Vascular Assessment

A podiatry vascular assessment is a painless, non-invasive check of blood flow and nerve function in the feet and legs, using tools like Doppler ultrasound to measure ABPI (Ankle Brachial Pressure Index) and assess pulses, helping diagnose conditions like Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), crucial for people with diabetes or circulation issues to prevent serious complications.

Podiatrists check pulses, capillary refill, skin tone, and use blood pressure cuffs and Doppler to evaluate how well oxygenated blood reaches the feet and deoxygenated blood leaves, often alongside sensory (neurological) tests.

This is important because, by assessing the pulse and blood flow, any abnormalities or irregularities can be identified.
This assessment is essential in determining the progression and severity of the disease, enabling the podiatrist to assess potential risks accurately which aid in clinical decision making.

It also helps with decisions towards timely referral to Vascular Specialists for further assessment and treatment options to improve painful vascular symptoms.
In some cases, early detection and referral will prevent tissue loss and/or subsequent amputation.

If you suffer from cramps in the back of your legs whilst walking short distances, or have rest pain in your legs and feet at night, you should have your circulation assessed as it may indicate a sign of critical limb ischaemia (highly compromised circulation).