Our mission statement
Who we are
| Chair person: | Mr Patrick McGill |
| Vice-chair: | Ms Sheryl Braidwood |
| Treasurer: | TBC |
Other members: Aboura Shamsa, Emma Roberts, Jayne Robbie
What is podiatric vascular medicine?
Podiatric vascular medicine is a specialised field focused on the detection, diagnosis, and management of vascular diseases affecting the lower limbs, especially peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Podiatrists play a crucial role in early diagnosis and treatment, working closely with vascular teams to improve outcomes, reduce amputations, and manage cardiovascular risks through comprehensive assessments and non-invasive vascular testing.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a chronic condition where "atherosclerotic obstruction (narrowing or occlusion) of the peripheral arteries affects blood supply to the lower limbs". According to NICE guideline NG147 PAD can “cause symptoms such as leg pain when walking that resolves at rest (‘intermittent claudication’), non-healing wounds, and unexplained leg pain”. NICE guidance emphasises providing “information about the causes of symptoms, the severity of disease, the risks of limb loss and cardiovascular events, and relevant treatment options”. Nice.org.uk
Diabetic foot ulcers
A diabetic foot ulcer is “an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 15% of patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot” (IWGDF). NICE states management should “offer one or more of the following as standard care: offloading, control of infection and ischaemia, wound debridement, and dressings”. Timely referral to a multidisciplinary team is essential and “immediate referral is needed for limb- or life-threatening foot problems”.
Varicose veins in the lower extremities
Varicose veins in the lower extremities are swollen, twisted veins visible under the skin often causing symptoms like pain, swelling, itching, and skin changes. NICE clinical guideline CG168 advises referral to a vascular service for assessment if symptomatic or complicated by skin changes or ulcers. Diagnosis requires duplex ultrasound, and effective treatments include endothermal ablation or foam sclerotherapy. Compression hosiery is recommended only when interventional treatment is unsuitable.
Educational resources
Royal College of Podiatry Vascular module
This course is based on the Capability Framework 2019 Statement 5 (Peripheral arterial disease) and will focus on capabilities up to Level D (Specialist clinician) and E (Advanced clinician) knowledge, skills and behaviours.
This module is delivered via TALUS - the Royal College’s learning management system (LMS) and includes a one in-person practical day. The format of delivery is pre-recorded lectures along with associated assignments.
Royal College of Podiatry Foot in Diabetes module
This course is based on the comprehensive Diabetic Foot Competency Framework and the Foot in Diabetes Capability Framework and will capture the Level D (Specialist Podiatrist) and E (Advanced Podiatry Practitioner) knowledge, skills and behaviours.The format of delivery is pre-recorded lectures that delegates are required to watch along with completing associated tasks.
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University of Birmingham advancing practice in peripheral vascular disease MSc module
A newly-designed course from the University of Birmingham developed to meet the needs of interdisciplinary healthcare practitioners working in partnership with people in relation to peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which encompasses both arterial, venous and lymphatic diseases.
Other resources
- International Working Group on Diabetic Foot (IWGDF): Guidelines
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
- Podiatry led management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (1).pdf
- Heart Rhythm Alliance
Patient resources
We have a range of patient resources available, as well as downloadable forms and some FAQs
Case studies
Case study: An 85-year-old male presents with intermittent claudication in the left leg, experiencing cramping pain on walking that resolves with rest. He has a history of hypertension and smoking.
Plan of action (per NICE CG147):
- Conduct a full clinical assessment including Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) measurement.
- Encourage smoking cessation and implement cardiovascular risk factor management including blood pressure and lipid control.
- Initiate a supervised exercise program to improve symptoms.
- Consider pharmacologic treatments (e.g., antiplatelet therapy and statins).
- Refer for vascular imaging and specialist assessment if symptoms progress or lifestyle is significantly impaired.
Case study: A 55-year-old female with diabetes presents with new intense leg pain and an ABPI of 0.4
Plan of action (per NICE NG19 and CG147):
- Immediate referral to acute services for urgent assessment of possible critical limb ischemia.
- Urgent vascular imaging and multidisciplinary foot care service involvement.
- Initiate pain management and stabilise any infection if present.
- Assess for and manage cardiovascular risk factors comprehensively.
- Provide patient education on foot care and warn about limb-threatening complications.
This presentation requires rapid intervention to prevent limb loss.