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Vein Health & Working From Home

Prolonged desk work can increase the risk of blood clots in leg veins and decline your vein health.

As many Americans are working from home, we have received many calls from patients regarding thrombophlebitis, which is a big concern for vein health. This is not a new scenario for us, over the years frequently patients come in for assessment of leg pain after working on their computers for 12 hours straight.

ThromboPhlebitis refers to blood clots in the leg veins and inflammation of the surrounding vein. The inflammation causes leg pain and redness of the surrounding skin. You may also feel hard lumps in the leg veins.

Inactivity, sitting for long periods of time, like sitting at your desk, working on your computer for many hours without walking or getting up for a light walk or exercise, affects the blood flow in the leg veins. Your calf muscle pump, which is used when walking and moving about helps to move blood back to your heart. Sitting for too long of periods, increases the risk of your blood pooling in the leg veins and can even form blood clots. Blood clots that form in the deep veins are serious as they can travel to the heart and lungs (deep venous thrombosis). Blood clots that form in the surface veins, are called superficial thrombophlebitis (STP).  With STP, you can typically feel lumps that can be painful. People who have varicose veins, have an increased risk of developing STP especially with inactivity. Being mindful about your vein health while working remotely will help in the longer run when it comes to vein disease. 

Tips to Avoid Phlebitis When Working From Home:

  1. Avoid sitting at your desk or computer for longer than 45 minutes without taking a break to get up and walk about.
  2. Try to walk at least 30 minutes a day or other exercise
  3. When sitting, do calf raises to pump the calf veins.
  4. If you have varicose veins, you should wear compression stockings during the day time.

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-550-0330 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular. 

 

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources. 

 

Vein Health & Working From Home2022-12-13T13:18:14-08:00

Could warm weather be affecting your venous reflux disease?

Warm weather can worsen symptoms of varicose veins and venous reflux disease.

This summer, most of San Diego will be blessed with sunny, warm-weather. Warmer weather tends to worsen symptoms of varicose veins, like increased leg heaviness, pain or you may feel that your legs fatigue more quickly during warm weather. For those who have spider veins, they can feel more itchy or burning.  This leads many people to seek leg vein help during warmer weather months. 

The cause: Leg symptoms of varicose veins and venous reflux disease (the underlying cause for varicose veins) tend to worsen in warmer weather because heat causes the surface veins to relax and enlarge. When this happens to unhealthy veins, the blood pools and causes increased pressure within the veins. Increased pressure within the veins is called venous hypertension. Venous hypertension causes inflammation. Therefore, inflammation causes the veins to feel warm, painful, itchy or burning. Since gravity causes blood to pool around the ankles for many people with venous reflux disease, you may feel symptoms in your ankles rather than the calves. The skin around the ankles can become itchy, and dry. 

The best way to alleviate this in the long term is treatment of underlying venous reflux. Conservative management is aimed at reducing or preventing the blood from pooling. This can be accomplished with compression stockings- although these may be difficult to tolerate in warm weather. But also adding compression wear, like compression yoga pants, workout pants or shorts may help as well. Staying active helps, and when sitting elevate the legs and ice any areas of pain to reduce inflammation. These tips will help you overcome the warmer weather.

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-434-5998 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular.

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources. 

 

Could warm weather be affecting your venous reflux disease?2022-06-25T17:19:53-07:00

Ankle health and venous disease

5 signs of venous disease were found on the ankles

Venous disease refers to ‘leaky valves in the leg veins. It is also referred to as venous insufficiency. When the one-way valves that help blood in the veins flow from the feet to the heart, no longer work properly, blood begins to pool around the ankles. Over time, the pooling of blood causes increased hydrostatic pressure within the blood vessels. This is referred to as venous hypertension in the medical community. Venous disease, hypertension is associated with chronic venous insufficiency, which means the vein valves have become leaky for a long time before physical signs are apparent. An ultrasound examination can first identify if the underlying veins are weak and leaky not visible to the naked eye, long before physical signs become apparent. Some signs you may see that may indicate underlying venous reflux disease include:

Darkening of skin, and itchiness are a sign of chronic venous insufficiency or venous disease

