Why might I need a lower limb arterial ultrasound?
Your GP or specialist may request a lower limb arterial ultrasound if you have symptoms that could suggest reduced blood flow to the legs.
One of the most common symptoms is intermittent claudication. This is pain, aching, cramping or fatigue in the calf, thigh or buttock that develops during walking or exercise and improves after resting.
The symptoms are often quite predictable. For example, you may notice that you can walk approximately 100 metres before calf cramping starts, and that the discomfort settles after you stop and rest. When you start walking again, the pain may return after a similar distance.
Some people develop symptoms after only a short distance. Others may walk comfortably on flat ground but develop pain more quickly when walking uphill or climbing stairs.
Symptoms may include:
- calf, thigh or buttock pain when walking
- cramping or aching that occurs after walking a similar distance each time
- pain that improves with rest
- symptoms that develop more quickly on hills or stairs
- coldness of the foot or lower leg
- numbness or weakness in the leg
- wounds on the foot or toes that are slow to heal
- changes in skin colour
- pain in the foot or leg while resting, particularly at night.
As arterial disease becomes more severe, the distance you can walk without symptoms may become shorter.
More advanced reduction in blood flow can cause rest pain, non-healing wounds or tissue loss.
Some people with peripheral artery disease may have few or no symptoms.
Your doctor may also request an arterial ultrasound if you have risk factors for vascular disease or if previously diagnosed arterial disease needs monitoring.
What is peripheral artery disease?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when arteries supplying the legs become narrowed or blocked, most commonly because of a build-up of atherosclerotic plaque.
When you are resting, the blood supply may be sufficient. During walking or exercise, however, the muscles need more oxygen and blood. If an artery is significantly narrowed, the increased demand may cause pain or cramping during activity.
This is why people with intermittent claudication often notice that their symptoms begin after walking a fairly consistent distance and then improve after resting.
As arterial disease becomes more advanced, symptoms can occur after shorter walking distances or even while resting.
A lower limb arterial ultrasound can help identify where arterial narrowing or blockage is located and how it is affecting blood flow.
