Problems with the vessels on the legs can overtake everyone. Ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities will help to determine what causes these problems and eliminate it. Many factors can actually cause problems with blood vessels. Symptoms of different problems often coincide. But the beauty of ultrasound is its accuracy. And this means that ultrasound is the best assistant in setting the right diagnosis and choosing the right treatment.
In what cases is the ultrasound of lower extremities?
The ultrasound of the veins of the legs is one of the most popular diagnostic methods. Its essence is very simple: ultrasound waves are used for examination, which help to give an objective assessment of the condition of the vessels of the lower extremities.
Too active or on the contrary, a sedentary lifestyle, bad habits, uncomfortable shoes - all this can lead to vascular disease. And the latter, in turn, cause a lot of discomfort. Therefore, of course, you have to fight somehow with the diseases.
Ultrasound of the vessels of the extremities is prescribed in the following cases:
- Heaviness in the legs is an alarming bell. With this symptom, the ultrasound of the lower extremities is definitely not a hindrance.
- It is obligatory to pass the examination is also for those who suffer from swelling in the legs.
- If the legs feel the cold too much, it is likely that this is a symptom of some kind of disease. In this regard, it is also better to consult with a specialist.
- Be sure to undergo ultrasound of the vessels of the lower extremities when a varicose network or vascular asterisks appear on the legs.
- Particularly severe diseases are accompanied by the appearance on the legs of wounds and ulcers. Most likely, with such symptoms without ultrasound do not succeed.
- Ultrasound examination of the lower extremities is mandatory for diabetics, people suffering from problems with pressure and overweight. It is desirable from time to time to do the procedure and smokers.
- As prophylaxis, ultrasound is assigned to those who underwent surgery on vessels.
How do ultrasound of the vessels of the upper and lower extremities?
If you were at least once on ultrasound, then the procedure of examining the vessels on the legs will not seem surprising. On the problematic limb is applied a special gel, which is needed for closer contact with the device. The ultrasound lasts no more than an hour. The procedure is completely painless. Only in rare cases, special injections are required.
Unlike surveys of other organs, preparation for ultrasound of the blood vessels of the lower limbs is not required. The only thing you can do is wear comfortable pants or a skirt.
Ultrasound of the lower extremities pursues several main goals:
- check the general condition of veins and tissues;
- assess the patency of the vessels and the viability of the venous system as a whole.
To ultrasound or doppler (alternative name) of the vessels of the lower extremities gave the maximum amount of useful information, the examination is carried out in three positions: standing, lying on the stomach and back.
Some comments on the results of the study can be obtained from the specialist who conducted it. Full decoding of ultrasound of the lower extremities is given by a doctor who sent the patient to an ultrasound.
Ultrasound examination of the lower extremities helps to identify a variety of different diseases:
- Thrombosis is a violation of normal blood flow, supplemented by painful sensations and swelling of the legs .
- Endarteritis - problems with small vessels, because of which the patient appears "creepy."
- Another diagnosis is atherosclerosis of blood vessels.
- Very often ultrasound reveals such a disease as varicose veins .