Tag: PAD symptoms

THROBBING LEG PAIN AT NIGHT: WHAT CARETAKERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PAD IN LOVED ONES

Posted on by Michael Kokinos

Understanding Your Role as a Primary Caregiver

For many women, caring for aging parents or partners is not just an act of love—it’s a full-time responsibility. As the backbone of countless households, women often serve as the primary decision-makers when it comes to healthcare for their families. If someone you love has been experiencing throbbing leg pain at night, struggles to walk long distances, or has wounds that won’t heal, this may be more than aging or tiredness—it could be a warning sign of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

PAD is a serious condition that impacts blood flow to the legs, and it can lead to severe disability or limb loss if left untreated. This article is designed to help women caregivers understand how to recognize PAD, why it’s especially dangerous when symptoms are dismissed, and how early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference.

What is PAD—and Why Should You Be Concerned?

PAD is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries that carry blood to the limbs. Over time, this buildup narrows or blocks blood flow, depriving the legs and feet of oxygen-rich blood. The result? Pain, numbness, and poor healing—especially noticeable at night when circulation slows.

As a caregiver, you may be the first to notice these symptoms in your partner, parent, or loved one:

  • Complaints of leg pain at night, especially in the feet or calves
  • Needing to dangle their legs off the bed for relief
  • Difficulty walking long distances due to pain or fatigue
  • Sores or wounds on feet or legs that won’t heal
  • Cold, discolored, or numb feet

Why Nocturnal Leg Pain Is a Red Flag

Leg pain that disrupts sleep is often one of the earliest signs of severe PAD. This pain happens because the legs aren’t getting enough blood while the person is lying down. Many caregivers mistake this for arthritis or poor circulation from diabetes, but ignoring this symptom can lead to critical limb ischemia, a dangerous condition that can result in amputation if not treated promptly.

Why PAD Disproportionately Affects the Ones You Care For

If your loved one has any of the following risk factors, their chances of having PAD are significantly higher:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking history
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Age 60+

Many of these conditions are common in aging men and parents, especially those with a history of cardiovascular disease. As a caregiver, being aware of these overlapping conditions is crucial.

How Women Caregivers Make a Difference in Outcomes

Research shows that patients with involved, informed caregivers are more likely to seek early care and follow through with treatment. As a woman making medical decisions for your family, your role is pivotal in catching PAD before it becomes limb- or life-threatening.

Steps you can take:

  1. Start the conversation – Ask about leg discomfort, cramping, or nighttime pain.
  2. Encourage screening – A simple test called an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) can detect PAD early.
  3. Seek expert care – Choose a specialist with extensive experience in PAD and limb salvage.
  4. Support follow-through – Ensure your loved one takes prescribed medications, attends follow-ups, and adopts lifestyle changes.

Why Choose South Bay Vascular and Dr. Polly Kokinos

Dr. Polly Kokinos at South Bay Vascular Center has over 30 years of experience treating patients with PAD. As one of the few independent vascular surgeons in Santa Clara County, she offers a level of personalized, patient-first care that many large systems simply cannot match. Her team works closely with caregivers to:

  • Explain complex diagnoses in easy-to-understand language
  • Involve families in every step of the treatment process
  • Provide compassionate care that respects cultural and emotional dynamics

Dr. Kokinos is especially known for her work in limb salvage and amputation prevention, helping families avoid devastating outcomes. With her background in both community-based practice and international mission work, she brings deep empathy and unmatched skill to every patient interaction.

Treatments That Can Help Your Loved One

The good news? PAD is treatable—especially when caught early. Treatment plans may include:

  • Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, eating healthier, and walking
  • Medication: To improve blood flow and control underlying conditions
  • Minimally invasive procedures: Like angioplasty or stenting to open blocked arteries
  • Surgical options: For advanced cases where blood flow must be rerouted

At South Bay Vascular, treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s specific needs, and you—as the caregiver—are never left out of the loop.

Conclusion: Your Leadership Saves Lives

As the primary caregiver, you are not just supporting a loved one—you are advocating for their future. By learning the signs of PAD, understanding its risks, and connecting with experts like Dr. Kokinos, you can help ensure your loved one receives the best care possible before the disease progresses.

Don’t ignore nighttime leg pain. If your partner, parent, or family member is struggling with any of the symptoms mentioned above, reach out today. If you or our loved ones suffers from any of the conditions outlined above, ask your primary care physicians for a referral to Dr Kokinos at South Bay Vascular Center or if you think you need a second opinion, please call our office at 408-376-3626 to schedule an appointment.

