Vascular & Circulation Conditions

Maintaining healthy circulation is vital for the health of your feet and legs. At Buderim Foot & Ankle, we specialise in identifying and managing vascular and circulation conditions that affect the lower limbs. These conditions can range from mild discomfort to serious health risks if left untreated.

Below are some of the key vascular conditions we assess and help manage:

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Arterial Disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to your legs and feet become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This reduces blood flow, which can lead to pain during walking (claudication), slow wound healing, and in severe cases, tissue damage or ulcers.

Common symptoms:

Leg pain when walking
Cold feet or legs
Numbness or weakness
Poor nail or skin growth on the feet

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in the deep veins, usually in the lower leg or thigh. It requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of the clot travelling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

Signs of DVT may include:

Sudden swelling in one leg
Pain or tenderness not caused by injury
Warmth or redness of the skin in the affected area
Please contact our clinic or your GP immediately if you are concerned you have a DVT.

Chilblains

Chilblains are small, itchy, red or purple swellings on the skin caused by abnormal responses to cold temperatures. They occur when the skin is exposed to cold, then re-warmed too quickly, leading to inflammation in the small blood vessels.

Symptoms include:

Itching or burning sensations
Swelling or redness on toes
Blistering or skin ulcers in severe cases

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Raynaud’s causes some areas of your body; typically fingers and toes; to feel numb, cold and change colour in response to cold temperatures or stress. This condition affects blood flow due to spasms in the small arteries.

Symptoms include:

Colour changes in the skin (white, then blue, then red)
Numbness or tingling
Throbbing or pain as circulation returns

Microangiopathy

Microangiopathy refers to damage in the small blood vessels (capillaries), often associated with diabetes. It can impair circulation in the feet and contribute to the development of ulcers and delayed healing.

Indicators can include:

Discolouration of skin
Foot ulcers that do not heal
Tingling or burning sensations

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment Syndrome occurs when pressure within a closed muscle compartment increases, leading to decreased blood flow and potential muscle and nerve damage. It can be acute (medical emergency) or chronic (often exercise-related).

Symptoms include:

Severe pain, especially during or after activity
Tightness or fullness in the leg
Numbness or tingling
Weakness in the affected limb

How Your Podiatrist Can Help

Your podiatrist plays a key role in assessing your circulation and identifying any signs of vascular compromise. We use a variety of clinical tools and assessments, including:

Doppler ultrasound to check blood flow
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) testing to compare blood pressure in your ankle and arm
Capillary refill time and skin temperature evaluations
Absolute Toe Pressure Assessment: an assessment to measure systolic blood pressure in the toes.
Visual assessments of skin tone, nail health, and any existing wounds

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