Poor Leg Circulation? Get a Leg Artery Ultrasound at Butler. (08) 9544 3999
Author : crystal radiology | Published On : 12 Oct 2026
Do your legs feel cold, numb or painful when you walk? Do you experience cramping in your calves after a short distance, only for the pain to improve when you rest? These symptoms may be associated with poor blood circulation and could indicate an underlying vascular condition.
A Leg Artery Ultrasound at Butler is a non-invasive imaging examination that uses sound waves to assess blood flow through the arteries in your legs. If you have persistent symptoms of poor circulation, your doctor may recommend this scan to investigate the cause and determine the next steps in your care.
What Is a Leg Artery Ultrasound?
A leg artery ultrasound, also known as an arterial Doppler ultrasound, is a diagnostic scan used to examine the arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your legs and feet.
The scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of blood vessels. Doppler ultrasound also measures the direction and speed of blood flow, helping identify areas where circulation may be reduced.
A Leg Artery Ultrasound at Butler may help assess:
- Narrowing of the arteries
- Reduced blood flow through certain blood vessels
- Arterial blockages
- Changes associated with Peripheral Artery Disease
- Blood flow abnormalities that may explain leg symptoms
The results can help your referring doctor understand your circulation and decide whether further tests, treatment or specialist assessment is needed.
Signs of Poor Circulation in the Legs
Poor circulation can develop gradually, and its early symptoms may be mistaken for ordinary muscle fatigue or ageing. Recognising potential warning signs is important, particularly if you have risk factors for vascular disease.
Common symptoms include:
- Leg pain when walking: Cramping or aching in the calves, thighs or buttocks that improves after resting.
- Cold feet or legs: One foot may feel colder than the other.
- Numbness or tingling: Unusual sensations in the feet or lower legs.
- Skin changes: Shiny skin, changes in colour or reduced hair growth on the lower legs.
- Slow-healing wounds: Sores on the feet or legs that take longer than expected to heal.
- Pain at rest: Discomfort in the feet or toes, particularly at night, which may indicate more advanced circulation problems.
These symptoms can have several causes, so they do not automatically mean you have arterial disease. However, persistent or unexplained symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Sudden severe leg pain, a suddenly cold or pale foot, new weakness or loss of sensation can indicate an emergency involving blood flow. Seek emergency medical care immediately rather than waiting for a routine ultrasound.
When Should You Get a Leg Artery Ultrasound?
Your doctor may recommend a Leg Artery Ultrasound at Butler if you have symptoms that could indicate reduced blood flow to your legs or feet.
A scan may be considered if you experience:
- Repeated leg cramps or pain when walking
- Pain that improves after stopping and resting
- Persistent coldness or numbness in one or both feet
- Unexplained changes in skin colour
- Wounds that are slow to heal
- Suspected arterial narrowing or blockage
- Known vascular disease that requires further assessment
Your doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history and physical examination when deciding which investigations are appropriate. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need an ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) test or other vascular investigations.
Early assessment can help identify circulation problems and support timely management. However, the most appropriate test depends on your individual symptoms and clinical needs.
What Happens During a Leg Artery Ultrasound?
A leg artery ultrasound is generally straightforward and does not involve needles or surgery.
During the examination, the sonographer will usually:
- Ask about your symptoms and the reason for the scan.
- Ask you to lie on an examination bed, depending on the area being assessed.
- Apply ultrasound gel to your skin.
- Move a handheld probe over the arteries in your legs.
- Use Doppler technology to assess blood flow and capture the necessary images.
The sonographer may examine several areas of your legs, depending on your referral and symptoms.
The examination is usually painless, although you may feel slight pressure from the probe. Ultrasound does not use ionising radiation, and the duration of the appointment can vary depending on the extent of the assessment.
Once the examination is complete, the images are reviewed, and a report is provided to your referring doctor or healthcare professional.
Why Choose Butler Medical Imaging?
At Butler Medical Imaging, patients can access diagnostic imaging services to help investigate a range of health concerns. A Leg Artery Ultrasound at Butler can provide valuable information about arterial blood flow when your doctor suspects a circulation problem.
Patients choose Butler Medical Imaging because we offer:
- Experienced sonographers and radiologists.
- Advanced ultrasound imaging technology.
- Accurate diagnostic reporting.
- Bulk billing available for eligible patients
- Convenient appointments for referred patients in Australia.
Book Your Leg Artery Ultrasound at Butler Medical Imaging
A Leg Artery Ultrasound at Butler may help identify abnormalities in blood flow and provide your doctor with useful information to guide your next steps.
Please ensure that you have your Medicare card and referral with you and pop into our location for your consultation. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us on +61 8 9544 3999 as we are here to help.
Additional Recommendation
“This information is general in nature and does not replace medical advice. Suitability for procedures should be discussed with your referring doctor or specialist.
