Vascular Testing Specialist

What is vascular testing?

Vascular testing at Associated Foot Specialists checks blood flow in veins and arteries using noninvasive ultrasound procedures.

Vein experts offer duplex ultrasounds that combine traditional ultrasounds with Doppler ultrasounds. These procedures use sound waves to create images of blood vessels or measure blood flow.

Why might I need vascular testing?

Your podiatrist could recommend you undergo vascular testing if you struggle with the following conditions or symptoms of a blood vessel problem:

• Spider veins
• Varicose veins
• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
• Other venous diseases
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
• Vasculitis
• Venous stasis ulcers
• Lymphedema

Signs you could have a vascular disorder include bulging or cord-like veins, leg aching or discomfort, swelling, and leg discoloration. 

Is vascular testing right for me?

Your Associated Foot Specialist lets you know if you’re a candidate for vascular testing after discussing your symptoms and medical history. They also examine your legs, ankles, and feet to determine which diagnostic tests are best for you.

What should I expect during vascular testing?

There’s no special preparation needed prior to undergoing vascular ultrasound in your legs, ankles, or feet, but make sure you avoid smoking. Nicotine can make your arteries shrink.

During vascular testing, you may wear a medical gown. While you lie on a table, an ultrasound technician places gel over specific areas of your skin. The gel helps sound waves travel efficiently. 

They apply a wand to your skin over the gel to emit sound waves. The waves develop a detailed picture of veins in your lower limbs and blood moving through your blood vessels. Your technician could ask you to move into various positions or take a deep breath and hold it.

They may also calculate your ankle-brachial index (ABI). During this procedure, you wear blood pressure cuffs on your arms and legs. Your provider then calculates measurements of blood pressure in your ankles and arms.

What do my results mean?

If you have a problem with veins or arteries, your podiatrist could recommend you wear compression stockings, make lifestyle changes, take medications, or receive injections, laser therapy, minor surgical procedures, or other vein treatments. Doing so can get rid of diseased veins, widen blood vessels, or unclog or reroute blood from blocked vessels.

To find out if vascular testing is right for you, call the Associated Foot Specialists office, or book an appointment online today.