21, 6, 2022

Non Invasive Vascular Laboratory

2022-05-23T15:49:54-07:00

Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory

The Non Invasive Vascular Laboratory at La Jolla Vein & Vascular utilizes advanced, noninvasive, diagnostic, medical ultrasound technology while ensuring high quality results to detect diseases that may affect blood flow in the arteries and veins.  We utilize “state-of-the-art” color duplex ultrasound imagers and indirect testing equipment.

The Vascular Lab offers the convenience of:

  • Non-invasive testing
  • Same-day imaging appointments
  • Follow-up clinic visits with our on-site vascular team
  • Appointments at multiple locations including La Jolla, Poway, Chula Vista, and Solana Beach.

What is Duplex Ultrasound

non invasive

The non invasive Duplex ultrasound involves using high frequency sound waves to look at the speed of blood flow, and structure of the blood vessels. The term “duplex” refers to the fact that two modes of ultrasound are used, Doppler and B-mode. The B-mode transducer obtains an image of the vessel being studied. The Doppler probe within the transducer evaluates the velocity and direction of blood flow in the vessel.

Types of Ultrasound Testing Offered:

Direct testing (duplex imaging)

Venous Non Invasive

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis- upper or lower extremity
  • Venous Reflux

Arterial Non Invasive

  • Abdominal Aorta
  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening- must meet criteria of SAAAVE Act
  • Carotid Duplex
  • Lower Extremity Duplex

Indirect testing (non-imaging)

Arterial –Segmental pressures and waveforms (P&Ws), upper or lower extremity

 

 For more information and to book a consult, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330.

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

Non Invasive Vascular Laboratory2022-05-23T15:49:54-07:00

Causes of Osteoarthritis

2022-05-13T17:16:22-07:00

Causes Of Osteoarthritis (OA)

 

Although Knee Osteoarthritis affects as many as 45 percent of people in their lifetime, the exact cause is unknown. However, medical practitioners have discovered several risks that increase the chances of developing knee osteoarthritis. These include:

Advanced Age

Obesity

Joint Trauma

Family History

Congenital Disabilities or Illnesses

Chronic Injury and Joint Stress

Lack of Exercise

Poor Muscle Tone

Female Sex

 

Advanced Age

Your susceptibility to developing osteoarthritis increases with age. As you grow old, the cartilage in the knee joint wears down, making it prone to damage and thinning. According to research done by the Arthritis Foundation, about 19 percent of people over 45 years have knee OA. The research further indicates that 37 percent of people over 60 years have the condition, although not all will have the symptoms.

 

Obesity

The knees support the weight from the thighs upwards. Obese people are at two times more risk of developing knee arthritis than individuals who are not.

 

Joint Trauma

Surgery, a broken bone, or severe injuries that affect the knee joint can also lead to knee osteoarthritis. These symptoms may not be present immediately after the injuries but may reveal years later.

 

Family History

Hereditary genes also play a crucial role in the susceptibility of knee arthritis. For instance, if your mother had knee OA, you are more likely to develop the condition than people with no family history of the condition are.

 

Congenital Disabilities or Illnesses

Septic arthritis, gout, poor bone alignment, congenital conditions, and metabolic disorder can also increase your susceptibility to contracting knee arthritis.

 

Chronic Injury and Joint Stress

Individuals whose daily activities involve heavy lifting while standing, crawling, or squatting tend to experience mini-traumas. These mini traumas can lead to knee osteoarthritis over time—bodybuilders and other athletes who participate in high-impact sports are prone to knee osteoarthritis development.

 

Lack of Exercise

Although putting too much stress on your knee joint can lead to arthritis, lack of exercise can also cause OA. Exercise helps in boosting the cartilage’s health and repair. Additionally, the knee joints contain fluid-rich nutrients that need to be circulated in the knee joint capsule. Regular exercise promotes proper circulation of the joint fluid.

 

Poor Muscle Tone

Poor hamstring, calf, and quadriceps muscle development can put more stress on the knee’s bones and cartilage, causing knee osteoarthritis.

 

Female Sex

Research shows that women are about 40 percent more likely to develop knee arthritis than men are.

 

 So, if this is you and you’ve been experiencing pain, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link. 

