My ultrasound showed no reflux, so why am I experiencing a lot of pain?

Compression stockings seem to help some, but there are days where I am not sure. I have classic vein symptoms, such as pain in the calves and the back of the upper thigh. However, after a duplex ultrasound at Mayo Clinic, no reflux was found. I was in a standing position during the exam. If no reflux was found, should I be experiencing so much pain? I have to sit down and elevate my legs constantly, as it's hard to stand up.

Answers from doctors (6)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Feb 13, 2013

Does the pain feel like strong muscle aches? Or, is it a burning pain/ache? Do your feet cold to the touch or look pale/discolored? The pain could be muscular or neurological. It would be hard to tell without further testing. But if you are in that much pain I would recommend seeing a neurologist or an orthopedic physician.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Does the pain feel like strong muscle aches? Or, is it a burning pain/ache? Do your feet cold to the touch or look pale/discolored? The pain could be muscular or neurological. It would be hard to tell without further testing. But if you are in that much pain I would recommend seeing a neurologist or an orthopedic physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 07, 2013

Your pain may be due to other causes than veins. In fact, veins rarely cause pain unless they are inflamed or clotted. You need a full workup for the leg pain.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Your pain may be due to other causes than veins. In fact, veins rarely cause pain unless they are inflamed or clotted. You need a full workup for the leg pain.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 07, 2013

It could be that there is no reflux in the saphenous veins and you have problems and/or reflux in non-saphenous veins. Another possibility is that your symptoms are caused by something other than vein circulation. The final possible explanation is that your reflux in the saphenous is/was intermittent and not detectable on the day of the test. While this is not real common, it can occur.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It could be that there is no reflux in the saphenous veins and you have problems and/or reflux in non-saphenous veins. Another possibility is that your symptoms are caused by something other than vein circulation. The final possible explanation is that your reflux in the saphenous is/was intermittent and not detectable on the day of the test. While this is not real common, it can occur.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 07, 2013

If an ultrasound exam done by someone with appropriate training and experience shows no superficial or deep venous reflux, I would have to conclude the nature of your pain is not venous in nature.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

If an ultrasound exam done by someone with appropriate training and experience shows no superficial or deep venous reflux, I would have to conclude the nature of your pain is not venous in nature.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Feb 07, 2013

Good question. Varicose veins are an important issue to evaluate and rule out or in. You and your treating physician need to review your symptoms. Also, a physical examination should be done to determine the cause of your pain and the next course of action.


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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Good question. Varicose veins are an important issue to evaluate and rule out or in. You and your treating physician need to review your symptoms. Also, a physical examination should be done to determine the cause of your pain and the next course of action.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Feb 07, 2013

They are just as human as anyone else and might have missed the diagnosis. We can also argue that if you went there in a cold winter (Rochester, MN tends to be rather cold in winter), your veins might have been collapsed enough that the reflux was not seen. It is also possible that you might have been dehydrated, and that makes reflux less obvious or non-existent. There are a few more reasons to discuss. Bottom line, I would suggest you have another venous Doppler, but done by a vein specialist (not by an technologist). If your leg discomfort is classic and relieved with compression stockings and leg elevation, the chances are high that you have venous reflux.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

They are just as human as anyone else and might have missed the diagnosis. We can also argue that if you went there in a cold winter (Rochester, MN tends to be rather cold in winter), your veins might have been collapsed enough that the reflux was not seen. It is also possible that you might have been dehydrated, and that makes reflux less obvious or non-existent. There are a few more reasons to discuss. Bottom line, I would suggest you have another venous Doppler, but done by a vein specialist (not by an technologist). If your leg discomfort is classic and relieved with compression stockings and leg elevation, the chances are high that you have venous reflux.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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