Vascular Testing - A Roadmap of Blood Flow

Blood pressure measurement. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from circulatory problems, chances are you have already had some form or vascular testing. A vascular test is a non-invasive procedure used to detect blockages or diseases in the arteries.  It provides the doctor with road map type guidance of the overall health of your circulatory system.

There are several different procedures used that can assist your doctor in determining the location of blockage, and the degree or severity of the blockage. This is a helpful tool for the doctor when a patient must undergo surgery. Different forms of testing include: doppler, photoplethysmograph (PPG), ankle-arm index/ankle-brachial index, toe pressures and angiography.

• Doppler - this test is conducted by placing a probe over the blood vessel being tested and uses sound waves to read the blood flow. How quickly the sound waves bounce back to the probe indicates the level of blockage. The probe is directed at red blood cells. The greater the blockage, the slower the cells are moving through the blood vessel. This is then printed to a machine and used for comparison with normal vessels. This test is painless, and the patient who can benefit from it includes smokers, diabetics, elderly and anyone suffering from circulatory concerns.

• Photoplethysmograph - is a test that works similar to the doppler. However, instead of major blood vessels, it measures the health of tiny blood vessels by directing the probe at the tips of the toes. This is another non-invasive and painless test.

• Ankle-Arm/Ankle-Brachial Index - is a test that measures blood flow toward the foot. This test is done on major vessels, and uses blood pressures taken on each arm and ankle for ratio comparison. Differences indicate impeded blood flow.

• Toe Pressures - are similar to blood pressure tests for the toes. If a large discrepancy exists, it indicates presence of disease or blockage.

• Angiography - is a test that uses injectable dye that is then read by a special machine. When less dye is visible, blockage is indicated. This test is useful in determining the amount and location of blockage.

Any of these tests can be used by Dr. Blaakman to assist him in his evaluation. These tests are especially important if you suffer from diabetes or some other circulatory concerns that involve your feet. If you are facing the possibility of surgery and have questions about the tests, call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-3338. He can explain details of these procedures. More information on vascular testing will soon be available on his website.

References:

http://www.footdoc.ca/www.FootDoc.ca/Website%20Vascular%20Testing.htm

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It Takes More Than Two Alike to Make a Good Pair of Socks

Rainbow striped toe socks worn with thong sandals (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

That’s a fact. Just because you can match up a pair, doesn’t mean it’s a good pair of socks. Shoes are dark. Add feet and you suddenly have warmth. Once an environment is warm and dark, when perspiration starts, the environment becomes a haven for fungus. Socks form a barrier between feet and shoes, but unless the socks are the right kind of socks, it may add to the problem and create new ones. In order to protect the feet from harmful bacteria and the elements, socks should have specific characteristics.

Some traits a good sock may exhibit:

• Synthetic fibers or blends

• Correct construction and length

• Tactile stimulation

• Appearance

• Cushioning

• Temperature

• Longevity

• Smooth seams

Socks should have moisture wicking capability to keep the foot as dry and comfortable as possible. In the winter damp feet can become very cold and no one wants hot sweaty feet in the summer. They just stink up your sneakers. Socks should be constructed to fit the foot. Tube socks may have a purpose. A tube sock is apt to slip down, bunch up and possibly cause blisters. Of course, everyone wants a sock that’s soft and pleasant feeling and if it’s not solid color and design is important then check out the work and pattern. Socks have areas of cushioning knit into them, so a good sock should have extra padding on the ball of the foot, along the arch and under the heel. If the socks are designed with a specific sport in mind, this may change the way the sock is padded.

A good pair of socks will help keep the feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This is due to fiber content and wicking capabilities. Some natural fibers such as Marino wool and silk have this ability, but once cotton gets damp, it stays damp and has a long drying time. Damp socks will bunch up and cause lumps. Look for synthetic or blends. Perhaps check out Aetrex socks that have copper ions embedded in the yarn.

Good socks perform a function. All things considered, they take care of your feet and form a barrier between your feet and shoes that provides healthy comfort. Keep your feet safer by changing socks to keep feet dry. Dark warm moist environments may allow fungus to gain a “foot hold,” and no one needs that.

If you think your socks may have let you down and you have corns from seams that have caused irritation, or the beginning of toenail fungus or any one of many other concerns, call Dr. Blaakman at (864) 487-3338. No need to get your socks in a bunch. Get an appointment and he can evaluate your concern and have you leave a happier and healthier person.

References:

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/forum/showthread.php?78201-More-Than-You-Ever-Wanted-To-Know-About-Top-Quality-Socks-2010-Update

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Cold Feet - Could it be More Then Just the Temperature?

Image via WikipediaDo you always have cold feet?  It’s not just women that always have cold feet, men can have them too, and no I’m not talking about “cold feet” before a wedding. But if your feet are constantly cold all the time, it could be from more than the fact that you are just cold.  It could actually be due to the fact that you have a condition that causes poor blood flow to your legs and/or feet.  But what conditions are there that cause this?

Well you could be suffering from Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is a sensitivity to cold temperatures.  What happens is that when you come in contact with cold temperatures, it causes your blood vessels to spasm, thus resulting in poor blood flow.  It could be that you have a heart condition that keeps blood from flowing perfectly throughout your body.  You might actually have a blockage in your arteries, which can be very serious because blockages are what cause heart attacks.  This is why, if you have constant cold feet, you need to see a podiatrist to see if the condition is serious or not.  It could be that you are on some type of medication that is actually causing the poor blood flow, like medication for high blood pressure can do.  Even migraine and cold medications can cause cold feet.  So it could be as serious as a blockage in your arteries, or it could be those cold pills you have been taking.

If you constantly have cold feet, you need to get them checked out.  If you do have  a blockage in your arteries and you catch it early, you might save yourself a heart attack, literally.  If you are in need of a podiatrist, Dr. Hans Blaakman would love to be that podiatrist.  He is the owner of Upstate Footcare.  We have two offices, one in Gaffney, SC and one in Duncan, SC.  Check out our website at www.upstatefootcare.com and request an appointment to get your feet checked out asap.

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