 

Causes of Osteoarthritis2022-05-13T17:16:22-07:00

Signs of Osteoarthritis

2022-05-30T13:29:11-07:00

For most people, the knee osteoarthritis symptoms come and go, worsening over time. While it is easy to dismiss early knee OA signs and symptoms, the symptoms become worse if left untreated, causing mobility issues. 

 

Some of the common OA signs and symptoms include:

 

Knee Pain: Knee pain is the most reported OA symptom. The pain description often varies from one person to the other depending on their condition and situation. Sometimes the pain may come and go, while the person may experience chronic low levels of pain with intermittent intense pain flare-ups. On the other hand, you may experience a dull, aching. Most often, knee OA pain gets worse, especially when doing activities that put a strain on the knee, such as walking upstairs or squatting.

 

Swelling: Damaged cartilage causes the femur and tibia bones to rub together, leading to irritation. The irritation forces the body to produce excess fluid at the joint, making the knee swell.

 

Stiffness: The swelling and friction in the knee make the joint stiff. You may often experience 30 minutes of stiffness after sitting for an extended period or early in the morning. Knee stiffness can also be accompanied by reduced motion range and visible swelling.

 

Redness and Warmth: The irritation develops when the knee joint’s bones rub each other causing the skin over the knee to become warm and red. These signs could also indicate an infection that requires medical attention.

 

Reduced Range of Motion: The swelling in the knee limits your range of motion. Mild to moderate knee OA makes it hard for you to bend or straighten the knee completely.

Worsening Symptoms with Inactivity

Your knees tend to become stiff after long periods of sitting or sleeping. In most cases, you will notice pain and stiffness after waking up in the morning or sitting for long hours.

 

Popping or Crunching: A popping or crunching sound when bending your knee indicates knee joint friction.

 

Buckling or Locking Up: People with moderate to severe knee OA can also cause a sensation of knee-buckling. The sensation develops when there are uneven flaps or grooves, or cartilage breaks off and sticks in the joint.

 

 So, if this is you and you’ve been experiencing  osteoarthritis pain, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link. 

 

Signs of Osteoarthritis2022-05-30T13:29:11-07:00

What is Osteoarthritis?

2022-05-13T16:57:54-07:00

Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis form that affects millions of people across the globe. While OA can affect any joint, it often damages the knees, hands, spine, and hips. Also known as wear and tear arthritis, the condition develops when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of the bone in a joint wears away over time. Joints are parts of the body where two or more bones meet. These parts include your knee, hip, hands, backbone (any part of the body that you can bend has a joint).

The ends of the bones in a joint have a smooth, slippery surface referred to as the cartilage. This protective covering allows the bones to rub against each other without friction. Osteoarthritis causes the wear and tear of the cartilage between the bones, making the joint rough. The increased resistance at the joint causes stiffness, pain, swelling, and decreased ability to move.

While various treatments help in managing the OA symptoms, damaged joints are not reversible. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active c will also help in slowing the disease progression. Although OA can affect both men and women at any age, individuals aged over 45 years are at an increased risk. Based on the research done by the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis affects more than 27 million people in the USA alone, with the knee being the most susceptible part. Research also shows that women are at an increased risk of developing OA than men.

Osteoarthritis of the Knee

The most common cause of knee pain is knee osteoarthritis. The pain may come and go, become worse over time, or come accompanied by other symptoms, including knee stiffness. The condition develops due to degeneration of the cartilage. While the cartilage does not contain any nerves, damage or missing cartilage in the knee causes friction between bones and bone tissue changes, leading to pain. For example, damaged cartilage can lead to various bone changes such as:

  • Bone Spurs: Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are abnormal bony growth at the knee joints with damaged cartilage. The joint bones produce the bone spurs to compensate for missing or deteriorated cartilage. Bone spurs have an irregular shape that creates more friction in the knee joint, causing discomfort and pain.
  • Subchondral Bone Sclerosis: Due to undistributed weight loads, the tibia and femur surfaces, which lie beneath the cartilage, can change in composition, making it harden.
  • Cysts And Bone Marrow Lesions: Missing or deteriorated knee cartilage can also lead to cysts development and bone marrow lesions (areas of abnormal swelling). These cysts and lesions lead to knee discomfort and pain.

