Varicose Veins Diagnosis
It is not necessary that any pain in the legs is varicose veins. If one feels any kind of pain in the legs, it is highly recommended to consult the doctor for further assistance.
Some people observe small veins and become anxious to know it is actually serious. The correct diagnosis of varicose veins is necessary to know the actual problem.
One should consult the doctor to clarify the condition. The physician will first ask one about the general health, symptoms and medical history. The answer to the related questions will let the physician to know the actual problem.
Physician will then conduct the physical exam. These tests are together called as patient history and physical exam. During the physical examination, the physician will check the color and texture of the superficial veins.
Diagnosis of varicose veins:
Normally, the diagnosis of varicose veins is based on the appearance of the veins. In the maximum cases, varicose veins are found in legs. So, to check the varicose veins in legs, physician will ask the patient to stand still for a while and to sit with the legs hanging free.
Physician will observe the veins in both the conditions. If the varicose veins condition is positive, the blood starts to block in the veins immediately on standing still for long. Doctor may also ask one about the conditions like pain and any other symptoms that one find unusual.
After performing some physical examinations and asking some questions, physician will let one undergo some diagnostic tests. The test may include Doppler ultra sound, DUPLEX SCAN and some other basic tests. The Doppler test is done to check the flow of blood in the veins and condition of blood clots.
During this test, a small handheld device is kept on the body and moved in backward and forward direction over the affected area. The device is further connected with a computer that converts sound waves into the images that shows the flow of blood with the veins and arteries.
In very rare cases, the doctor may order one to undergo an angiogram test, in order to check the flow of blood through the blood vessels. For this test, a dye is injected into the veins and is observed in X-ray. This test is helpful in some other diagnoses other than varicose veins.