Vascular Screening

Good circulation is naturally vital to your entire body, but your feet in particular are in a challenging position when it comes to receiving the blood flow they need.

The distance of your feet from your heart, as well as the fact that your heart is often fighting against gravity on the return trip, means that your feet need all the circulatory power they can get. When something begins to weaken the strength of your circulation, the feet tend to experience the negative effects of it first.

Conditions such as diabetes and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can have negative effects on your circulation, which can cause big trouble for your lower limbs. This is why we have a full vascular studies lab and the capabilities to test your circulation—especially as it concerns your foot health.

Our Vascular Screening Services

How important do we believe circulation is to many of our patients? Our in-office screening lab is run by a cardiologist and it allows us to gather results without having to send you to another location or doctor.

Some of our vascular testing includes:

  • Arterial Ultrasound – Gauging the flow of blood through the arteries of the legs (from the heart to the feet) and locating areas of potential narrowing or blockage.
  • Venous Ultrasound – Gauging the flow of blood through the veins of the legs (from the feet to the heart) to locate areas of reflux (flowing backward) and potential clots.
  • Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) with Toe Pressures – This is basically taking blood pressure at your ankles and toes, but includes an infrared sensor at the toes due to their blood vessels being so small. These tests help us get a more direct gauge of circulation within the foot itself.

The results we receive from our testing can be very effective information in making diagnoses of immediate problems. However, our preferred use is in identifying risks of developing problems so the right preventative care can be recommended.

Why Is Preventative Care So Important?

When it comes to potential problems with circulation, early diagnosis and treatment will always be best.

A discovered issue can have many underlying causes, so it is very important to know what exactly is at play. Two major conditions that should be discovered and addressed as soon as possible are:

  • Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) – The narrowing of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow to the limbs. PAD is often associated with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
  • Diabetes – If PAD is discovered, testing for diabetes should follow. Diabetes can cause damage to both circulation and nerves, which can lead to devastating consequences in the feet.

The effects of poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet can lead to injuries taking longer to heal, as well as injuries going unnoticed as the feet lose sensation. This is what can lead to small cuts going untreated and worsening into deep ulcers, which can then become infected.

Infections are how amputations happen, and that is not something we want any of our patients to have to experience.

By identifying and addressing problems early, we can make sure your feet and lower limbs never get into such a condition.

    Catch Problems Early With Vascular Screening!

    Vascular screening can save patients from a lot of undue trouble in the future. And with our services here, we can ensure it happens when it needs to.

    If you have concerns about your foot and ankle health, give us a call at (480) 917-2300, or send us a message via our online contact form. We’ll make sure to set you on the right path to management and recovery.

    Call Us for an Appointment

    P: (480) 917-2300
    F: (480) 917-5400

    Philosophy

    Dr Leber, native to Arizona, believes the quality patient care involves clear communication while offering consistent and research-based treatment that includes exhaustive conservative care and surgical options when necessary.

    Education

    • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science – Brigham Young University, Utah
    • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine- Western University of Health Science, CA
    • Medical missions to Guatemala and Nicaragua

    Training

    • Podiatric Medical and Surgical Residency- VA
    • Health System-Albuquerque NM
    • Chief Resident Kaiser Permanente Sacramento CA

    Hospital Affiliations

    • Chandler Regional Medical Center
    • Arizona Specialty Hospital
    • Banner Desert Medical Center
    • Tempe St Lukes

    Emphasis

    Extensive training in trauma, rear foot and ankle reconstruction, arthroscopic techniques, biomechanical and structural deformities, congenital deformities and diabetic care.

    Hobbies

    • Spending time with his wife and 5 children
    • Wakeboarding
    • Playing Guitar
    • Exercising

    Languages

    • English (Native)
    • Spanish (fluent)

       

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