  1. Skin darkening around the ankle (hyperpigmentation). This is also referred to as venous stasis. This is a result of long-standing venous reflux or pooling of blood.
  2. Itchy, scaly skin around the ankles. This is referred to as venous eczema. This skin becomes itchy and scaly from chronic inflammation.
  3. spider veins in the inner ankle. These are commonly associated with venous reflux in the great saphenous vein. The great saphenous vein courses the ankle all the way to the groin. When blood pools from thigh upper thigh all the way to the ankle, small spider veins may appear in the ankle. These are commonly perceived as cosmetic because most people don’t realize there is an underlying problem.
  4. ankle swelling (edema). There are many causes for ankle swelling. Some are serious like heart conditions where others are less serious like a salty diet. When ankle swelling is present talk to your doctor about the various causes. However, one of the most common causes of ankle swelling is venous reflux disease. Anyone who has ankle swelling can benefit from an ultrasound examination to determine if venous reflux disease is present.
  5. skin ulceration and breakdown in the ankle. Over time, pooling of blood in the ankles and venous hypertension causes the skin to darken, it can become scaly and itchy and eventually ulcerate because the skin breaks down from chronic inflammation. This is called a venous leg ulcer. Venous leg ulcers are treated by treating the underlying venous reflux disease.

All of these signs and symptoms can be reduced by treating the underlying problem, venous reflux disease. See our treatments page to better understand treatment options.

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-550-0330 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular. 

 

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources. 

 

Ankle health and venous disease2022-12-13T14:08:19-08:00

How to reduce bruising and swelling after vein treatment

One way to reduce bruising after surgery

 

One of the most common side effects after surgery is bruising. Whether it is due to plastic surgery or vein surgery, bruising and swelling are inevitable. One of the most powerful tools that we recommend for patients undergoing any type of surgery is RECOVA post surgery cream. 

 

Dr Nishe Bunke created RECOVA cream as a post surgical recovery cream specifically designed to reduce bruising, swelling, redness, and pain. RECOVA skin creams are packed with antioxidants and natural ingredients that promote healing and reduce inflammation. 

 

RECOVA cream aids in reducing pain, swelling, and discoloration after cosmetic surgery, injections, and procedures, laser treatments, varicose vein procedures, Sclerotherapy, minor injuries, and easy bruising. 

 

Our patients at La Jolla Vein Care have seen quick transformation post procedures. The combination of natural ingredients in RECOVA cream helps aid in quicker recovery.

 

 The powerful ingredients that help reduce bruising included in RECOVA are listed below:  

 

Arnica Montana is a flower extract that helps with inflammation, swelling, and bruise recovery. 

 

Grapeseed Oil has numerous benefits and includes numerous vitamins such as vitamin E. It is a flavonoid that aids in chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and edema. 

 

Bromelain is an enzyme that is a natural remedy for inflammation and swelling.

 

Horse Chestnut is used to improve poor blood circulation, reduce swelling, and for varicose vein symptoms. 

 

Caprylhydroxamic Acid is an amino acid derived from coconut oil used as a gentle preservative that ensures product safety and longevity. 

 

Witch Hazel is used for swelling and inflammation. It is used to shrink varicose veins and hemorrhoids as well as reduce rosacea and clear redness of the skin. 

 

Butcher’s Broom is used for natural anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to reduce swelling and reduce varicose vein symptoms. 

 

Sunflower Seed Oil is packed with vitamins A, E, C, and D. 

 

Menthol is not present in the tinted RECOVA, since Tinted Arnica is often used around the eyes. 

 

The combination of these ingredients contributes to an overall comforting and healing sensation when applied to the skin. 

 

RECOVA is a tool that stands out due to its natural ingredients that aid in venous disease symptoms. RECOVA is hypoallergenic, and non comedogenic. RECOVA is also free of parabens, phthalates, preservatives, synthetic additives, and dyes, and never tested on animals. 

 

Patients have used RECOVA cream after vein procedures and have seen quick and lasting results. We recommend physicians offer this for patients if they complain of redness, itching, and bruising after their procedures. RECOVA offers immediate soothing relief of discomfort for our patients. 

 

Check out RECOVA online for more information and to purchase RECOVA tinted arnica cream and RECOVA post surgery cream. 

