Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is caused by the narrowing or blocking of the arteries, particularly in the legs. If you have leg pain, it may be a warning sign of PAD and early detection can slow the disease and decrease the chance of heart attack or stroke.

Your podiatrist can do a full vascular assessment to determine whether you have PAD. This includes a test called an ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) and checking your pulses for signs of irregular heart beat. If we detect signs of vascular problems, we will refer you to your GP for further investigation.

Poor peripheral circulation will affect the condition of your skin. It can cause a delay in wound healing and increase the risk of infection.