Early detection can protect limbs, mobility and lives.
September is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness month
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects an estimated 1.5 million Canadians. Early detection can help prevent wounds, amputation and other serious complications. Learn the signs and take action early.
Why early action on PAD matters
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is caused by narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to the arms and legs. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, PAD can contribute to chronic pain, wounds, tissue loss, limb loss and other serious complications.
The earlier PAD is recognized, the sooner action can be taken.
Early action can help:
- Identify reduced blood flow before complications develop
- Support wound healing
- Reduce the risk of limb loss
- Improve mobility and quality of life
- Connect people with appropriate care
Wounds Canada promotes a prevention-first approach to PAD and vascular health–because the best time to protect a limb is before a serious complication develops.
Know the signs. Know your risk.
Could It Be PAD?
PAD can affect everyone differently. Signs include:
- Leg cramps during activity
- Pain in your legs or feet at night
- Slow-healing wounds on your feet or legs
- One leg that feels colder or different in colour
- Less hair or slower nail growth on your legs and feet
- Pain, weakness, coldness or slow-healing wounds in the arms
Don’t ignore changes. Talk to your health-care provider.
Could you be at risk?
You may have a higher risk of PAD if you:
- Are 70 or older
- Are Over 50 and have other cardiovascular risk factors
- Have diabetes
- Have a history of smoking
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol
- Have had vascular disease, a heart attack or stroke
- Are of African or Hispanic descent
If one or more of these risk factors apply to you, talk to your health-care provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of wounds, amputation and other serious complications. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications and, in some cases, surgery.
From awareness to action
Knowing your risk, recognizing the signs and seeking assessment early can help protect your limbs.
1 - Know your risk
Understand the factors that can increase your risk of PAD
4 - Act early
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help prevent wounds, tissue loss and amputation
2 - Recognize the signs
Know the changes that may indicate reduced blood flow
5 - Follow up
Ongoing care can help manage PAD and protect your health and mobility
3 - Get assessed
Talk to a health-care provider if you have symptoms or risk factors
The goal?
Identify PAD early, protect the limb and support better outcomes
Everyone has a role to play
Know the signs. Protect your limbs.
Learn about PAD, understand your risk, recognize changes and know when to seek care.
Explore:
- PAD brochure, “If you think it’s JUST leg pain… think again.”
- DIY Series: Arterial Foot or Leg Ulcer
- Know your rights: The Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
- Find support via our clinic directory
Health-care professionals
Recognize risk. Assess early. Act early.
Use evidence-informed resources to identify PAD, prevent complications and support timely care.
Explore:
- Get The Facts on Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Best Practice Recommendations for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Ulcers
- Peripheral Arterial Ulcer BPR Brief
- Webinar presentation: From Awareness to Action: Implementing Ontario Health’s Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia Pathway
- Pathway for Preventing and Managing Vascular Wounds
- Wounds Canada Institute education: Focus On the Prevention and Management of Peripheral Arterial Ulcers
- Limb Preservation Journal
For Advocates and Policy Makers
Make early action possible.
Early diagnosis and limb preservation depend on systems that support prevention, timely assessment and access to appropriate care.
Explore:
Support early action
Preventing avoidable wounds and amputations takes more than awareness. It takes education, evidence, resources and access to timely care.
Wounds Canada is a charitable organization dedicated to advancing skin health and excellence in wound management across Canada. Through education, advocacy, research, patient resources and community-building, Wounds Canada works to help prevent wounds before they occur and improve care for people living with wounds.
Your support helps us continue this work.
The Limb Preservation Alliance
Preventing avoidable amputations requires collaboration.
Wounds Canada is proud to be a member of the Limb Preservation Alliance, working alongside national and international organizations to improve awareness, advance education and advocate for better access to limb preservation.
