Can Ultrasound Be Used To Diagnose Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are blue, red, or skin-colored twisted veins. Larger veins may seem ropelike and cause the skin to protrude. Varicose veins are commonly found on the thighs, calves’ backs, and fronts, or the interior of the legs around the ankles and feet. Covington varicose veins can also develop in the inner thigh, lower pelvic region, and buttocks during pregnancy.

Duplex ultrasound imaging is quite helpful in assessing the venous system. Ultrasound can assist in identifying any faulty veins and identifying those that require intervention. Doppler ultrasonography (a device that detects and measures blood flow) may also offer further information about the competence and flow through the valves in the perforating and deeper veins. This information is essential if surgery or other treatments are in the works.

Who can develop varicose veins?

Many individuals ultimately have vein health problems. It is believed that one in every ten men and one in every three women suffer from varicose vein disease. Varicose vein disease is progressive and typically genetic, which means that if your parents or grandparents have or had varicose veins, you are at risk of developing them as well. If you get pregnant or have a work or lifestyle that demands you to stand for lengthy periods, your condition may worsen.

Surgical techniques available to treat varicose veins

Varicose veins are commonly treated surgically by removing the “bad” veins. This pushes the blood to flow via the veins that are still healthy. The troublesome veins are “stripped” out during vein stripping surgery by inserting a flexible instrument through the vein and extracting it through an incision near the groin. Smaller tributaries of these veins are also stripped or removed through a succession of tiny incisions with this instrument. The veins that link to deeper veins are then severed. This stripping technique has been in use since the 1950s. Outpatient surgical methods are increasingly used, and general anesthesia is rarely required.

Additionally, the degree of pain an individual feels throughout these operations will vary based on the person’s overall tolerance for pain, the extent of the therapies, where regions of the body are treated, if problems emerge, and other considerations. Pain is not felt during surgery since it is conducted under anesthetic. There may be some pain at or near the incision when the anesthetic wears off.

The advantages of compression stockings for varicose veins

Compression stockings essentially squeeze the leg, lowering the volume of blood and pressure in the veins. Stockings come in a variety of brands, styles, and colors. A health care practitioner should direct the amount of pressure exerted around the leg. They may be created to order for each patient and should be fitted while the leg is not swollen. Older or obese people sometimes struggle to put on the stockings, which must be worn when the patient is standing. These stockings often lose part of their compression over time and may need to be changed regularly.

Varicose veins typically worsen with time. This is true even if you adjust your lifestyle to control them and manage your discomfort. While they are unattractive, they seldom cause long-term medical issues. Varicose veins can cause ulcers or sores on your legs, blood clots, and persistent inflammation in some situations. If you have any of these indicators, you should visit your doctor. They may then advise a more active course of action, such as surgery or other procedures. Call Louisiana Heart and Vascular to learn more about available varicose veins therapies.