Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas – If you experience leg pain, cramping or heaviness while walking or exercising that improves with rest, or pain in your feet or toes at night, it may be more than a normal sign of aging.
These symptoms could indicate peripheral artery disease (PAD), a serious circulatory condition that often goes undetected until it has progressed significantly.
PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the legs and feet. The condition affects millions of Americans and is becoming increasingly common due to the nation’s aging population and the growing prevalence of diabetes, obesity and other chronic health conditions that increase the risk of vascular disease.
Despite its prevalence, PAD remains widely underdiagnosed. Many people do not recognize the warning signs, while others dismiss symptoms as a natural part of aging or a lack of physical activity.
“PAD is often called a silent disease because symptoms may be mild or absent in the early stages,” says Ofsman E. Quintana, MD, FACC, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and Medical Director of the South Texas Health System (STHS) Limb Salvage & Amputation Prevention Program. “When PAD goes untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including chronic wounds, infection, tissue loss and even amputation. Early detection is critical because treatment can slow disease progression and help patients maintain their mobility and quality of life.”
To raise awareness about the condition and encourage residents to take proactive steps toward better vascular health, the STHS Limb Salvage & Amputation Prevention Program will host the Step Out PAD Walkathon on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at STHS Edinburg, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Held in observance of PAD Awareness Month, the free community event will feature educational information on PAD risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options and prevention strategies. Following a brief program, attendees will be invited to participate in a community walk around the STHS Edinburg campus.
“Walking is one of the most effective ways to help prevent and manage peripheral artery disease,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “Regular physical activity helps improve circulation, supports cardiovascular health and can reduce PAD symptoms over time. Through the Step Out PAD Walkathon, we hope to encourage Rio Grande Valley residents to take an active role in their vascular health while learning more about a condition that affects millions of Americans.”
The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend, learn about PAD and join the walk in support of vascular health awareness.
For more information about the event, visit the STHS Facebook Events page or call the STHS Marketing Department at (956) 388-2033.
For additional information about the STHS Limb Salvage & Amputation Prevention Program, visit the program’s website at www.southtexashealthsystemedinburg.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System |
| What: | Step Out PAD Walkathon |
| When: | Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. |
| Where: | STHS EdinburgMain Entrance1102 W. Trenton Rd.Edinburg, TX 78539 |
Information source: STHS
