Venous Reflux
At our clinic, we believe that great care starts with listening. If you’re concerned about varicose veins, swelling, or unexplained leg discomfort, don’t ignore the signs. As a specialist trained in heart and circulation, I use the venous reflux test not just to diagnose, but to guide personalized, evidence-based treatment that helps you feel better and move freely.
Safe and non-invasive way to assess blood flow
Discovering the Hidden Cause of Leg Discomfort: The Venous Reflux Test
Have you ever noticed your legs feeling heavy, swollen, or achy by the end of the day? Do varicose veins or persistent itching bother you—but you’ve brushed it off as normal? What if these signs were your body’s way of warning you about a deeper issue in your circulation?
This non-invasive diagnostic ultrasound can reveal whether your leg veins are functioning properly—or if they’re allowing blood to pool and flow in the wrong direction. This condition, known as chronic venous insufficiency, is more common than many realize, and if left unchecked, it can lead to varicose veins, skin changes, and even dangerous blood clots.
What Is Venous Reflux?
Your veins are equipped with one-way valves designed to keep blood flowing upward toward your heart. But when these valves weaken or fail—a condition called venous reflux—blood can flow backward and pool in the lower legs.
This backward flow puts pressure on the vein walls, leading to visible signs like bulging varicose veins, leg swelling, aching, and itchiness. Over time, untreated reflux can increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous ulcers.
Venous reflux can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Age
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Standing for long hours
- Prior leg trauma or surgery
Why the Venous Reflux Test Matters
A venous reflux test doesn’t just look at surface symptoms—it gives us a complete map of your leg vein health, identifying where blood flow is compromised and where intervention might be needed. It’s especially important for patients with:
- Leg pain or fatigue
- Visible varicose veins
- Skin discoloration on the lower legs
- History of blood clots
- Non-healing wounds near the ankles
- Early detection can mean faster recovery and fewer complications.
How the Test Works
This simple, non-invasive ultrasound exam takes about 45–60 minutes and is typically performed by a trained vascular sonographer in a comfortable outpatient setting.
Step-by-step:
- Mapping your veins: Using ultrasound, we trace your vein pathways from ankle to groin, assessing for blockages or old clots.
- Valve function check: Gentle compressions (either manually or with a blood pressure cuff) help us observe if the valves in your veins are leaking.
- Standing test: You’ll either stand or tilt on a special table—since venous reflux is most apparent in an upright position.
- Precise measurement: Any abnormal findings are measured so we can tailor a treatment plan specific to your condition.
Is It Safe?
Absolutely. The venous reflux test is safe and painless, with no needles, contrast dye, or radiation. The only discomfort some patients report is mild lightheadedness when standing during the test. Most are back to daily activities immediately after.
When Should You Get a Venous Reflux Test?
If you’ve been experiencing:
- Leg heaviness, cramping, or restlessness
- Visible varicose or spider veins
- Skin darkening around your ankles
- A family history of vein disease
- Past history of blood clots
...then a venous reflux test can offer you clarity—and potentially change your quality of life.