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If you have aching, heaviness, swelling, visible varicose veins, or skin changes around the ankle, the key question is often: are the vein valves working properly? A venous reflux (venous insufficiency) ultrasound is a duplex Doppler scan that assesses blood flow direction and valve function in the leg veins — so you can understand what’s happening and what to do next.
Booking tip: choose “Vascular scans” and select “Venous reflux”. If you’re not sure which test fits, call and we’ll guide you. If you have sudden one-sided swelling/pain/redness or shortness of breath, seek urgent medical care and consider a DVT scan pathway.
People don’t book this scan because they love tests — they book because their legs feel different, look different, or they’re worried about what it means. This scan is designed to answer one core question: is blood flowing the wrong way in the veins because the valves are not closing properly?
Aching/heaviness (worse later in the day), swelling around the ankle, itching or tightness, visible varicose veins, and symptoms that improve with leg elevation or compression.
Discolouration around the ankle, eczema-like changes, thickening of the skin, or a poorly healing area/ulcer — these warrant a structured assessment and clear next-step guidance.
If you’re considering varicose vein treatment, the scan can map reflux patterns and help a vascular clinician target the correct vein segments.
Sudden one-sided swelling, calf pain, redness/warmth (especially with breathlessness) is a different pathway. Consider urgent care and a DVT ultrasound scan.
A reflux study reduces uncertainty by turning “I think it’s varicose veins” into a clear, shareable finding: which veins reflux, where, and how that might relate to your symptoms. That clarity helps you decide between reassurance, conservative measures, or specialist treatment planning.
A venous reflux ultrasound is a duplex Doppler test: it combines grey-scale imaging (vein anatomy) with Doppler flow analysis (direction and timing of flow). The goal is to identify valve incompetence and reflux patterns in the leg veins.
This is not a general “leg pain scan” and it’s not designed to diagnose musculoskeletal injury. If your primary symptom is sudden swelling/pain with DVT concern, the correct test is a DVT scan. If symptoms are more about cold feet / pain on walking, consider an arterial duplex.
The best scans feel calm and structured. We follow a consistent pathway: clarify your main concern, perform a focused reflux assessment, then explain what it means and what to do next.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1) Focus | We confirm symptoms, duration, prior vein history (if any), and your goal (reassurance vs treatment planning). |
| 2) Duplex scan | You’ll expose the leg(s). Gel is applied and the sonographer assesses veins with duplex + colour Doppler. You may be asked to change position (sometimes standing or semi-standing) to demonstrate reflux. |
| 3) Meaning | We explain findings in plain English: whether reflux is present, where, and what that implies. You receive a report designed to share with your GP or specialist. |
Preparation is simple: avoid lotions/creams on the legs on the day, and wear loose clothing that allows access above the knee where needed.
How booking works at Sonoworld
The scan is non-invasive. Most people feel only cool gel and light probe pressure. If your leg is tender in a specific spot, tell us — the technique can be adjusted.
Patients usually want two outcomes: clarity (“what is it?”) and direction (“what next?”). Your reflux study report is structured to support both.
The report documents reflux patterns and the vein segments involved, so a vascular clinician can plan conservative care or treatment pathways appropriately.
If reflux is not demonstrated, you can stop “guessing” and consider alternative explanations (and the right test) based on symptoms.
You receive a written report designed to integrate with NHS or private care — useful if you’re planning referral or already under a specialist.
The value is not just images — it’s the explanation: what was checked, what was found, and what the finding means for your next decision.
Treatment decisions depend on symptoms, skin changes, reflux pattern, and your preferences. Many people start with conservative measures, while others benefit from specialist-led interventions. The scan exists to make that decision evidence-based.
Compare vascular scan optionsTransparent pricing, with report included. If you’re unsure whether you need one leg or both, call us — we’ll guide you based on your symptoms and history.
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One limb | £175 | Focused reflux assessment for one leg. |
| Bilateral (both legs) | £260 | Recommended when symptoms are on both sides or for comprehensive mapping. |
| Included | — | Clinical history + duplex Doppler scan + written report (shareable with your GP/specialist). |
Address: 29 Weymouth Street, Marylebone, London W1G 7DB • Phone: 020 3633 4902 • Email: info@sonoworld.co.uk
The questions people ask right before booking.
Clinic address: 29 Weymouth Street, Marylebone, London W1G 7DB • Email: info@sonoworld.co.uk
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