Southern VIP’s Foot Rescue™ Walking Program

Take Control of Your PAD with Our Guided Walking Program

If you have been diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), staying active is one of the most effective ways to improve circulation and maintain your mobility. Southern VIP’s Foot Rescue™ Walking Program is a structured and supportive approach to help you safely increase your activity levels, improve blood flow, and enhance your overall wellness.

What to Expect

Southern VIP’s Foot Rescue™ Walking Program is designed to start slow and gradually increase activity over time. Mild tiredness and discomfort while exercising are normal, and taking necessary rest breaks is encouraged. With persistence, your stamina will improve, and you’ll experience better circulation and increased mobility.

A critical component of the program is tracking your progress to share with your medical practioner at return visits and follow-up exams, where our medical team will assess your progress and make personalized adjustments to your plan.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and view new monthly videos from the Southern VIP PAD series: Your PAD New Normal with John Scallions.

Comprehensive Foot Assessments: Early detection of circulation issues and wounds.
Advanced Wound Care Techniques: Utilizing cutting-edge therapies, including specialized dressings and debridement. While we do not currently perform grafting procedures, we work closely with wound care specialists to ensure optimal healing. In some cases, after circulation has been improved, the wound care provider may place a graft at the site to aid in healing.
Collaborative Care: Working with vascular specialists to improve blood flow and accelerate healing.
Personalized Preventive Plans: Tailored advice on foot care and lifestyle changes to reduce future risks.
Addressing the Pedal Loop: What makes foot rescue unique is that we treat not only the small arteries in the calf but also the even smaller arteries that supply the foot and toes.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Managing PAD

Reduce Smoking

One of the most impactful ways to manage PAD is by reducing or quitting smoking. We understand that quitting can be overwhelming, especially for lifetime smokers. Our smoking reduction program provides step-by-step guidance to help you gradually decrease cigarette consumption, making the transition manageable and sustainable.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A well-balanced diet is essential in managing PAD and addressing risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. Key dietary recommendations include:

Limiting sugar intake and avoiding processed foods.
Following a personalized diet plan tailored to your health needs, especially if you have conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.
Working with your medical provider to ensure optimal blood sugar and weight management as well as managing other medical conditions.

Take the First Step Toward Better Circulation

Your journey to better circulation and mobility starts here. Join the Foot Rescue™ Walking Program today and take control of your PAD with expert guidance and support.

Schedule an Appointment to Learn More! Call us or book online to get started on your path to healthier legs and a more active lifestyle. Call 662-775-0114 and schedule your complete vascular evaluation at Southern VIP.

Testimonials

Real Stories, Real Results

“OMG!! I had something bad going on with my foot from diabetes, so it took me to this vascular office. I was so anxious, and then Brother John (Scallions) came into the room and he told me that I was family now and that they would be there for me.♥️ I must say that they have been nothing less than great! I am forever thankful, grateful, and blessed to be a part of this amazing family! … Thank you guys for being there for me when I needed it most!♥️🥲”

T.D., Memphis patient, Google review 2025

“Dr. Hodgkiss is the B E S T! He’s a rockstar doctor!! He asks all the good questions, hears you out, and treats you the best way for your situation! He’s got the greatest personality and outlook! I’d def recommend him a million times over! He and his office have given me my life back! Dr. Hodgkiss is amazing and works wonders! I love this place and would def recommend it to anyone with pain issues!”

S.M, Memphis patient, Google review 2025

Dr. Norwood is the BEST doctor I have ever had I had emergency back surgery November 2008 ended up not being able to work any longer. I have seen several doctors in Memphis thru the years but Dr Norwood listens to you if there is a procedure she thinks will help she will recommend it she is always looking for something to help me she stays on top of the latest treatments she always goes above and beyond! Dr. Hodgekiss is AWESOME very gentle while doing my procedures talks to me while he is doing them helps me from being so nervous all the nurses are GREAT!

Love this place...they are very kind and attentive and always do their best to meet my needs...love Mrs. Kim Norwood and her nurse leigh ann...👍❤️❤️

"I love my Ashley, she always listens to what I say and need. She has always been precious to me. Yes I would and have recommended ya'll to people."

The staff and Elizabeth Riddle are so caring and respectful. When I have to call for any reason they are very quick to take care of my needs.

Protect Your Foot Health Today

Don’t wait for minor issues to become major problems. Southern VIP’s Foot Rescue program is here to help you take control of your foot health and prevent amputation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier future.

FAQs

1. Treatment Options for Peripheral Artery Disease

Can PAD be treated without surgery?

Yes, many patients start with nonsurgical options such as supervised Foot Rescue walking programs, medications, and lifestyle changes. These treatments help improve circulation and reduce pain when walking. Your doctor will tailor a plan to your needs, and many patients see meaningful improvement without ever needing a procedure.

What kinds of procedures are used to treat PAD?

When circulation is severely limited, minimally invasive procedures can restore blood flow. Techniques like angioplasty, stenting, or atherectomy are performed through tiny punctures. No major incisions needed. At Southern VIP, these limb-saving treatments are often part of the broader Foot Rescue approach to help patients heal and stay active.

Is walking really good for PAD if it hurts?

Usually, walking is one of the best ways to build new circulation pathways over time. Unless you have mobility-limiting foot wounds, the discomfort you feel is temporary, but regular, structured walking helps your body grow new small vessels that improve blood flow. That’s why a physician-supervised walking program is a cornerstone of PAD management at Southern VIP. They’re safe, effective, and proven to help you move better and feel better.

What is the Foot Rescue Walking Program?

The Foot Rescue walking program is a structured exercise plan that helps improve blood flow, reduce leg pain, and increase overall endurance. Southern VIP’s Foot Rescue™ Walking Program is designed to guide you safely, starting with gentle, physician-supervised activity that gradually builds strength and mobility. Over time, regular walking can help open new circulation pathways, making daily movement easier and less painful.

What if I’m not strong enough to do a walking program?

That’s perfectly fine. The program is designed for people at every fitness level. Under medical supervision, you’ll start slow and increase activity only as your body allows. Mild discomfort or fatigue is normal in the beginning, and rest breaks are encouraged. With consistency, your stamina improves, your circulation gets stronger, and walking becomes more comfortable and rewarding.

How important is diet in managing PAD?

Nutrition plays a big role in managing PAD and overall vascular health. Eating a balanced diet tailored to your medical needs helps control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which are all key risk factors for PAD. Work with your doctor to create a meal plan that supports your goals and keeps your arteries, heart, and legs healthy for the long term.