 

What is Osteoarthritis?2022-05-13T16:57:54-07:00

Testing and Diagnosis of Pelvic Varicose Veins

2022-05-12T14:28:54-07:00

Testing and Diagnosis of Pelvic Varicose Veins

 

How are Pelvic Varicose Veins Diagnosed?

From the list shared previously regarding the common symptoms and signs associated with pelvic congestion syndrome, you can tell most are either common or can be easily misdiagnosed. For example, if you are having recurring back pain, you could easily get some pain relievers thinking that to be the problem. 

 

Medically, doctors may need to run a number of tests before diagnosing the condition. This is a result of the various associative symptoms. Moreover, since there’s such a vast array of symptoms, healthcare providers need to rule out other possible underlying causes for the symptoms. 

 

Some of the procedures you can expect when getting vulvar varicose veins include; 

 

A laparoscopy: This is a relatively small and minimally invasive surgical procedure where the doctor inserts a small camera inside the pelvis for a clearer and objective look. 

 

A computed tomography (CT) scan

 

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan (MRI)

 

An ultrasound tests 

 

A venogram exam

 

In most cases, the healthcare provider will opt for the ultrasound examination. Besides being simple, non-intrusive, and quick, an ultrasound exam can detect varicosities and assess the blood flow. 

 

Seeing a doctor can prove beneficial, even when you are exhibiting some or none of the apparent symptoms. This is largely because some women with developing labial varicosities show little to no symptoms other than swollen veins. 

 

The other importance of seeing a doctor whenever you start exhibiting these signs is to get ahead of any underlying health conditions. Pelvic congestion syndrome is often the sign of other health issues, especially regarding the body’s circulatory system. For instance, through an examination, pelvic varicose veins could help identify varicose veins in other parts of the body. 

 

Are Vulvar Varicosities Permanent?

Pelvic congestion syndrome is rarely a permanent condition. Most of the symptoms will likely disappear within six to eight weeks of giving birth. 

 

However, if you have previously developed labial varicosities during a previous pregnancy, chances are high the condition will come back during the next pregnancy. In these cases, the recurring pelvic congestion syndrome will be more painful with every subsequent pregnancy. 

 

Even when the varicosities disappear on their own, it’s still vital to speak with your doctor. This will help kick in preventative measures to ensure the condition doesn’t recur. 

 

Are Labial Varicose Veins Treatable?

 

So, you’ve noticed a few worrying signs, gone to the doctor, had tests run, and the results are out; you have pelvic congestion syndrome. What next?

 

Well, the treatment approach largely depends on whether you are pregnant or not. If you are pregnant, the best cause of action is alleviating the pain and discomfort and eliminating the symptoms. The treatment option for pregnant women is aimed at alleviating any pain and accompanying symptoms. To achieve this, the healthcare provider may use various medications, including; 

 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Chronic pain relief medication such as gapapentin and amitriptyline

 

In other cases, the faulty veins can be targeted, isolated, then closed off through minimally invasive procedures. Once these nonfunctional veins are closed, the body will naturally redirect venous blood to the healthier veins. Subsequently, the pelvic venous drainage will improve over time, taking away most, if not all, of the symptoms. 

 

However, before these procedures are performed, your doctor may put you in an observation period lasting between six to twelve months. Since most varicosities disappear after eight weeks, the doctors may choose to give your body a chance to repair itself. FOrtunately, you can still receive pain medication to alleviate any pain during this observation window. You can also use various anecdotal remedies include; 

 

Avoid standing or sitting for too long

 

Avoid wearing uncomfortable shoes, such as high heels, which put more pressure on your lower body and back

 

Change positions regularly 

 

Drink a lot of water

 

Elevate your legs periodically to improve blood circulation 

 

Applying heat or ice on the painful areas

 

Wearing supportive underwear when pregnant-such as compression and support stockings while labial varicose veins are not usually dangerous, may lead to poor circulation in the lower parts of your body. This could then lead to blood pooling, which can cause deep vein thrombosis. 

 

When these blood clots are in the deeper veins, they can break loose and move to other parts of the body. These cases, while rare, can lead to life-threatening complications. 

 

Some of the signs of blood clot development include increased pain in the affected region, redness, swelling, and hardening. If you experience any of these, you should notify your healthcare provider as soon as possible. 

 

Labial Varicose Veins

 

Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are harmless. Most people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. However, treatment will also alleviate the mild yet persistent discomfort this condition sometimes causes.

