Doppler Ultrasound Assessments
Good blood flow is essential for healthy feet. If you have diabetes, leg swelling, cold toes, or slow-healing wounds, it could be a sign that your circulation needs closer attention. That’s where vascular and Doppler ultrasound assessments, including Toe-Brachial Index (TBI) testing, come in.
At Brisbane Physiotherapy & Podiatry, we use non-invasive tools to assess how well blood is flowing to your feet and toes, helping us detect issues early and guide your care safely and effectively.
Early detection matters
Early detection of reduced blood flow allows us to take action before complications arise. That might mean adjusting your footwear, referring you to a vascular specialist, or monitoring your risk more closely over time.
At Brisbane Physiotherapy and Podiatry, vascular assessments are a vital part of diabetic foot care and ulcer prevention.
Why Foot Circulation Matters
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The feet are the farthest point from the heart, which means they’re often the first to show signs of reduced circulation. Poor blood flow can lead to:
Cold, numb, or tingling feet
Delayed wound healing
Increased risk of infection
Foot ulcers and, in serious cases, amputation
This is particularly important in people with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), or a history of smoking or cardiovascular issues.
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A vascular assessment checks the health of the arteries in your legs and feet. At our clinic, we use a handheld Doppler ultrasound device to listen to the blood flow in key arteries around your feet and ankles.
The Doppler gives us valuable information about the quality of the blood flow, whether it’s strong and regular or weakened, suggesting a narrowing or blockage.
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The TBI test is a more advanced and accurate way to assess circulation in the feet, especially in people with diabetes, where standard ankle tests (like ABI) can give false results due to stiffened arteries.
Here’s how it works:
We measure the blood pressure in your big toe and compare it to the blood pressure in your arm.
The ratio gives us a clear picture of whether blood is reaching your toes properly.
It’s painless, non-invasive, and only takes a few minutes.