If your doctor has mentioned a vein ultrasound as a possible treatment option, you may be wondering more about this technique. If a problem occurs in the vascular system, specifically in veins or arteries, an imaging technique called a vein ultrasound helps identify the specific problem.
Vein conditions examples
Vein ultrasounds have proved valuable in determining where venous insufficiency has occurred and its severity. Additionally, they can also help in diagnosing many vein disorders. The practitioner performs this non-invasive and simple procedure with the help of a transducer placed on the skin. Vein ultrasounds use ultra-high frequency waves for developing soft tissue images. With the help of the vein images created through this procedure, your doctor assesses the condition of your veins.
Doctors may go for a vein ultrasound due to several vein-related disorders, such as superficial thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, and varicose veins. Certain tumors of the vascular system are also diagnosed through vein ultrasounds.
Varicose veins commonly affect the leg area. The pressure in veins present in your lower body increases due to standing and walking for an extended period. Some people may become uncomfortable and experience pain due to varicose veins, so vein ultrasounds create real-time images of these veins, which can help decide the treatment.
Deep vein thrombosis or blood clots can be life-threatening. Blood clots can obstruct blood flow in major organs, such as the lungs, brain, and heart. It is essential to detect these blood clots as they can turn into pulmonary emboli and prove fatal. Vein ultrasounds can help find and treat those blood clots. Both DVT and varicose veins likely require a vein ultrasound to determine the severity of the condition and the best course of treatment.
Signs and symptoms of vein disorders
Additionally, it is essential to notice the warning signs and symptoms you may develop due to vein disorders. Here are some of the symptoms:
- Pain: Many people affected by vein disorders have pain of different levels. Some people experience a heavy feeling in their legs, while others may feel a dull ache. Pain can occur due to staying in a particular position, such as standing or sitting, for an extended period.
- Discolored skin: Inflammation can cause changes in the color of the skin of the affected area. Your skin may become brownish or bluish due to the collection of blood under your skin.
- Warm sensations: Due to blood flow becoming weak and causing leakage, blood can collect in the surrounding tissues. This can cause a burning sensation in the affected area.
Once you tell your doctor that you have some of the symptoms mentioned above, they may do a vein ultrasound to check for venous abnormality of any kind.
Venous abnormalities are not only a source of discomfort and pain; some disorders can also prove life-threatening if not detected early. Moreover, getting the ultrasound done early can also significantly impact the recovery time and effectiveness of the treatment plan.