 So, if this is you and you’ve been experiencing pain, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link. 

 

Testing and Diagnosis of Pelvic Varicose Veins2022-05-12T14:28:54-07:00

What Causes Vulvar Varicosities?

2022-05-12T12:57:33-07:00

What Causes Vulvar Varicosities?

  • There is ongoing research concerning the causes and risk factors associated with pelvic congestion syndrome. However, the most commonly known cause of vulvar varicosities is pregnancy.
  • Blood vessels such as veins contain valves whose task is to prevent blood from flowing back. Veins in the abdominal and lower parts of the body have to work against factors such as gravity to ensure smooth and uninterrupted blood flow.
    However, pregnancy can lead to the dilation of veins.
  • Consequently, this means the valves have to work even harder to keep blood flowing in the proper direction. This dilation can go unnoticed in the initial stages, making pelvic congestion syndrome hard to detect in the early days.
  • Other factors, such as the pregnancy’s pressure on the lower body and the increased blood flow to the genitalia, can alter valves’ normal working and efficiency, which then results in the development of varicose veins.
  • Recent research also shows that pelvic congestion syndrome runs in the family. So, if a relative or someone genetically close to you has encountered a case of vulvar varicosities, you too may be at risk. To combat this situation, you can schedule regular checkups with your physician to ensure no signs of pelvic congestion syndrome.
  • Pelvic tumors have also been identified as a causative and accelerant agent to labia varicose veins. If you’re worried you may have a pelvic tumor – or any other previously undiagnosed tumor, you should seek professional medical services immediately.

So, if this is you and you’ve been experiencing pain, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link. 

 

What Causes Vulvar Varicosities?2022-05-12T12:57:33-07:00

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Varicosities?

2022-05-12T12:52:12-07:00

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Varicosities?

As highlighted above, pelvic congestion syndrome, also can be pelvic varicosities, can manifest in varying ways. As a result, there’s no one standard sign or symptom associated with the condition.

However, many women suffering from pelvic varicosities report a dull but recurring pain. While the pain may come and go, certain factors and situations can worsen the pain. Some of the situations that could lead to chronic pain include;

  • Standing up for extended periods of time
  • Sitting for long or remaining inactive
  • The period leading to menstruation
  • In the evenings
  • In the mid or late stages of a pregnancy
  • During or after sexual intercourse

While pain is the most recorded symptom associated with labial varicosities, some women also note a different combination of recurring symptoms. These are likely influenced by the severity and advancement of the condition. Other pelvic congestion syndrome symptoms include;

  • Experiencing overly painful menstruation (commonly called dysmenorrhea)
  • Excessive or abnormal bleeding during menstruation
  • Swelling of the vulva or vagina
  • Irritable bowel syndromes
  • Backache
  • Fatigue
  • Increased urination
  • Depression
  • Hip pain
  • Change in the vaginal discharge
  • The appearance of varicose veins around the legs, buttocks, and vulva
  • Abdominal tenderness

Whether alone or part of a combination, you should consult a doctor if you notice these symptoms. This will help rule out any conditions, and if it is indeed a pelvic congestion disorder such as pelvic varicosities, they can begin the treatment process.

So, if this is you and you’ve been experiencing pain, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link. 

 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Varicosities?2022-05-12T12:52:12-07:00

What are Pelvic & Labial Varicose Veins

2022-05-12T12:46:22-07:00

Pelvic & Labial Varicose Veins

labialvaricosities

Labial varicosities are a common vascular condition that is now treated at La Jolla Vein and Vascular. Most people understand that varicose veins can be found in the legs and feet. And while this is mostly true, they can also manifest in the vulva. This is generally why most women who develop from vulva varicosities don’t notice it until the condition begins to worsen.

 

What are Labial Varicosities?

 

Vulvar varicosities, also commonly referred to as labial varicosities, are a condition when the veins in the labia minora or Majora become dilated.

 

Like any other part of the human body, the vulva is interconnected through an extensive reach of large and small blood vessels. During pregnancy, the increase in weight and pressure may reduce blood flow to the lower body and genitals. This will then cascade into the condition known as Labial varicosities.

 

While no one is fully exempt from developing vulvar varicose veins, the condition is more apparent in pregnant women. Moreover, pregnant women are more susceptible to developing pelvic varicosities due to the pressure and weight exerted by the baby.

