Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor blood flow to the lower limbs due to the narrowing and hardening of the arteries which supply blood to the area. Your podiatrist may want to screen you for PAD if you are older, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or if you show any of the symptoms of PAD, including leg cramps, shiny skin, hair loss, or ulcers on the legs, and brittle toenails. PAD screenings are generally painless, noninvasive, and can be performed relatively quickly. Your podiatrist may perform the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which involves taking the blood pressure at your upper arms and ankles and then comparing the resulting numbers to determine your likelihood of having PAD. You may also have an ultrasound scan of your lower legs to visualize blood flow in the area. For more information about PAD, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Dr. Kevin H. Lapoff from Lake Worth Podiatry. Our doctor 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 our office located in Lake Worth, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.