Why do my legs feel numb, cold or painful when I walk?
These symptoms could be a sign of poor circulation in the legs, and one of the most effective ways to find out what’s going on is through a leg artery ultrasound. This non-invasive scan helps detect blockages or narrowing in the arteries that supply blood to your legs, which can often cause leg pain, numbness, or cramping.

If you’ve been dealing with these symptoms, don’t ignore them, they could be an early sign of a more serious vascular condition.

What Is a Leg Artery Ultrasound?

A leg artery ultrasound, also known as an arterial Doppler scan, is a safe, painless imaging test used to assess blood flow in the arteries of your legs. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your arteries and measure how well blood is moving through them.

If your arteries are narrowed or blocked, often due to plaque build-up from Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), this scan will help detect it early, so you can take steps to manage it before complications develop.

At Capri Ultrasound, we offer advanced arterial Doppler scans performed by experienced sonographers using high-resolution ultrasound equipment. Our team works closely with referring doctors to provide accurate, timely results.

Signs of Poor Circulation in the Legs

Poor circulation often develops gradually, and many people overlook early symptoms. But the following warning signs should not be ignored:

• Leg pain when walking (also called claudication)
• Numbness in the feet or legs
• Cold feet or one leg colder than the other
• Pins and needles in feet
• Shiny skin or loss of hair on the lower legs
• Leg pain at night or when lying down
• Wounds on the feet or lower leg that are slow to heal
  

These signs could point to arterial disease in the legs. If left undiagnosed, it may lead to serious complications like ulcers, infections, or in rare cases, limb loss.

What Causes Poor Circulation?

Poor circulation in the legs is most commonly caused by Peripheral Artery Disease, a condition where fatty deposits (plaque) build up in the artery walls and reduce blood flow. Risk factors include:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Being over age 50
• Family history of vascular disease
  

Conditions like diabetes can also affect blood vessels in the feet, making it even more important to monitor circulation regularly.

When Should You Get a Leg Artery Ultrasound?

You may benefit from a leg artery ultrasound if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• Ongoing leg cramps or pain when walking short distances
• Cold or numb feet, especially in one leg
• Unexplained wounds or changes in skin colour
• Pins and needles in your feet when active or at rest
• Symptoms of poor circulation in the feet such as discolouration or poor toenail health
  

Even if your symptoms are mild, early diagnosis can help prevent more serious issues later. A vascular ultrasound can guide your GP or specialist in planning treatment or lifestyle changes tailored to your needs.

Capri Ultrasound is a trusted provider of vascular ultrasound services on the Gold Coast, offering both routine and urgent bookings for patients with circulation concerns. If you’re experiencing symptoms, we can help you get answers fast.

What Happens During the Scan?

A Doppler ultrasound of the legs is straightforward:

• You’ll lie down while a sonographer applies gel to your legs
• A handheld device (transducer) is moved across your skin
• The scan measures blood flow and pressure in different parts of your leg arteries
• No needles, no pain, and no downtime
  

At Capri Ultrasound, we perform this test with care and precision to give your referring doctor the most accurate results.

Can I Improve My Circulation Naturally?

Yes, lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating well, and staying active can all help improve circulation. In fact, walking regularly is one of the best ways to build up strength in your arteries and improve blood flow in your legs.

If you want to learn more about what you can do yourself to support healthy circulation, this article from WebMD covers practical steps, “Improve Poor Leg Circulation”.

That said, it’s still vital to understand the cause of your symptoms first and that’s where a leg artery ultrasound is essential. Without it, you won’t know if you’re dealing with something mild or more serious like PAD.

Local Ultrasound Options Near You

If you’re now googling “ultrasound near me”, “ultrasound bulk bill” or “ultrasound Gold Coast”, you’re in luck, Capri Ultrasound offers high-quality vascular imaging right here on the Gold Coast. We provide bulk billing options for all ultrasound referrals and for all eligible patients so you can access the care you need without financial stress.

Our team also performs foot ultrasound scans where symptoms extend to the feet or toes, helping provide a complete view of your lower limb circulation.

Book Your Leg Artery Ultrasound with Capri Ultrasound

If you’ve noticed symptoms like cold feet, numbness, or pain when walking, don’t ignore them. Poor circulation can start off mild but lead to serious complications if left unchecked.

A leg artery ultrasound at Capri Ultrasound is fast, safe, and provides the answers you, and your doctor, need.

👉 Book your scan today with Capri Ultrasound and take the first step toward better vascular health.