 

How to reduce bruising and swelling after vein treatment2022-06-25T16:45:43-07:00

Spider Veins: Before & After Transformation

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are the fine, thread-like reddish veins at the surface of the skin. These veins are not healthy. Veins are often considered a cosmetic issue, but they can be associated with underlying feeder veins, not visible to the naked eye.  Feeder veins are the ‘blue veins’ also known as ‘reticular veins,’ that give rise to spider veins. Spider veins may also be a sign of underlying venous insufficiency. For example, spider veins located in the inner ankles and inner thighs can indicate an underlying problem with the saphenous vein. As a result, an ultrasound examination may be recommended to identify and effectively treat the underlying source of these veins.

What are the symptoms?

Vein conditions affect people differently. For some, these veins can be a painless cosmetic concern, and for others they may cause symptoms. The most common symptoms of spider veins are burning, throbbing, and localized pain. They can also feel hot and itchy and bleed.

What causes them?

Spider veins in the legs are caused by the same condition that causes varicose veins. Leaky vein valves allow blood to pool within the veins causing them to stretch and become enlarged. These veins on other areas of the body, such as the face, and chest can be caused by sun damage, hormone changes or liver disease. Hormones, such as with pregnancy, birth control or hormone replacement therapy can weaken the vein wall.

Below you can see the transformation of 3 of our patients who received vein treatment.

spider veinsspider veinsspider veins

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-434-5998 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular.

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources. 

Spider Veins: Before & After Transformation2022-06-25T16:03:26-07:00

What are the adverse effects of vein treatment?

Adverse effects of vein treatment are uncommon, but they can occur. Below are some signs to look out for if you have recently had vein treatment. 

Patients generally do very well with vein treatments, all of which have a low risk of complications. Most patients feel the benefits within a couple of weeks of treatment, for others it may take longer. With all treatments, the benefits need to be discussed along with the potential side effects or adverse events. The following are potential adverse effects from thermal vein ablations we tell our patients.

  • Aching over the treated veins is normal. This responds well to walking, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve).
  • Bruising over injection sites is also normal after vein treatment and resolves in about two weeks.
  • Hyperpigmentation over a vein can occur from blood pigments that are released as the vein is healing. It is more common in patients with large bulging veins and certain complexions. Hyperpigmentation tends to fade over many weeks if you stay out of direct sunlight.
  • Intravascular hematoma refers to a large varicose vein that becomes firm and tender days to weeks after treatment. This also responds well to ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications. We may also recommend a confirmatory ultrasound and/or offer needle drainage of the trapped blood to alleviate discomfort and minimize skin pigmentation and adverse effects.
  • Deep vein clots are very uncommon, and usually are limited to patients with poor mobility, advanced age, hormone treatment, and/or genetic tendency for clotting. We monitor all patients with ultrasound throughout treatment so we can detect clots at a very early stage before they cause a symptom. We may recommend surveillance ultrasounds, extra walking, and/or a short course of blood thinners.
  • Numb spot over a treated vein is another uncommon event after radiofrequency or laser vein ablation. This occurs when a branch of a skin nerve gets stunned during the heat treatment. It tends to improve over several weeks. The nerves that control the movement of the leg and foot are located far from the superficial veins.

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-434-5998 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular.

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources.

What are the adverse effects of vein treatment?2022-06-25T15:48:17-07:00

Vein Health: Helpful Anatomy Phrases to Better Understand

If you’re not a vascular specialist, it may be difficult to understand the words used to describe your vein condition and understand vein health. Vein terms are not used in everyday life.  Especially, when it comes to the anatomy of the veins. Below is a glossary of the terms, we as vein specialists, use on a daily basis but may be foreign to the patient.  This is provided from the American Vein and Lymphatic Society (AVLS) healthyveins.org.

Anatomical Vein Terms for Vein Health:

Anterior: The front of a body part.

Posterior: Back of a body part.

​Deep Leg Vein: The veins that are deep in the thigh and leg that carry blood back to the heart.

​Connective Tissue: This strong tissue is the white tissue that covers muscle.

Great Saphenous Vein: (sometimes called GSV or long saphenous vein) A long vein that can be seen just in front of the ankle bone. This vein travels along the inside of the leg and thigh (about one-half inch beneath the skin in the thigh) until it empties into the deep vein called the common femoral vein in the groin.

