The health of your heart can directly impact the health of your feet. Conditions that affect cardiovascular health, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease, can also affect blood flow to the feet.
Poor circulation can lead to a variety of foot problems, including numbness, tingling, wounds that heal slowly, and an increased risk of infections.
How we check your circulation at Quantum Footcare
We start by conducting a thorough physical examination of the feet and lower limbs. We also carry out a vascular assessment by feeling the pulses with our fingers to assess the rate, rhythm and strength of the pulse and then by the use of a doppler, an ultrasound hand-held device.
A Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow in the body. It evaluates blood flow in the arteries of the feet and lower legs to help diagnose heart issues and Peripheral Arterial disease (PAD), a condition characterised by narrowed or blocked arteries that reduce blood flow to the extremities.
Why would you consider undergoing a vascular assessment
Having a vascular check is important even if you are experiencing no symptoms.
Vascular diseases such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and peripheral neuropathy often develop gradually and may not present noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Detecting a vascular disease early allows for prompt intervention and treatment to prevent complications. Our vascular checks are regarded as a preventative measure to developing further disease as well as giving us valuable information in case you need to be referred on.
Vascular assessments help identify risk factors that predispose individuals to develop vascular disease. This, particularly in individuals with diabetes, significantly increases the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and ultimately, lower limb amputation.
When to visit us for a vascular assessment?
You should visit your Podiatrist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Foot pain or discomfort
- Cramping
- Numbness particularly during walking or exercise
- Non-healing wounds or ulcers
- Changes in skin colour or temperature
- Muscle aches and pain
- Persistently swollen feet.
What would we do if we found an issue during your vascular assessment?
If an irregular heartbeat is detected, we may then write a detailed letter to your GP regarding any findings of concern for possible further investigation and to rule out any life-threatening conditions.
Reference guide
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2012). Myocardial infarction: cardiac rehabilitation and prevention of further cardiovascular disease (CG147). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg147 (Accessed: 14 March 2024).
- NHS. (2023). Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-arterial-disease-pad/ (Accessed: 14 March 2024).
- NHS. (2022). Peripheral neuropathy: symptoms. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms/ (Accessed: 14 March 2024).