This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
Who may benefit?
Assessment may be useful if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a history of smoking, heart or vascular disease, leg pain when walking, slow-healing wounds, or changes in foot colour or temperature.
What happens during the assessment?
The clinician reviews medical history and symptoms and examines the feet and lower legs for skin colour, temperature, swelling, hair growth, skin quality and wounds.
Checking circulation
Foot and ankle pulses, capillary refill and comparison between the legs can provide an initial picture of blood flow.
Doppler and ABI testing
A handheld Doppler ultrasound may be used to listen to arterial blood flow. An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) compares blood pressure at the ankle and arm and can help assess peripheral arterial disease.
Further tests
If reduced circulation is suspected, referral to a GP, vascular imaging service or vascular specialist may be recommended.
Seek prompt medical care for a suddenly cold or pale foot, severe pain, blackened skin, a wound that is not healing, or spreading redness, swelling or fever.
The Footpath Health approach
Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Depending on the problem, that next step may be self-management, podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment, imaging or specialist care.
Still not sure what the right next step is?
Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards an appropriate healthcare professional.
Start your Footpath Health enquiry →