Vascular Examination - PAD

Here at Affiliated Ankle and Foot care, we strive to be at the forefront of the podiatry profession. We do so through continuing education programs and keeping up with the latest technological advances. One of the technologies that we’re using at our Soldotna, AK practice is a vascular examination tool. This great device allows us to better diagnose Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).

 

PAD is a lower extremity disorder in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the rest of your body. This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue and other substances. When the plaque builds up in the body’s arteries, it can harden and narrow the arteries, limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the other organs in your body, especially to the legs and feet. For those wondering what the symptoms of PAD are, patients often report the following:

• Cramping pains in the legs or hip muscles while walking
• Burning or aching in the feet and toes while at rest
• Cooling of the skin in specific areas of the legs or feet
• Color change in the skin
• Sores on the feet and toes
• No pulse in the feet

Our non-invasive vascular exam is a simple test. Dr. Harry Cotler will place blood pressure cuffs on your leg at different levels. This will measure your blood pressure and obtain an image of the pulse wave form. This will show Dr. Cotler whether or not there is evidence of PAD.