If your doctor suspects you have peripheral artery disease (PAD) in your legs, you may need a vascular ultrasound. Ultrasounds have unique abilities to give your doctor a better view of your veins. The enhanced detail may even save your toes or foot in the long run. Here is more information about vascular ultrasound and its use in treating peripheral artery problems.
What is PAD?
Peripheral artery disease is when the veins in your legs have problems delivering blood to your feet and toes. Often, the veins become narrow or blocked by plaque. Symptoms include numbness, pain, and weakness. You may also notice your feet feeling colder than usual or sores on your feet that don't heal.
If you ignore the issues, you could end up with dry gangrene. Dry gangrene is a condition where the tissue dies due to a lack of blood flow. The toes are affected first because of their small arteries. But, the condition can spread to the rest of the foot.
How does vascular ultrasound help with PAD?
Vascular ultrasound takes a picture of your veins without the need for an invasive procedure. This picture can give your doctor a good view of your leg veins and any issues. You may also need a type of vascular ultrasound called a Doppler ultrasound.
A Doppler ultrasound checks the blood flow in your leg veins to further diagnose problems. This type of vascular ultrasound is especially proficient in spotting blood clots and blocked arteries.
What happens during a vascular ultrasound?
Vascular ultrasounds are similar to other types of ultrasounds. When you arrive at the office, you will be directed to lie on a table. The technologist applies gel on the skin of the examination area. Then, they run a transducer over the area to get a picture of the inside of your leg and veins. The transducer bounces sound waves off the arteries to create the images. You should feel no discomfort other than the pressure of the transducer.
What happens after a vascular ultrasound?
After the vascular ultrasound, the technologist will wipe off the gel. Your doctor views the images to make a diagnosis. You may need further testing if the results are not clear. You shouldn't experience any side effects from the procedure. You can go on with the rest of your day as usual.
If you are showing signs of blood circulations in your lower extremities, your doctor will perform a variety of tests. A vascular ultrasound gives your doctor a good view of what is going on with your veins. This procedure can help your doctor direct your treatment. If you have questions about vascular ultrasounds or PAD, ask your doctor.
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