How is Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed? Physicians use a variety of techniques to diagnose the severity of varicose veins. A simple test called the Trendelenburg test, in which the leg is raised above the level of the heart at a 45 degree angle until the veins are emptied, then quickly lowered. When you stand up, varicose veins, if present, become distended almost immediately. A physician may tie a band, or tourniquet, around the upper part of a person’s leg, which stops the flow of blood to the leg and makes varicose veins easier to identify. Rarely, more detailed tests are required, usually to exclude any other problems. They may include: Ultrasound, a diagnostic technique in which high frequency sound waves are used to measure blood flow in deep and surface veins. Venography – uses X-ray technology to measure blood flow in the deep veins.
your veins, because the blood is moving against gravity, have little tags on them…I/ \I…like that…the straight lines are the sides of you vein. when your heart pumps it pushes through your vein, but then, so the blood doesnt rush back down to your feet in between beats, these little valves close…like this…I__I…and then punp and open…I/ \I…ect. that way the blood moves through your body efficiently with no back flow… varicose veins occur when a few of these little arms break or are damaged, and back flow occurs in an area, making the vein look protuded because it stretches out, as a larger section is filled with this blood. often times they look like bumpy protruding veins, and can sometimes be painful. depending on trauma and genetics, they can occur, but if you run and keep in shape, and try not to cross your legs, you may be able to keep them from occurring if they run in your family. If they get really bad, you can wear control socks or stockings to keep the veins