Perforating Vein: A vein that passes directly from a superficial vein to a deep vein.

Popliteal Vein: The deep vein located behind the knee. The small saphenous vein originates from the popliteal vein.

Small Saphenous Vein: (sometimes called SSV, Lesser Saphenous Vein, or LSV) A superficial vein that starts at the outside of the foot and travels up the back of the calf where it empties into the deep vein (popliteal vein) in the crease of the knee.

​Spider Vein: A tiny varicose vein that may be blue or red color that does not protrude above the skin surface and frequently looks like a spider. Common medical terms you may hear for spider veins are telangiectasias and telangiectatic veins. Slightly larger varicose veins that do not protrude above the skin are called reticular veins.

​Superficial Vein: Any vein in the lower extremity above the deep fascia that covers the muscles of the thigh and leg.

​Varicose Vein: A bulging vein that protrudes past the skin surface and usually measures greater than one-fourth of an inch (6.4 mm) in diameter.

Vein Function Terms

Competent Vein: Blood flow occurs in the proper direction back to the heart. Also referred to as Having No Reflux Or Normal Flow Direction.

Incompetent Vein: Blood flows in the wrong direction. Also referred to as a vein that has reflux.

Reflux: Blood that flows backward in the veins.

 

Anatomical Images and Explanations

Normal Blood Flow: After the blood has been replenished with oxygen in the lungs, it is pumped to the body by the heart. Blood that is pumped to the lower extremities is pumped back to the heart partially by the action of the calf muscle pump. The blood returning from the lower extremities in the deep and superficial veins goes past a series of one-way valves. These valves stop the blood from flowing backwards in the vein.

​

Reflux: The valves in the veins close just as blood begins to flow backwards. If the valves do not close properly, the blood falls backwards through the poorly closing or leaking valves. The veins downstream that are now unprotected by valves further upstream are exposed to the weight of an increasingly high column of blood. These downstream veins cannot endure the pressure of the column of blood and expand becoming snake-like in appearance. This causes the vein to bulge through the skin surface and become varicose veins.

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-550-0330 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular.

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources. 

Vein Health: Helpful Anatomy Phrases to Better Understand2022-12-13T14:15:11-08:00

Fourth of July BBQ & Venous Reflux Disease

After a holiday, patients frequently complain about leg pain, which can be reflux venous disease. Especially holidays where hours of cooking are involved like Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, Passover, etc. Some people who may have mild venous reflux disease, may not notice any symptoms until they are standing for hours- like during cooking. Over the years, we always hear from patients that their legs were aching and fatigued after cooking. 

The reason for this is venous reflux disease causes backflow of blood. 

The blood pools in the legs and the pooling of blood causes sensations of heaviness, fatigue, aching, and even night cramps and restlessness. Ankle swelling may also be more prominent.

Helpful tips to combat leg fatigue during the holidays: 

1.Elevating the legs allows the blood to flow in the correct direction and reduces the pooling of blood and symptoms.

2.Wearing compression stockings during cooking can be helpful to reduce symptoms. 

3.Also when standing upright for hours, it is helpful to do calf pump raises.

4.Minimize your time standing. Bring a chair to sit for the bbq or in the kitchen while you cook.

5. Delegating food preparation to other family members, to reduce standing for long periods of time, which can cause more pain.

The true culprit of leg fatigue and soreness after standing and cooking for numerous hours is leaky vein valves allowing the blood to pool, causing leg pain, heaviness, and fatigue. Try these few tips this July 4th holiday and see how you feel after. 

If you experience leg fatigue or pain after standing for long periods of time, this may be venous reflux disease, please call our office at (858)-550-0330 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular. 

 

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel.

 

Fourth of July BBQ & Venous Reflux Disease2022-12-13T14:06:06-08:00

What could be causing your varicose veins?

What are varicose veins? 

Varicose veins are the twisted, bulging veins just beneath the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the surface of the skin. These veins usually occur in the legs, but they also can form in other parts of the body. Varicose veins are a common condition.

Who gets them and why.

