Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Leg pain while walking and poor blood circulation in the legs caused by narrowed arteries, with options including angioplasty and stenting.
- Leg pain while walking
- Angioplasty
- Stenting
Conditions we treat
Diabetic Foot: Circulation and Foot Wounds
Diabetes can affect both the nerves and the blood vessels of the feet. A small cut or blister can turn into a wound that is slow to heal. Checking the circulation early, and treating any narrowing, helps protect your feet.
What is diabetic foot?
Over time, high blood sugar can damage the nerves in the feet (neuropathy), so injuries are not felt. It can also narrow the arteries (peripheral artery disease), so less blood reaches the foot to heal them. Together, these make foot wounds more likely and harder to heal.
Infection can spread quickly in a diabetic foot. Prompt attention to any wound, and early treatment of poor circulation, makes a real difference.
Common symptoms
- Numbness, tingling or burning in the feet
- Cold feet, or a change in skin colour
- Cramping leg pain while walking
- A cut, blister or sore on the foot that is slow to heal
- Redness, warmth, swelling or discharge from a wound
- Black areas on the toes or foot (seek urgent care)
When to see a specialist
Consider booking a consultation if:
- You have diabetes and have never had the circulation in your feet checked
- You notice numbness, coldness or colour change in your feet
- Any foot wound has not improved within a few days
- You have spreading redness, fever or a bad smell from a wound: seek care the same day
How we assess it
Every assessment starts with listening. We take the time to understand the full picture before suggesting anything.
- 1
Consultation
You sit down with the specialist and talk through your symptoms, your concerns and what you would like to achieve.
- 2
Your history
We ask about your health, past illnesses, medicines, family history and daily routine, as these often explain the problem.
- 3
Examination
A gentle, careful examination of the affected area, done in privacy.
- 4
Review of your reports
We go through any previous scans, test results and prescriptions you bring, so nothing is repeated without need.
- 5
Tests, only if needed
If more information would help, your specialist will explain which test is advised and why.
Your specialist will check the pulses and sensation in your feet, and may advise an ABI test or a Doppler ultrasound scan to assess the blood flow.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause and how much it affects your life. Your specialist will explain each suitable option simply, including its benefits and risks, so you can decide together.
Circulation assessment and medicines
Identifying narrowed arteries early, with medicines to protect the blood vessels and close attention to blood sugar control.
Wound care guidance
Advice on dressings, keeping pressure off the wound (off-loading) and infection control, coordinated with your diabetes care team.
Improving blood flow
If arteries are narrowed, angioplasty or stenting may be advised to bring more blood to the foot and help wounds heal.
If a procedure is recommended, your specialist will explain it and arrange it at a hospital, and you will continue your follow-up here at Vessels Clinic.
Living with it: self-care tips
- Check both feet every day, including between the toes; use a mirror if needed
- Wash and dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes
- Never walk barefoot, even at home
- Wear soft, well-fitting footwear and check inside shoes before wearing them
- Keep blood sugar within your target range
- Do not treat corns or calluses yourself; ask for advice
Frequently asked questions
Because narrowed leg arteries are more common in diabetes and can slow wound healing. Finding and treating poor circulation early helps protect the foot.
Seek care the same day for spreading redness, fever, a bad smell, black skin or sudden new pain.
Check them yourself every day, and have them examined by a doctor at least once a year, or more often if you have had problems before.
Explore
Related conditions
Leg Swelling & Venous Ulcers
Swollen, heavy or aching legs and non-healing leg wounds, often caused by a problem in the leg veins.
- Heavy legs
- Venous ulcer
- Non-healing leg wound
Varicose Veins
Bulging, twisted or aching leg veins and fine spider veins, with minimally invasive treatment options such as EVLA and sclerotherapy.
- Spider veins
- EVLA
- Sclerotherapy
Questions about diabetic foot?
Message us on WhatsApp or call the clinic to book an unhurried consultation with the specialist.