Ischaemia is the hardening and obstruction of the blood vessels, reducing the blood supply to the legs and feet. The feet are more vulnerable to damage due to poor circulation. A good blood supply is needed for healthy skin and wound healing.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ischaemia are:
- cold, pale, numb or burning feet
- loss of hairs on toes, feet and legs
- discolouration marks on feet and toes
- delayed wound healing which can become infected
- pain or cramp in the calf, thigh or bottom when walking or sitting at night
- fragile skin that bruises or tears
- pressure areas can develop due to less fatty padding under the heel and ball of foot
- ulceration or breakdowns occur due to pressure and friction on prominent areas
If any injury occurs, however minor, it is potentially serious and needs to be dressed with a sterile dressing and reviewed by a health care professional.
If you have any problems with your feet, contact your local podiatry department or GP for advice immediately.
Contact Doncaster podiatry foot protection service
Cantley Health Centre
Middleham Road
Cantley
Doncaster
South Yorkshire
DN4 6ED
- Telephone: 03000 211550
- Email: rdash.podiatryreferrals@nhs.net
Document control
Document reference: DP7065/9489/10.12
This information is correct at the time of publishing
April 2017.
Page last reviewed: May 07, 2024
Next review due: May 07, 2025