Vascular testing is used by podiatrists to make sure that there is adequate blood flow to your lower limbs. Reduced blood flow can be dangerous if left undiagnosed and untreated. Vascular testing may be performed if you are experiencing pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs, have poorly healing wounds, or have a history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Vascular tests are generally noninvasive and painless. The doctor may perform an ultrasound of your legs and feet, check your pulse by hand, measure and compare the blood pressures of your arm and ankle, and perform a visual examination of your lower limbs. If you suspect that you may have reduced blood flow to your legs, discuss it with your podiatrist today.
Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Vascular Testing?
Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.
How Is it Conducted?
Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.
The most common tests include:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
- Doppler examination
- Pedal pulses
These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
FAQs
As a Podiatrist, we can help to check your circulation and sensation on your feet during the consultation. This includes using our instrument to listen to your pulses. It will be similar to what your doctor does to your heart, we instead listen to your feet.
Can a podiatrist diagnose peripheral artery disease? ›
Your podiatric physician can do a simple test to determine if you have PAD. The test is called an ABI, or ankle-brachial index. It compares the blood pressure in your ankles with the blood pressure in your arm. If your ABI is abnormal, your podiatric physician may order other tests to determine the extent of your PAD.
What does a vascular assessment involve? ›
Vascular studies are tests that check the blood flow in your arteries and veins. These tests are noninvasive. This means they don't use any needles. Vascular studies use high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to measure the amount of blood flow in your blood vessels.
What is a vascular test for feet? ›
A vascular screening is a quick, simple, and painless way for us to check the strength of your circulation as it passes through your legs. You don't need to do any preparation beforehand. The test is performed using an arterial doppler, which is essentially a specialized form of ultrasound.
How do you know if your feet aren t getting enough circulation? ›
SYMPTOMS OF CIRCULATION PROBLEMS
Swollen ankles and feet, discolored or blue and red toes, hair loss on the legs and thin, dry, or cracked skin can be symptoms that someone with poor circulation can experience.
Can a podiatrist diagnose neuropathy in feet? ›
A podiatrist, family physician, internist, or physician who specializes in diabetes can diagnose peripheral neuropathy. The diagnosis is made on the basis of a physical exam, health history, and your reporting of symptoms.
What is considered the first symptom of peripheral arterial disease? ›
The typical symptom of PAD is called claudication, a medical term for pain in your leg that starts with walking or exercise and goes away with rest. The pain occurs because your leg muscles aren't getting enough oxygen. The dangers of PAD extend well beyond difficulties in walking.
What can be mistaken for peripheral artery disease? ›
Connective tissue disorders: The most well-recognized connective tissue disorders associated with lower extremity vascular complications that may mimic peripheral arterial disease are Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV (EDS IV), Marfan syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS).
What is the best test for peripheral vascular disease? ›
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is usually the first test used to diagnose PAD. The test compares blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm. Your provider uses a blood pressure cuff and ultrasounds device for this painless test.
What are the 5 P's of vascular assessment? ›
This article discusses the process for monitoring a client's neurovascular status. Assessment of neurovascular status is monitoring the 5 P's: pain, pallor, pulse, paresthesia, and paralysis. A brief description of compartment syndrome is presented to emphasize the importance of neurovascular assessments.
Vascular studies are tests that check the blood flow in your arteries and veins. These tests are noninvasive. This means they don't use any needles. Vascular studies use high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to measure the amount of blood flow in your blood vessels.
Is vascular screening worthwhile? ›
Benefits of Vascular Screening
Early Detection: Detecting peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, or abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) early can initiate action and attempt to prevent any progression of these issues.
Does a podiatrist check circulation? ›
Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might.
What are vascular problems in feet? ›
Vascular diseases involve damage to the blood vessels in your feet. The damage reduces blood circulation, and this lowers healing capabilities and general foot health. Your vascular system is responsible for ensuring the proper transport of oxygen, and other nutrients to all parts of your body.
What is vascular podiatry? ›
In foot care, vascular testing may be required in the diagnosing and treatment of certain podiatric conditions. Vascular testing is particularly relevant for patients with high-risk diabetes, poor circulation, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
What kind of doctor treats poor circulation in feet? ›
Poor blood circulation can cause discomfort, from coldness to numbness and even ulcers. If you are experiencing these symptoms, a vascular doctor can provide poor circulation treatment to help treat uncomfortable and painful symptoms.
How do you get tested for bad circulation? ›
What tests will be done to diagnose poor circulation?
- Doppler ultrasound.
- Segmental Doppler pressure testing.
- Ankle-brachial index (ABI) test.
- Angiography.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan.
- Stress test.
- Blood tests.
How to check: On the injured limb, squeeze the tip of their finger or toe. You could also press down on their fingernail or toenail. The area you squeezed or pressed should look white or lighter. Let go and see how long it takes for the color to return.
What is used to assess circulation in the feet? ›
Doppler Assessment of Blood Flow in the Feet
A Doppler ultrasound test uses reflected sound waves to evaluate blood as it flows through a blood vessel. It helps evaluate blood flow through the major arteries and veins of the feet. It can show blocked or reduced blood flow through narrowing in the major arteries.
Vascular testing is used by podiatrists to make sure that there is adequate blood flow to your lower limbs. Reduced blood flow can be dangerous if left undiagnosed and untreated. Vascular testing may be performed if you are experiencing pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs, have poorly healing wounds, or have a history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Vascular tests are generally noninvasive and painless. The doctor may perform an ultrasound of your legs and feet, check your pulse by hand, measure and compare the blood pressures of your arm and ankle, and perform a visual examination of your lower limbs. If you suspect that you may have reduced blood flow to your legs, discuss it with your podiatrist today.