At La Jolla Vein Care, duplex ultrasound is central to evaluating vein health. This safe, noninvasive test lets our specialists see blood flow in real time, pinpoint the cause of symptoms, and build the most effective treatment plan.
Many vein problems aren’t visible on the skin’s surface. Duplex ultrasound gives a detailed view of your veins and blood flow, helping us:
• Identify the cause of symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, or heaviness. •Detect hidden vein disease that may not show as visible varicose or spider veins. •Measure vein function to confirm blood is moving correctly back to the heart. •Prevent complications by diagnosing serious conditions early, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Ultrasound uses sound waves (not radiation) and is comfortable, quick, and highly informative for both diagnosis and treatment planning.
Venous reflux is the backward flow of blood caused by weakened or damaged valves in the veins.
• Why it matters: Reflux can lead to varicose veins, swelling, skin changes, and ulcers if not treated. • How we check: A duplex ultrasound maps your veins and measures flow direction to assess valve function. • Outcome: We identify malfunctioning veins so treatment can precisely target the source of symptoms.
DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) Examination
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins, most often in the legs.
• Why it matters: A clot can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency. • How we check: Ultrasound shows if a vein compresses normally and whether blood flow is unobstructed—key signs for detecting a clot. • Outcome: We diagnose or rule out DVT promptly so treatment can begin right away if needed.
Your Ultrasound Visit
• Comfortable & needle-free: No incisions or radiation. • On-site imaging: Scans are performed in our clinic by certified vascular technologists. • Same-day discussion: A vein specialist reviews your images with you and explains next steps. • Personalized plan: Findings guide a tailored treatment approach for lasting results.
Dr. Amanda Steinberger is a Harvard-trained, board-certified vascular interventional radiologist. She specializes in a broad range of superficial vein disease including varicose veins, spider veins, venous leg ulcers, lymphedema and cosmetic laser vein treatments. Dr. Steinberger sees patients in our La Jolla Office.
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Can I get insurance coverage for my vein treatment?
Depending on your insurance plan, you may or may not have out of pocket expenses. We work with your insurance providers to maximize your insurance coverage and provide a complete overview of your treatment cost. We believe in cost transparency and will provide a cost estimate of any anticipated out of pocket expenses. Cost is important. We can work with your insurance to find out this information today!
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Can I get insurance coverage for my vein treatment?
With Molina insurance plans, most patients should not have out of pocket expenses. We work with Molina to maximize your insurance coverage and provide a complete overview of your treatment cost. We believe in cost transparency and will provide a cost estimate of any anticipated out of pocket expenses. Cost is important. We can work with your insurance to find out this information today!
CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT AND SELF-CARE FOR VARICOSE VEINS
CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT
Conservative management and lifestyle changes can ease the symptoms of varicose veins and help reduce complications such as thrombophlebitis (blood clots within veins) and vein rupture, but do not cause the veins to vanish. These measures are helpful if an individual is not a candidate for vein procedures or wishes to delay interventional treatment. Conservative options include:
Compression stockings:
These elastic stockings squeeze or compress the veins to help circulate blood. The compression stockings prevent blood from flowing backward and pooling in the legs. Compression stockings must be graduated, medical grade compression to be beneficial. TED hose are not adequate to reduce symptoms in venous disease for active patients. Compression stockings come in different strengths and the most common strength for the treatment of varicose veins is 20-30mmhg. Your doctor should advise you which strength of compression stockings you should wear. In patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), diabetics, and neuropathies, compression may be contraindicated or lesser strengths of compression may be advised
Standing or sitting for long periods of time can aggravate your vein condition. To keep blood moving when you have to sit or stand for long periods, try these tips: at work, take walking breaks and try walking during your lunch hour. While sitting, try flexing your feet up and down 10 times an hour. When standing, raise yourself up and down on your toes or rock back and forth on your heels.
Dietary Supplements
Supplements such as horse chestnut and grape seed extract can help reduce symptoms of venous disease. Vasculera is a prescription medication that may be helpful for some. Always check with your PCP before starting supplements or new medications as there may be side effects
Dietary Changes and High Fiber Diet
A flavinoid rich diet including berries, green teas can reduce inflammation and pain. A high fiber diet can increase abdominal pressure and may be helpful for varicose veins. Make sure to drink plenty of water with your high fiber diet.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
are helpful to reduce pain and inflammation, but check with your doctor first to make sure you don’t’ have contraindications to using them. Ibupfren and Advil are common oral anti-inflammatory medications. There are also anti-inflammatory cream or gels that can be applied topically to the painful veins, such as Voltaren gel.
Ice Packs
and heating pads can be applied to tender veins. Ice packs and heating pads can be used in an alternating manner.
Weight loss
or maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins.
