ALEXANDRIA, La. — A red high-top sneaker is turning heads in Central Louisiana. It is not a fashion statement. It is the calling card of Dr. Gary Jones, a cardiovascular surgeon who has spent more than 35 years saving lives in CENLA.

Jones launched Keep Louisiana Walking to fight one of the state’s most urgent health problems: unnecessary leg amputations caused by peripheral artery disease. Known as PAD, the condition occurs when arteries in the legs narrow or become blocked, reducing blood flow. Left untreated, PAD can cause pain, non-healing wounds and, far too often, amputation.

“Louisianians are experiencing far too many amputations due to peripheral artery disease,” Jones said. “The heartbreaking part is many of them don’t have to happen.”

A Hidden Danger

PAD affects an estimated 8 to 12 million Americans. Yet most people do not know they have it. Symptoms like leg pain or slow-healing wounds are often mistaken for aging or diabetes. By the time many patients seek help, treatment options are limited.

Louisiana is especially vulnerable. The state has some of the highest rates of diabetes and smoking in the nation, both major risk factors for PAD. Medicaid patients face even greater challenges in finding specialists who accept their coverage.

“PAD doesn’t discriminate, but healthcare access does,” Jones said. “That is why we have to raise awareness.”

A Symbol With Staying Power

That is where the red sneaker comes in. Jones uses it to spark conversations about PAD. The shoe has become the unofficial mascot of his campaign and a familiar symbol in Central Louisiana.

“When people see it, they stop and ask about it,” Jones said. “That is exactly what I want. A conversation about something deadly serious.”

A Growing Movement

What began inside Louisiana Cardiovascular & Thoracic Institute has grown into a community effort. Local leaders including mayors, university chancellors, radio personalities, state legislators, and even Sheriff Mark Wood have stepped forward to be screened for PAD and promote the message. “These are people our community knows and trusts,” Jones said. “When they speak up, people listen.”

Jones hopes the campaign will expand statewide, powered by trusted voices and everyday conversations.

Changing the Pattern

Jones is outspoken about the current system.

“All too often, the first time a patient hears the word PAD is when they are told they need an amputation,” he said. “That should never happen.”

Research shows nearly half of lower-limb amputations in the United States are tied to PAD, and many could have been prevented with early detection. At his clinic, Jones focuses on catching PAD early through vascular screenings, noninvasive tests and minimally invasive procedures.

A Personal Touch

What sets Jones apart, patients say, is his personal care. He makes a point to connect with patients, asking about their families and breaking down medical terms in ways anyone can understand.

“I tell folks, if your legs hurt when you walk or you have a sore that will not heal, that is your body sending you a message,” he said. “Don’t ignore it.”

Every Step Matters

“If we can catch PAD early, we can keep people walking, working, dancing, living,” Jones said. “That is what Keep Louisiana Walking is all about.”

If you or someone you love has leg pain, numbness or slow-healing wounds, do not wait. Early detection is the key to preventing amputations.