 

However, in most cases, the condition does go away after giving birth. Ideally, you should start feeling better within six to eight weeks from the delivery time. Unfortunately, in some women, the dilated veins do not recover independently and need medical intervention to help fix the condition and get you back to your normal self from labial varicose veins. 

 

Most people understand that varicose veins can be found in the legs and feet. And while this is mostly true, they can also manifest in the vulva. This is generally why most women who develop from vulva varicosities don’t notice it until the condition begins to worsen.

There are numerous veins supplying blood to and from the vulva. And since they all differ in size, there’s no sure way to tell if you’re developing pelvic varicosities. The impact may leave them moderately swollen from the varying size of the veins, especially in the smaller veins. Larger veins may get twisted and become painful over time. This further goes to assert the importance of consulting a healthcare professional if you’re uncertain.

 

 So, if this is you and you’ve been experiencing pain or any other symptoms, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link. 

 

What are Pelvic & Labial Varicose Veins2022-05-12T12:46:22-07:00

Symptoms of Pelvic Venous Congestion

2022-05-12T10:49:38-07:00

Symptoms to look for in Chronic Pelvic Venous Congestion

 

Pelvic Venous Congestion also known as (PVCS) is a common venous disease that La Jolla Vein and Vascular is now treating. Most people know varicose veins mostly affect the feet and legs. But varicose veins can also occur in the pelvis causing chronic pelvic pain in women; this condition is known as Pelvic Venous Congestion Syndrome (PVCs) or ovarian vein reflux.

pelvicvenouscongestion

PVC lasts longer than half a year. PVCs are commonly experienced for the first time during or following pregnancy. It is characterized by a heavy aching feeling that may get worse as pregnancy progresses. In most cases, you feel the pain on the left side only. But at other times, you may feel the pain on both the left and right sides. PVCs pain is usually worse during the evenings.

Certain factors also aggravate pelvic venous congestion pain; these include:

  • When you change posture

  • Sex

  • Standing for extended periods

  • Walking

  • Menstrual period

Apart from pelvis pain, other pelvic venous congestion symptoms include:

  • Pain during or after intercourse

  • Sudden urge to urinate

  • Lower back pain

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (diarrhea and constant abdominal pain accompanied with constipation)

  • Deep dyspareunia – pain during intercourse

  • Feeling one’s legs fuller

  • Engorged and distorted veins around the vagina, vulva, inner thigh, buttocks, and sometimes down the legs

pelvic venous congestion

 So, if this is you and you’ve been experiencing pain, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330.

 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

Symptoms of Pelvic Venous Congestion2022-05-12T10:49:38-07:00

What is Pelvic Venous Congestion?

2022-05-12T10:42:52-07:00

Pelvic Venous Congestion (PVCS)

 

Pelvic Venous Congestion also known as (PVCS) is a common venous disease that La Jolla Vein and Vascular is now treating. Most people know varicose veins mostly affect the feet and legs. But varicose veins can also occur in the pelvis causing chronic pelvic pain in women; this condition is known as (PVCs) or ovarian vein reflux. Herein is a look at the condition, the risk factors, causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Read on to find out more.

What is pelvic venous congestion syndrome (PVCs)?

pelviccongestionsyndrome

Pelvic Venous congestion is the enlargement of blood vessels in the pelvis due to faulty vein valves in the lower abdomen. See, veins have valves to guide blood flow towards the heart. However, these valves become faulty in some cases due to damage or other problems causing blood to flow backward. When this happens in the lower abdomen, blood builds up in the area, causing the veins to enlarge and change shape.

pelvic venous congestion

PVCs is when varicose veins are in your pelvis. This engorgement or congestion of blood vessels in the lower abdomen can cause chronic, and unbearable pain. It affects at least 1 in three women at some point during their lifetime. Chronic pelvic venous congestion syndrome may last longer than six months. It is not associated with period pain at all. PVCs are common among women who have given birth more than once before. So, if this is you and you’ve been experiencing pain, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

For more information please check out our Youtube Channel at this link. 

 

What is Pelvic Venous Congestion?2022-05-12T10:42:52-07:00
NEW LJVV Logo WEB

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
Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

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

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

Go to Top