Before and After Photo: This is a before and after picture of varicose veins that were removed without surgery at La Jolla Vein Care. Modern varicose vein treatments no longer require surgical removal. Please see our photo gallery for more before and after pictures of varicose veins, spider veins and venous leg ulcers on our ‘Results’ page or click on the ‘Treatments’ page to learn more about our treatments.
Compression stockings and socks are an important part of the regimen for the treatment of varicose veins. Insurance will require that they are used for 6-12 weeks prior to approving and paying for varicose vein treatment. The good news is that compression socks and stockings are available now in a wide variety of fashion styles and colors. Because new styles of compression socks are more fashion-friendly, you can integrate medical therapy into your wardrobe for work and casual attire. Fashion compression can be found at compressrx.com.
We have noticed a trend over the past year regarding insurance coverage for varicose veins; Insurance is increasingly becoming stricter with its policies for varicose vein coverage. Insurance policies vary from person to person regarding whether or not their policy will cover the actual vein treatment (office visits, diagnostic ultrasound examinations, and consultations are typically covered benefits by most). Most insurance types now require that an individual has worn and tried medical-grade compression for over 3 months before they can be considered for varicose vein treatment. Specifically, the patient has to have been using medical-grade compression for 3-months or longer and still has not had improvement in symptoms. The exceptions are Medicare and Anthem require only a six-week trial of compression. Compression socks and stockings are part of conservative management for vein conditions. Medical grade compression socks are stronger than over-the-counter socks and may require a prescription. Because your insurance may require 3 months of wearing compression socks/stockings before they will pay for your medical vein procedure, you should start wearing them as soon as possible and document it. For example, ask your primary care physician for a prescription. Keep your receipts for the purchase, as sometimes insurance requires proof of when you started using compression. Insurance usually does not cover compression stockings but a flexible health savings account can typically be used. Compression stockings should be used as a trial of conservative treatment in addition to leg elevation, exercise, weight loss, and NSAIDs. We are happy to answer questions about insurance coverage for vein procedures. Please call us at 858-550-0330.
Past ACP President and La Jolla Vein Care’s Dr. Helane Fronek, MD, FACPh, FACP was featured in this summer’s Vein Magazine. The 5-page interview with Dr. Fronek discusses topics such as her career and perspectives in the fields of venous disease and medicine. She is described as:
‘Professionally, Dr. Froenk sees patients at La Jolla Vein Care, educates medical students as an assistant clinical professor at the UC San Diego School of Medicien, is the author of the Fundamentals of Phlebology, is a past President of the American College of Phlebology (ACP), is the first recipient of the ACP’s Leadership Award and is recognized as an Honorary Memeber of the organization……..she is also a blogger on The Huffington Post and has recently added Life Coach to her distinguished resume…’
Past ACP President and La Jolla Vein Care’s Dr. Helane Fronek, MD, FACPh, FACP was featured in this summer’s Vein Magazine. The 5-page interview with Dr. Fronek discusses topics such as her career and perspectives in the fields of venous disease and medicine.
Dr. Helane Fronek, MD, FACPh, FACP is a Past ACP President, author of the Fundamentals of Phlebology, Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSD School of Medicine and presently sees patients at La Jolla Vein Care, located at the Scripps Memorial Campus.
La Jolla Vein Care is grateful to have such a talented doctor on our staff. You can read Dr. Fronek’s blog at helanefronekmd.wordpress.com.
On Friday, former American Idol contestant Michael Johns suddenly died at age 35, allegedly from a blood clot that formed in his ankle. No official details have been released, but TMZ is reporting that Michael Johns twisted his ankle. Other celebrities who have made relatively recent headlines for suffering from DVT include Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Nene Leakes, and Tennis Star Serena Williams. Other well known figures such as
Richard Nixon, Dan Quayle, Dick Cheney and David Bloom have all suffered a potentially fatal deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh. The clot can block blood flow and cause swelling and pain. When a clot breaks off and moves through the bloodstream, this is called an embolism. An embolism can get stuck in the brain, lungs, heart, or other area, leading to severe damage.
Blood clots may form when something slows or changes the flow of blood in the veins. Risk factors include:
You’re also more likely to develop DVT if you have any of the following conditions:
If you might have a DVT, it is important to see a doctor. Signs of a DVT may be sudden leg pain and swelling. It can be diagnosed by ultrasound imaging. See our other blogs about ultrasound imaging and DVT detection.