Both women and men can develop vein disorders at any age.  It can affect the healthiest of individuals, but there are some conditions that increase your risk of developing varicose veins.  They are mostly inherited; if both of your parents had varicose veins, you have a 90% chance of also having them.  Other factors that increase your chance of developing vein disorders include being female, hormonal changes, pregnancy, getting older, having a job that requires many hours standing or sitting, being overweight, and history of leg injuries. Some of the causes of varicose veins are listed below: 

  • Increasing age. As you get older, the valves in your veins may weaken and not work as well.
  • Heredity. Being born with weak vein valves increases your risk. Having family members with vein problems also increases your risk. About half of all people who have these this type of venous reflux disease have a family member who has them too.
  • Hormonal changes. These occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medicines containing estrogen and progesterone also may contribute to the forming of varicose or spider veins.
  • Pregnancy. The hormones during pregnancy greatly influence the leg veins. These veins can even be a symptom of pregnancy and can show up during the first trimester. As pregnancy progresses, there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The growing uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. More varicose veins and spider veins usually appear with each additional pregnancy.
  • Obesity. Being overweight or obese can put extra pressure on your veins. This can lead to varicose veins.
  • Lack of movement. Sitting or standing for a long time may force your veins to work harder to pump blood to your heart. This may be a bigger problem if you sit with your legs bent or crossed.
  • Leg Injuries

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-550-0330 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular.

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel. 

What could be causing your varicose veins?2022-12-13T14:16:03-08:00

Why Choose Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE )?

Why Choose Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE )?

 

It is essential to point out that while Genicular artery embolization (GAE). It is a relatively new procedure for treating osteoarthritis (OA). It is more effective than other treatments. One of the main reasons you should choose Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is that it is minimally invasive. The procedure is performed by an outpatient surgeon, allowing you to go back home the same day. Research also shows that the procedure has low risk and much faster recovery. Unlike taking drugs with numerous side effects, such as stomach upsets, the procedure has minimal side effects. Additionally, the procedure has a very high success rate, with eighty-five percent of patients treated with Genicular artery embolization (GAE) reporting significant pain and discomfort relief within the first month.

 

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) vs. Surgery

 

Compared to traditional surgeries performed to treat knee osteoarthritis, Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is more efficient and safe. This procedure is minimally invasive for starters, meaning that it requires a small incision in the skin. The scar is barely visible 1-2 months after the procedure. No one loves having scars on their feet. Unfortunately, extensive knee surgeries such as complete knee replacement leave large scars that are difficult to conceal.

 

Secondly, you get to go home the same day. Knee surgeries require the use of general/local anesthesia, which takes time to wear off. You will also need to spend a night or two for doctor observation after surgery. With Genicular artery embolization (GAE), you do not need to spend the night in the medical facility. Additionally, the procedure works for everyone, including people at high risk of complications and would not want to undergo expensive knee surgeries.

 

Why Choose La Jolla Vein & Vascular?

 

As mentioned, osteoarthritis affects almost 30 million people in the United States alone, with the knee being the most affected body part. The largest portion of these individuals is not quite ready for knee replacement surgery. As such, most of these patients depend on NSAIDS and knee injections to control the pain.

Unfortunately, over 100,000 people are hospitalized each year for gastrointestinal bleeding and other NSAIDs related complications. Even worse, there are more than 20,000 NSAID deaths annually. At LA Jolla Vein Care, we are one of the few medical facilities that offer Genicular artery embolization. The procedure is safe and effective for everyone.

With so many medical clinics cropping up here and there, we understand that choosing a health facility where you can entrust to perform new and advanced procedures such as Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is not easy. 

 

However, our results speak for themselves. Our licensed surgeon has performed numerous successful GAE procedures for our patients. Call us today and schedule your appointment!  We also schedule follow-up appointments to assess your progress.  Our friendly staff is also ready to assist you with questions and concerns that you may have.

 

Why Choose Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE )?2022-05-23T16:37:49-07:00
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CONTACT INFORMATION

La Jolla/UTC

Vista

Patient Privacy Practices

Privacy Policy

Hippa Privacy Practices
HIPAAOneTM Certified Seal 2

Use the search features below to find articles and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO

La Jolla/ UTC

North County San Diego/ Vista — Endovascular Center
Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

© Copyright 2010-2024, La Jolla Vein & Vascular | All Rights Reserved

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