Are Venus reflux exams painful?

Does either version of the exam hurt? What should I be prepared for?

Answers from doctors (10)


Vein Care of New Mexico

Published on Mar 01, 2019

A reflux exam is done in the standing position. It requires squeezing the calf to move the blood. If a person has calf tenderness, this may be somewhat uncomfortable. In general, the exam is not uncomfortable but requires standing for an extended period of time.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1226_1550764825.jpg
Answered by Vein Care of New Mexico

A reflux exam is done in the standing position. It requires squeezing the calf to move the blood. If a person has calf tenderness, this may be somewhat uncomfortable. In general, the exam is not uncomfortable but requires standing for an extended period of time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Mar 13, 2013

The initial exam consists of a clinical inspection of the legs and duplex ultrasound evaluation of the veins. There is no pain unless the varices are tender to touch. The ultrasound is non-invasive and provides information about the underlying anatomy and blood flow. This allows the physician to identify the causes of the varicose veins. After the ultrasound the physician can then develop an individualized treatment plan.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1189_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

The initial exam consists of a clinical inspection of the legs and duplex ultrasound evaluation of the veins. There is no pain unless the varices are tender to touch. The ultrasound is non-invasive and provides information about the underlying anatomy and blood flow. This allows the physician to identify the causes of the varicose veins. After the ultrasound the physician can then develop an individualized treatment plan.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 09, 2010

Reflux exams are ultrasound exams and are noninvasive and not painful. They take about 20 minutes. You will be standing for most of the exam. An ultrasound probe is placed on the leg over the veins to be examined and the results are immediate. You will hear the doppler sounds.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Reflux exams are ultrasound exams and are noninvasive and not painful. They take about 20 minutes. You will be standing for most of the exam. An ultrasound probe is placed on the leg over the veins to be examined and the results are immediate. You will hear the doppler sounds.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Dec 15, 2009

An ultrasound is not painful. Gel will be applied to the leg and a probe will then be placed on your leg. A reflux study should be performed standing since that is when reflux occurs.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/873_1500663762.jpg
Answered by Miller Vein

An ultrasound is not painful. Gel will be applied to the leg and a probe will then be placed on your leg. A reflux study should be performed standing since that is when reflux occurs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Dec 13, 2009

The lower extremities venous Doppler ultrasound is a painless, simple diagnostic test. Does not requiere any preparation. Takes 20-30 min. It is done by a technitian, but in certain centers is done by the treating physician himself, and that is the ideal situation. Relying on a technitian to make a diagnosis and treatment plan can sometimes be misleading and the wrong diagnosis and treatment plan is made.

I would encourage you to look for a center in which the treating physician himself does the study.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/923_1408044082.jpg
Answered by Heart and Vein Center

The lower extremities venous Doppler ultrasound is a painless, simple diagnostic test. Does not requiere any preparation. Takes 20-30 min. It is done by a technitian, but in certain centers is done by the treating physician himself, and that is the ideal situation. Relying on a technitian to make a diagnosis and treatment plan can sometimes be misleading and the wrong diagnosis and treatment plan is made.

I would encourage you to look for a center in which the treating physician himself does the study.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Published on Dec 12, 2009

Not at all. Doppler and duplex imaging (ultrasound) is the golden standard test for evaluation of reflux in deep and superficial leg veins. Except for having to stand for few minutes during the ultrasound exam, there is no other discomfort. Many clinics use gel warmer for a more gentle touch of gel on the skin. On a side note, pregnant women can have the study without any worries.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/526_1499901101.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Not at all. Doppler and duplex imaging (ultrasound) is the golden standard test for evaluation of reflux in deep and superficial leg veins. Except for having to stand for few minutes during the ultrasound exam, there is no other discomfort. Many clinics use gel warmer for a more gentle touch of gel on the skin. On a side note, pregnant women can have the study without any worries.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Dec 11, 2009

No, this test is not painful, it is just an ultrasound. Gel is rubbed on the leg and the ultrasound wand is then run up and down the leg.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

No, this test is not painful, it is just an ultrasound. Gel is rubbed on the leg and the ultrasound wand is then run up and down the leg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Dec 11, 2009

The ultrasound examination is non-invasive. Therefore it is not painful, unless you happen to have areas of your leg or vein that are already significantly inflamed that may be tender to touch. For most patients this test is very easy.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

The ultrasound examination is non-invasive. Therefore it is not painful, unless you happen to have areas of your leg or vein that are already significantly inflamed that may be tender to touch. For most patients this test is very easy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Dec 11, 2009

No, this test is not painful, it is just an ultrasound. Gel is rubbed on the leg and the ultrasound wand is then run up and down the leg.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/861_1409954875.jpg
Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

