Peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, is a condition that results in poor circulation to the lower limbs. Typical symptoms of PAD include leg pain or muscle cramps when walking, numbness, weakness, or coldness in your legs. An ankle brachial index is a quick, noninvasive, and painless test used to screen for PAD. The measurements can highlight any potential problems, like blockages or partial blockages in blood flow to your extremities.To do this test, a doctor simply takes your blood pressure at your arms and at your ankles and compares the numbers to come up with a numerical ratio that represents your risk of having or developing PAD. While anyone can get the ankle brachial index test, people who have pre-existing risk factors for developing PAD are especially encouraged to undergo this screening. Risk factors include a history of smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. For more information about the ankle brachial index and other tests for PAD, speak with a 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 Shaun J. Limon, DPM and Lisa Griffith-Limon, DPM from Limons Foot & Ankle Care. 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 our offices located in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.