It provides crucial information about the inner workings of your legs and helps us find the ideal treatment path for you. Read on to learn more about this noninvasive, high-tech procedure.
What Is a Lower Extremity Ultrasound?
A lower extremity ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of the blood vessels in your legs. It also shows the direction of blood flow within your legs, providing a complete picture of your vascular health that’s not possible otherwise.
This type of ultrasound can detect vascular problems such as:
- Narrowed arteries or veins
- Blood clots
- Faulty blood vessel valves
Depending on the reason for your ultrasound, we may combine it with other tests to accurately pinpoint the cause of your chronic leg pain.
Why You Might Need a Lower Extremity Ultrasound
Lower extremity ultrasounds are powerful diagnostic tools. They help detect the cause of leg pain and the source of related problems like swelling and heaviness. We always try to diagnose your leg pain as early as possible. Leaving vascular conditions undetected and untreated could lead to crises like stroke and heart attack.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The ultrasound procedure is simple and painless and usually takes 30-60 minutes. You lie flat on the treatment table with your leg exposed, and your technician applies gel to the area we’re evaluating. This conductive gel helps the probe glide smoothly and helps us get the clearest images.
It’s important to remain still during the process. Your technician gathers images by pressing lightly as they glide the probe. These pictures appear on a nearby monitor in real-time. After your test, your tech removes the gel, and you can return to your day. Our radiologist evaluates the images quickly, and you’ll return to learn your results and discuss leg pain treatment soon.
Lower Extremity Ultrasounds in Riverhead
If you’re experiencing leg pain, a lower extremity ultrasound could be the first step toward relief. To schedule your appointment today, call our Port Jefferson Station office at 631-476-9100, the Hauppauge office at 631-979-0222, or the Riverhead office at 631-591-9003.
