Vascular Testing for Foot and Ankle Health

Who Should Get Vascular Testing?

You may benefit from vascular testing if you experience:

• Diabetic foot ulcers or slow wound healing
• Peripheral neuropathy or numbness
• Leg cramps or fatigue while walking (claudication)
• Skin color changes, temperature differences, or hair loss on legs
• Cold or pale toes and feet
• History of smoking, heart disease, or stroke
• Foot pain at rest or when elevated (possible critical limb ischemia)

Conditions We Evaluate

???? Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Left untreated, PAD can lead to ulcers, gangrene, or limb loss.

???? Venous Insufficiency
Poor valve function in the veins leads to swelling, discoloration, and stasis ulcers.

???? Microvascular Disease
Common in diabetics; small blood vessels become damaged and impair wound healing.

Vascular Testing Options

We perform the following non-invasive vascular studies in-office:

???? ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index)
Compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm to detect arterial blockages.

???? Toe-Brachial Index (TBI)
Used when ABI is inconclusive or falsely normal, especially in diabetics.

???? Doppler Ultrasound
Real-time imaging of blood flow through arteries and veins in the foot and lower leg.

???? Pulse Volume Recording (PVR)
Assesses changes in blood volume with each heartbeat to detect narrowing or blockages.

???? Skin Perfusion Pressure (SPP)
Helps determine healing potential in patients with wounds or ulcers.

What Happens During the Exam?

• The test is painless and non-invasive
• Takes approximately 30–45 minutes
• We may ask you to lie down or elevate your feet
• Small cuffs are placed on your legs or toes to measure blood flow
• Results are interpreted immediately in our office

What We Do With the Results

If vascular disease is detected:

• We create a comprehensive treatment plan
• Coordinate referrals to vascular surgeons or cardiologists as needed
• Begin wound care, bracing, and pressure offloading strategies
• Provide education on circulation-improving footwear, exercise, and risk factor control

Advanced Treatment Integration

If your poor circulation is contributing to ulcers, tendon disease, or nerve pain, we may incorporate:

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy referrals
• Shockwave Therapy for tissue regeneration
• Advanced wound care dressings and skin substitutes
• Stem cell and growth factor injections (case-dependent)