A Vascular and Neurological assessment of the feet is conducted for every client who attends our clinic during their initial consultation with us.

This is to ensure we are aware of your foot health status prior to any treatments provided.

This is especially important in the management of diabetic feet which are reviewed regularly.

We will refer to the appropriate NHS teams if we have any concerns regarding the findings of either your vascular or neurological assessments.

Vascular & Neurological Assessments

Vascular Complications

An impaired blood supply to the lower limbs means that any injuries will not heal as quickly as expected and in some cases may result in amputation if not appropriately managed.

Changes to the blood supply to the lower limbs can cause the following symptoms:

Cramping in the calves
Shiny smooth skin
Lossof hair on legs and feet
Thickened toenails
Cold, pale feet
Changes in the colour of the skin
Wounds or sores
Pain in your feet, especially when you put them up such as going to bed and then improves when you put your feet down

A severe obstruction of the arteries is a condition called ischaemia and will require urgent referral to the vascular team.

Neurological Complications

Neuropathy means damage to the nerves supplying any part of the body and is usually divided into two categories:

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves supplying the skin and muscles.
Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves supplying the organs such as the heart, bladder etc.

Neuropathy falls into two broad groups

Diffuse neuropathy affecting many nerves either sensory or autonomic. This is the most common form and is the one that affects the feet.
Focal neuropathy affecting individual nerves.

Symptoms of neuropathy affecting the hands or feet include:

Tingling or buzzing in the feet (parasthesia) which is often worse at night making sleep difficult.
Pins and needles which can become an intense pain or an intense burning sensastion. It can be occasional or constant depending on the damage to nerves.
Loss of temperature perception - the hands and feet are less sensitive to heat and over sensitive to the cold.
Exaggerated sensitivity to the skin (hyperesthesia) - over sensitivity to the skin where just wearing socks or tights is extremely unpleasant. A minor knock to the skin can be extremely painful