What Do We Check For In Vein Screenings?
During our free vein screening, we check for reflux, or venous insufficiency. In simpler terms, we examine the veins for improper blood flow within the superficial system. Our free vein screening includes a varicose vein screening, spider vein screening and the assessment of any patient challenges. Summit Skin & Vein Care provides a follow up corresponding vein treatment for the next steps to patient success.
Why Is A Varicose Vein Screening or Spider Vein Screening Important?
Often, people don’t even realize they have venous insufficiency (improper blood flow) that can lead to further complications, left untreated, because they don’t see a “varicose vein” that is bulging or ropey. Also, they may be symptomatic, but they don’t relate the symptoms of pain, tingling, numbness, itchy, tired, heavy, achy, swollen, restless type sensations to varicose vein disease. Our free vein screening will tell you whether or not it is a medical condition of varicose vein disease or if your symptoms might be related to something else. The experts at Summit Skin & Vein Care will evaluate your free varicose vein screening or spider vein screening and determine next steps in your vein treatment plan. By having the vein screening, it is a process of elimination in determining why they may be symptomatic.
How Long Does A Vein Screening Take?
A vein screening normally only takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
What Is The Vein Screening Process Like?
A certified ultrasound technician at Summit Skin & Vein Care will use an ultrasound machine and apply compression on certain areas of the leg. By doing this, if there is improper blood flow (venous insufficiency), the ultrasound machine will show by color, leaving patients with the results of a comprehensive vein screening. This exam provides patients with a complete venous history, education, and an individualized vein treatment plan to insure optimal results.
What Can Be Found in the Vein Screening Process?
The vascular surgeon at Summit Skin & Vein Care will use ultrasound technology as an essential tool to assess the overall health of veins throughout the body. Vein Screenings will help Summit Skin & Vein Care to see and evaluate blood flow in your veins and arteries, and can find varicose veins, any abnormal blood flow issues, the underlying causes of leg swelling, narrowing or blocked veins or arteries, the presence of blood clots, and assess any aneurysms (bulging in an artery).
Most Common Vein Problems
Varicose Veins
Healthy veins have a closed valve and blood flow only occurs in one direction. Varicose veins, however, allow for blood to flow in both directions. This causes a visible swelling of the veins, which can ultimately lead to achy, restless legs, burning or itching sensations, discoloration of the skin, and even open sores or ulcers on the lower legs.
Common Symptoms and Signs:
- Tired, heavy & achy leg(s)
- Restless leg(s)
- Burning & Itching
- Swelling of the leg(s) & feet
- Cramping of the leg(s) & feet
- Discoloration of the skin at ankle(s) & leg(s)
- Open sores or ulcers on the lower leg(s)
Spider Veins
Spider veins are small thin blood vessels that lie close to the surface of the skin. They usually appear on the legs, face, or chest, but they can also occur in other locations. They are red or blue and usually look like a spider web or tree branch. Spider veins can be purely a cosmetic concern, but sometimes they indicate an underlying condition.
Common Symptoms and Signs:
- Leg aching
- Leg heaviness
- Fatigue
- Burning
- Throbbing