We offer hope when others say there is none

PAD IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY; BREAKING BARRIERS TO EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Posted on by Michael Kokinos

Understanding the Unique Risk Factors for PAD in African Americans

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a silent but deadly condition that disproportionately affects African Americans. Research shows that Black Americans are up to three times more likely to develop PAD than their white counterparts. This stark disparity arises due to a combination of genetics, higher rates of diabetes and hypertension, and limited access to healthcare. However, beyond the medical risk factors, there are also deep-rooted cultural and societal barriers that make early diagnosis and treatment of PAD particularly challenging for this community.

Dr. Polly Kokinos, a highly respected vascular surgeon with over 30 years of experience, understands these challenges. Having served underserved communities both locally and globally—including her missionary work at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya—she is uniquely positioned to provide compassionate, culturally competent care to African American patients facing PAD.

This article will explore the barriers preventing early PAD diagnosis in the African American community and how Dr. Kokinos and her team at South Bay Vascular are working to break down these obstacles.

Cultural Barriers to Seeking Early PAD Diagnosis

For many African Americans, historical distrust of the medical system remains a significant barrier to seeking medical attention for conditions like PAD. Generations of systemic healthcare disparities and unethical medical experiments—such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study—have left lasting skepticism in many Black communities. This hesitancy often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, allowing PAD to progress to Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI), a severe form of PAD that increases the risk of limb amputation.

Additionally, the concept of self-reliance and resilience within Black culture often discourages individuals from seeking help for health issues until they become severe. Many African Americans feel a sense of duty to “tough it out,” prioritizing work and family obligations over personal health concerns. This reluctance can be particularly dangerous for PAD, a disease that advances silently, often without pain in its early stages.

The Role of Extended Families and Community Support

Unlike in some other cultural groups where medical decisions are highly individualized, many African American families rely on extended family networks and community institutions, such as churches, for guidance. When a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness like PAD, the decision-making process often involves multiple family members. This means that healthcare providers must do more than just educate the patient—they must engage the entire family unit.

Dr. Kokinos recognizes this dynamic and works closely with families to ensure they understand the severity of PAD and the need for early intervention. Her patient-centered approach is based on relational medicine, rather than the transactional care often seen in large hospital systems. She takes the time to build trust, answer questions, and provide families with the resources they need to make informed decisions.

Financial Concerns and Healthcare Access

Another major barrier to PAD treatment in the Black community is the issue of affordability and access to healthcare. Many African Americans face challenges with health insurance coverage, making it difficult to seek preventative care. Even when insured, high co-pays, deductibles, and medication costs can discourage individuals from following through with necessary treatments.

Unlike many physicians who are constrained by large healthcare systems and administrative bureaucracy, Dr. Kokinos operates as an independent vascular surgeon, meaning she has the flexibility to offer tailored treatment plans that fit each patient’s financial situation. Her team at South Bay Vascular assists patients in navigating their insurance plans and finding cost-effective solutions for care.

The Stigma Surrounding PAD and Amputation

Many African Americans associate vascular disease with amputation, often believing that a PAD diagnosis is a precursor to limb loss. While it is true that untreated PAD can lead to amputation, early intervention can prevent severe complications. However, because of the deep-seated fear of limb loss, many Black patients avoid seeking medical attention until the disease has progressed to a critical stage.

Dr. Kokinos and her team emphasize the importance of early screening and non-invasive treatments that can save limbs and lives. She ensures that her patients understand that PAD is manageable when caught early, and that proactive care is the best way to avoid amputation.

Why African American Patients Trust Dr. Kokinos

Dr. Polly Kokinos is not just another vascular surgeon—she is a physician who has dedicated her life to serving communities in need. Her work at Tenwek Mission Hospital in Kenya has given her firsthand experience treating patients in underserved areas, reinforcing her commitment to providing equitable care. In Santa Clara County, she applies these same principles to help African American patients overcome healthcare barriers.

Unlike other vascular surgeons in the area who may rely on their hospital affiliations for credibility, Dr. Kokinos has built her reputation through skill, experience, and patient trust. She holds hospital admitting privileges, ensuring that her patients receive continuity of care, but she is not bound by the financial interests of a hospital system. This independence allows her to always prioritize what is best for her patients.

Conclusion: Taking the First Step

PAD is a life-threatening condition that disproportionately impacts the African American community. However, the barriers to care—ranging from cultural hesitancy to financial limitations—make early diagnosis and treatment difficult. The key to preventing amputations and saving lives lies in trust, education, and proactive healthcare decisions.

