers about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and more.
Patient Resources
- Peripheral Artery Disease Information Guide
- Amputation Information Guide
- Coronary Artery Disease Information Guide
Contact Us
To make an appointment to get treatment for PAD or its symptoms, call us:
888-287-1082
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