Leg Circulation Assessment
Signs & Symptoms
How do I know if I have circulation problems?
If you experience a cramping/tightening pain in your calves specifically when walking this could be due to reduced arterial circulation. There are other things that might cause this pain such as muscle injuries or fatigue but if you do have these symptoms and you do not recall an injury, it’s important you get them investigated by your GP or ideally a Podiatrist trained in this area. Michelle is a Specialist in this field of expertise.
Am I at risk?
People living with poorly controlled diabetes and those who smoke are at high risk of developing circulation problems in the future. People who have a history of heart attack, stroke or high blood pressure are also at risk.
If you are concerned you might have circulation problems, contact our clinic to make an appointment. Please quote ‘arterial assessment’ when you speak to our reception team.
Diagnosis & Assessment
How are circulation problems diagnosed?
Most clinicians inclusive of your GP, Nurse and General Podiatrist are trained to feel for the pulses in your feet. If your foot pulses cannot be felt and you have painful symptoms in your legs you will need an ‘Advanced Lower Limb Arterial Assessment’ from a Specialist trained in this examination.
What is a leg circulation assessment?
This type of assessment includes a test, which involves taking the blood pressures in both of your arms and legs with the aid of a doppler ultra-sound. If the blood pressure is the same in each of your limbs, your circulation is likely to be good. However, if the blood pressure is lower in your legs than your arms this would indicate problems with your circulation. The Doppler ultra-sound helps us to hear the quality of your circulation during this test.
Treatments
What happens if you find a problem?
If you are diagnosed with circulation problems (Peripheral Arterial Disease) it is recommended that your GP review your medication to ensure that you are on all of the protective/preventative medication appropriate to you. This will help prevent any serious medical problems that are strongly linked with Peripheral Arterial Disease. If your circulation problem is serious enough, you may need to be referred to a Vascular Consultant at the hospital. Your Podiatrist will also provide you with advice around lifestyle changes you may need to make to prevent your condition from worsening.
Facts about Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
- PAD is strongly linked to Heart attack and Stroke
- 20% of people over the age of 60 yrs old have PAD
- 1/3 of these people have symptoms which means that 2/3 don’t know they have it.
- Smokers are 6x more likely to have PAD than non-smokers
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Colpod Therapies, The Glass Yard, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 8JY
Peak Podiatry, 15 Scarsdale Place, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6E
Telephone: 01246 273848