Dr. Polly Kokinos and her team at South Bay Vascular are committed to breaking down these barriers by providing compassionate, relationship-based care that empowers African American patients to take control of their health. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of PAD—such as leg pain, numbness, or wounds that won’t heal—it is critical to seek medical attention before it’s too late.

If you or a loved one may be struggling to find answers to difficult medical questions and or a lack of compassionate care, please call our office to schedule an appointment with Dr Kokinos @ 408-858-3586. 

We offer hope when others say there is none. 

PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY: A SILENT THREAT YOU CAN NOT IGNORE

Posted on by Michael Kokinos

Introduction

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a serious and often overlooked condition that disproportionately affects African Americans. Characterized by narrowed arteries and reduced blood flow to the legs, PAD is a major cause of disability, limb loss, and even death if left untreated. The risk of PAD in the African American community is significantly higher than in other racial or ethnic groups, making awareness, early detection, and expert care critical.

This blog will explore why PAD is more prevalent in African Americans, the specific risk factors that increase its impact, and how families can take action to prevent and treat this disease before it leads to devastating consequences.

Why PAD is More Prevalent in the African American Community

Studies show that African Americans are two to four times more likely to develop PAD than non-Hispanic white individuals. This disparity is due to a combination of genetic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors that increase the likelihood of vascular disease.

Key Risk Factors That Affect African Americans

 

  1. Higher Rates of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
    • African Americans develop high blood pressure earlier in life and with greater severity than other groups, leading to accelerated artery damage.
  2. Increased Prevalence of Diabetes
    • Diabetes is a major risk factor for PAD. African Americans are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic whites, and poorly controlled diabetes can lead to severe PAD and amputations.
  3. Higher Incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
    • African Americans are nearly four times more likely to develop kidney failure, which is closely linked to PAD. Poor kidney function leads to worsened arterial health and an increased risk of limb loss.
  4. Smoking and Environmental Factors
    • Smoking drastically increases the risk of PAD, and African Americans who smoke are at an even higher risk for severe, treatment-resistant PAD.
  5. Limited Access to Specialized Vascular Care
    • Many African Americans live in communities where access to vascular specialists is limited, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Lack of awareness and preventive care further increases the likelihood of PAD progressing to critical limb ischemia (CLI) and amputation.

Recognizing the Signs of PAD: Don’t Ignore These Symptoms

The earlier PAD is detected, the better the chances of preventing life-altering complications. Unfortunately, many people mistake PAD symptoms for signs of aging or ignore them altogether. Here’s what to look for:

  • Leg pain, cramping, or fatigue when walking
  • Numbness, tingling, or coldness in the feet
  • Darkened or discolored skin on the legs or toes
  • Sores or wounds on the feet that won’t heal
  • Throbbing leg pain at night, a warning sign of critical limb ischemia (CLI)

If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, don’t wait—seek medical attention immediately.

Why African American Families Must Take Action

PAD doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts entire families. The burden of limb loss, disability, and heart disease due to PAD can have devastating emotional, financial, and social consequences.

How Families Can Help

  • Encourage Loved Ones to Get Screened – Early diagnosis is key.
  • Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet – Traditional diets high in fried foods and processed sugars increase PAD risk.
  • Stay Physically Active – Walking can improve circulation and delay PAD progression.
  • Manage Diabetes and Blood Pressure – Keeping these conditions under control reduces PAD risk.
  • Seek Care from a Trusted Vascular Specialist – Not all doctors have the expertise needed to prevent amputations.

Why Choosing the Right Vascular Surgeon Matters

There is a huge disparity in the quality of vascular care provided to African Americans. Many patients are referred too late or receive subpar treatment at hospitals where financial motives override patient care.

Dr. Polly Kokinos and South Bay Vascular are committed to preventing unnecessary amputations by offering: ✔ Advanced, minimally invasive treatments ✔ Limb-salvage expertise ✔ Comprehensive, relationship-based patient care ✔ Immediate access to cutting-edge vascular technology

Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now

PAD is a serious yet preventable disease. African Americans are at higher risk and must be proactive about screening, lifestyle changes, and expert medical care. If you or a loved one has symptoms of PAD, don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule a consultation with Dr. Polly Kokinos today.

Your health and your future matter. Let’s work together to stop PAD in its tracks. Call our office today to schedule an appointment at 408-376-3626 if you suffer or are diagnosed with any of the conditions outlined in this office. Ask your primary care physician for a direct referral to Dr Kokinos or visit our website at www.southbayvascular.com to learn more about how we can help. 

 

“We Offer Hope When Others Say There Is None”