No, this test is not painful, it is just an ultrasound. Gel is rubbed on the leg and the ultrasound wand is then run up and down the leg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Dec 11, 2009

Not at all. It is an ultrasound exam.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/977_1408044083.jpg
Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

Not at all. It is an ultrasound exam.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Venous Reflux Exams

Venous Reflux Exams -10 answers
I was told when I was 42 that I have PAD and leaking valves in my lower legs causing Hemosiderin staining. Is there anything that can be done to remove the staining from my legs?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -6 answers
I have swelling above the left knee, which was noticed 3 months ago. I had an ultrasound that revealed no deep vein thrombosis (DVT), just vein reflux and stasis. I've been wearing compression stockings, but the swelling is still there. I'm worried. Should I have further testing?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -9 answers
I've had two separate venous ultrasounds done at two different clinics. Neither showed much reflux, yet symptoms still persist. Can very mild reflux cause lots of pain in legs or is this typically only seen in people with a more significant amount of reflux? Are there other problems that could be causing symptoms similar to vascular/vein issues?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -8 answers
My vein mapping test showed reflux and weak veins. The test was done because of pain in leg and varicose veins. I had a DVT in that leg 2 yrs ago. Is the procedure to correct this urgent? Can it be delayed or not done at all?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -8 answers
I have varicose veins. For the past two months I have had severe pain and swelling in my ankles. I have no arthritis. Can the pain and swelling be from the varicose veins? Am to have a venous reflux exam next week.
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -9 answers
How does this treatment measure my veins effectiveness?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -7 answers
In April I had a blood clot in my thigh, behind my knee and in my calf. I had another really bad calf cramp, so my doctor sent me for another doppler, which showed I had developed another clot in my calf. He said that I would have swelling for life. Is he right?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -9 answers
I am 24 years old, and I have spider veins and visible blue veins behind knees on both legs. Ultrasound showed 0.4 sec reflux in GSV right leg. Some doctors told me this is normal, but is it normal? And, if not, is it dangerous or weird for my age? I am scared and confused. Can you offer any advice?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -10 answers
All of my ultrasounds have been done while lying down. I am concerned that the test results may not be as accurate because of that. Can you clarify whether it is best to have a venous reflux exam performed when lying down or standing?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -4 answers
I am thin and have had prominent calf veins for years without pain. I began working out and now my greater saphenous vein and the veins in the back of my thighs bulge. I have pain in my legs that I feel is due to these veins. My ultrasound was normal and no reflux was found. What's going on?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Venous Reflux Exams -6 answers
Hello, I am interested in radiofrequency ablation of my greater saphenous veins. Last month an ultrasound showed continuous reflux at both greater saphenous junctions. I had no caffeine that day. I had another ultrasound today (after having 4 cups of coffee), and there was no reflux! Can consuming caffeine change the results of a person's reflux exam?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -7 answers
I was recently diagnosed with Venous insufficiency of 0.7s. My understanding is that this is grade 1 venous reflux. Does this need to be treated with EVLT? Will it get worse if left untreated?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -4 answers
I'm 24 weeks pregnant and had venous doppler of low extremities to rule out DVT due to swelling in left thigh. It showed no clots, but showed that I have severe reflux in common femoral and femoral veins. Could this be due to a clot that was missed?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -8 answers
I pay $1,000 a month for my insurance policy with BCBS, yet they will not cover ANY of my vein issues. I am in terrible pain all the time, my knee and calf are very swollen and it's affecting my walk. I have been diagnosed with venous reflux. Can I appeal the insurance company's decision? If so, how do I do that?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -3 answers
A venous return exam discovered that I have two chronic DVTs in my common femoral and iliac veins (right side). I have had many cath's and, more recently, stenting of left common iliac vein. Now, I've been dx with meralgia paresthetica on the right side. Could chronic dvt cause this?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -9 answers
I know there is vein disease and arterial diseases that can cause leg pain. When someone has a duplex ultrasound done are the arteries and veins both checked for issues?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -6 answers
Can a L4-5, L5-S1 injury restrict the blood flow in my left leg? When I received an injection in my hip for the inflammation associated with my back, the blood flow started to backup in my lower leg. Is there treatment to fix this? There is reflux present within the left common femoral vein.
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -5 answers
I've heard there are different types of venous reflux exams. What are they?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -7 answers
Would elevating her legs to my shoulders while lying in bed and massaging her legs from ankles to thighs help at all?
See More
Venous Reflux Exams -7 answers
I was diagnosed with venous insufficiency which was treated, but left me with scars from the sores and leg discoloration. I wonder if there is anything with lasers perhaps which can eliminate the scars and at least lighten the discoloration.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR