When is it necessary to pass an ultrasound of the legs?
Ultrasound of the lower limb arteries helps diagnose diseases such as thrombosis and varicose veins. The study is also prescribed when it is necessary to plan correctly the treatment of obliterating atherosclerosis or endarteritis.
Indications for an ultrasound of the arteries of the lower extremities are:
- edema ;
- fast fatigue with short walking;
- severe pain, tingling and heaviness;
- visible varicose asterisks under the skin;
- ulcers on the skin.
It is recommended to make it for those who suffer from diabetes and have excessive body weight.
How is the ultrasound of the legs?
Ultrasound of the veins and arteries of the lower extremities does not require preliminary preparation. Before the procedure, there is no need to cancel preparations that are used to treat the vessels of the legs. If the patient wears compression underwear, it will need to be removed, since the device must come in contact with the skin.
Before starting an ultrasound on the lower extremities, a special gel is applied. First, the examination of veins and arteries is carried out in the supine position, with both legs being bent at the knees. After this, the doctor examines them when the patient is in an upright position. Radiation parameters for ultrasound of the arteries of the lower limbs are selected manually, because they depend on the depth of the location of the vessels, as well as on the necessary degree of their detailing. In most cases, the frequency is from 6 to 12 MHz. Deep veins are better to inspect with low-frequency sensors.