If your legs feel heavy, sore, or swollen at the end of the day, you might blame aging, long work hours, or standing too much. Those factors don’t tell the whole story even though they play a role.
At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, we help patients uncover the true cause of their symptoms. One of the most valuable tools we use is a venous ultrasound study. This non-invasive test displays a clear picture of how your veins function and the problems that develop.
Ongoing leg discomfort often points to an underlying venous condition such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which affects around 40% of women and 17% of men.
Your leg veins carry blood up to your heart. They rely on small one-way valves to keep blood moving upward against gravity. Blood flows backward and pools in the lower legs when those valves weaken or fail.
That pooling increases pressure inside your veins. Over time, you may notice:
These symptoms often worsen after prolonged standing or sitting and may improve when you elevate your legs. If you recognize this pattern, your veins may be struggling to function properly.
A venous ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of your veins. Unlike X-rays, it doesn’t involve radiation. Neither does it require needles, incisions, or sedation.
During the study, a trained technician places a small handheld device (called a transducer) on your skin. The device sends sound waves into your body and captures the echoes as blood moves through your veins. A computer then converts those echoes into detailed images.
The test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes while you are awake and comfortable the entire time.
A venous ultrasound does much more than confirm the presence of visible varicose veins. It shows us how your veins actually function beneath the surface.
Here’s what we look for:
We check whether blood flows in the correct direction. If we detect backward flow, also known as reflux, we know your vein valves don’t close properly. That finding confirms chronic venous insufficiency.
An ultrasound can locate blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Early detection enables us to act quickly and reduce the risk of serious complications.
An ultrasound study measures the size of your veins. Enlarged veins often indicate increased pressure and long-standing valve problems.
Sometimes your discomfort doesn’t come from the veins you can see. The ultrasound helps us pinpoint the exact veins responsible for your symptoms, even if they lie deeper in your leg.
Venous ultrasound gives us a roadmap. Once we understand how your veins function, we can recommend targeted treatment, preventing guesswork and helping you avoid unnecessary procedures.
After completing the ultrasound, we review your results with you in detail. We explain our findings and outline your options in clear, straightforward language.
If your study shows healthy vein function, we may recommend lifestyle adjustments such as regular walking, leg elevation, and weight loss management. These steps can improve circulation and reduce strain on your veins.
If we confirm chronic venous insufficiency or significant varicose veins, we may recommend minimally invasive treatment. Our practice offers advanced procedures, including:
These treatments close unhealthy veins and redirect blood flow to stronger, healthier vessels. Because we use minimally invasive techniques, you can usually return to your normal activities quickly.
Tired, achy legs aren’t something you have to live with. Persistent symptoms often signal an underlying vein issue that requires attention, and early evaluation prevents skin changes, ulcers, and worsening discomfort.
If you notice swelling, heaviness, or visible veins, schedule a consultation with Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC by calling the nearest Maryland office or completing the online form today. A simple ultrasound study can provide clear answers and guide you toward lasting relief.