A thrombophlebitis is swelling and inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot. There are two main types of thrombophlebitits: deep venous thrombosis (affects deeper, larger veins) and superficial thrombophlebitis (affects veins near the skin surface). This is often referred to as an STP.
The following symptoms are often associated with thrombophlebitis:
The following increase your chances for thrombophlebitis:
An STP is a common complication of varicose veins. But, it can also indicate an underlying problem with blood clotting. In some cases, there may also be a concurrent blood clot in other veins, such as the deep veins (DVT) which can be serious. For this reason, a duplex ultrasound examination is used to look at the deep veins and other veins not visible to the naked eye for the presence of blood clots.
If it is localized to a small surface vein, it can usually be treated with aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and inflammation, compression stockings, and cold/warm packs to also reduce inflammation and discomfort. The discomfort is usually improved within 6 weeks but it can take a few months to resolve.
If the superficial thrombophlebitis is extensive or if it appears to be ‘migrating’ up the leg, a blood thinner may be necessary. You should see your doctor if you develop an STP.
A thrombophlebitis is swelling and inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot. This patient has superficial thrombophlebitis, which is a blood clot in the superficial, surface veins. You can see redness in the inner thigh of this patient, which is caused by the inflammation and swelling from the blood clot. It can be very painful. You should see your doctor for superficial thrombophlebitis.
La Jolla Vein Care is announcing their new ‘Tea with the MD’ series of educational seminars for patients to learn more about varicose veins, what causes them, what’s new in treatment, etc. Dr. Bunke will be kicking off the first seminar Monday, August 11th. This is an opportunity to ask the doctor all of your vein related questions in a small group. Those who are interested are asked to call 858-550-0330 to RSVP as space is limited to keep the discussions quaint. Light snacks/lunch will be served and parking will be validated. Tea-With-MD-Ad-print
When the skin becomes darker around the ankles, it may indicate underlying venous insufficiency. If you notice that your skin around the ankles changes color, you should see your doctor. Venous insufficiency can be diagnosed with ultrasound scanning by specialists.
Is Darkening of the Skin A Sign of Venous Disease? Yes. Skin discoloration, also referred to as skin hyperpigmentation or venous stasis, describes the darkening of the skin as a result of venous insufficiency. This is most frequently cause by venous reflux, an underlying condition that can be treated. When skin changes like these are present, the condition is termed chronic venous insufficiency. Over time, the skin condition may worsen and the skin may become darker, firm to touch, scaly and itchy, and the skin may break down causing a venous leg ulcer. It usually occurs around the ankles.
Should I Wear Compression When I Travel to Prevent a DVT?
Using compression stockings during travel can reduce the risk of developing a flight-related deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
Yes. Compression stockings are great to use during air travel and long trips where you will be sitting for long periods of time. When you sit for long periods of time you are more at risk of blood clots and swelling. Compression stockings can reduce your risks and prevent swelling. Ask your doctor the strength that is recommended for you.
Olympic champion and Boston Marathon winner, Meb Keflezighi wears CEP compression socks while running. CEP compression socks can be found at compressrx.com.
Graduated compression stockings apply external pressure to your legs reducing venous pressure. Graduated compression stockings are great to use if your want to increase circulation, support you leg veins, and want to reduce uncomfortable leg symptoms such as swelling, tired and achy feeling legs.
They are important in the conservative management of varicose veins to reduce symptoms. They are also used after any type of vein treatment to improve the effectiveness of treatment, to reduce bruising and swelling, and for comfort.
Anyone can benefit from compression stockings. Compression stockings are great for relieving ones symptoms when sitting, standing or moving around for long periods of time. They are also great for professionals such as nurses, hairdressers, desk workers, and everyone in between.
Athletes wear compression stockings too. There is some evidence that medical compression helps to reduce muscle fatigue and improves muscle recovery. But, not all compression socks are made equal. They should be medical graduated compression, like CEP socks by Mediven. These are the socks preferred by Olympic champion and Boston Marathon winner, Meb Keflezighi wears CEP compression socks while running. Find medical CEP compression socks at compressrx.com.
Before and After Photo: Varicose Veins. This patient had non-surgical vein removal of large varicose veins along the inner calf at La Jolla Vein Care.
To view more before and after photos and results from varicose vein treatments, go to La Jolla Vein Care’s photo gallery.
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