11, 1, 2023

Varicose Veins & Treatment

2022-12-26T11:36:19-08:00

Endovenous laser vein ablation, also known as endovenous laser therapy (EVLA), is a type of treatment for saphenous vein reflux, the underlying cause of most varicose veins. At La Jolla Vein Care, we offer ALL treatment modalities for varicose veins, not just one. Treatment is customized based on a person’s individual pattern of venous reflux (determined by ultrasound examination), personal preference, and personal health history.

EVLA Treatment for Varicose Veins Recovery Tips: 

What should I do to optimize recovery after treatment? 

 

Walking is essential to optimize recovery and avoid pooling of blood in the legs. You should walk 30 minutes twice daily during treatment and to do other calf exercises throughout the day.

 

Thigh-high compression stockings must be worn continuously for 72 hours after each treatment and for an additional week during the day after the last treatment. This improves your recovery and reduces complications.

 

Ice packs can be used as well as anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) for pain relief.

 

No strenuous exercise, hot tubs, or leg massages for two weeks to allow veins to heal.

 

Avoid airline travel for two weeks to minimize risk of deep vein clots.

 

Avoid Saunas as these dilate the superficial veins and interfere with healing.

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care.

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care.

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence.

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

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources.

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information.

 

Varicose Veins & Treatment2022-12-26T11:36:19-08:00

Varicose Veins 101

2022-12-26T11:31:21-08:00

Varicose veins are swollen, blue, bulging, twisted, superficial (those closest to the skin) veins of the leg. High pressure inside the superficial veins of the leg causes varicose veins, but genetics are thought to play a large, contributing role. As many as 40 million Americans have them. Left untreated, varicose veins may become worse. Persons with varicose veins often experience leg aches and fatigue. They may also incur skin changes such as rashes, redness and ulcers.

What factors influence development of varicose veins?

  • Age: People between the ages of 30 and 70 often have varicose veins. 
  • During pregnancy, 50 to 55 percent of American women experience varicose veins. In most cases, the veins return to normal within a year after childbirth.
  • Women who have multiple pregnancies may develop permanent varicose veins.  

Risk factors include:

o being overweight, or a family history of varicose veins

o standing or sitting for long periods of time

A vascular surgeon will review your medical history, do a physical exam and look at your prominent veins. You may be sent for a duplex ultrasound test, also known as a venous reflux study, to identify the causes of your varicose veins. The painless test uses high-frequency waves to measure the venous blood flow. The test helps the physician visualize the vein structure and the blood flow in the veins.

Most doctors will suggest lifestyle changes for patients. This includes:

  • maintaining the proper weight
  • elevating legs when resting
  • not sitting or standing for long periods of time 
  • wearing compression (elastic support) stockings

In some cases, a vascular surgeon will recommend additional treatments:

  • Sclerotherapy is the sealing of the veins via an injection of a medication. This procedure is done mainly for smaller spider veins. It is performed in a doctor’s office. The physician injects a chemical into the varicose veins to prevent the veins from filling with blood.
  • Vein Stripping is performed. The physician may make two small incisions, one in the groin area and another below the knee, through which the diseased veins are removed. This is an outpatient procedure, usually done under general anesthesia. Patients can resume their normal activities after four weeks.
  • Ablation and laser treatment are performed on patients with severe varicose veins. They are done under local or general anesthetic. The ablation procedure inserts a thin, flexible catheter into the leg vein. The tip of the catheter has tiny electrodes that heat and seal off the walls of the vein. Laser treatments use a tiny fiber placed in the vein through a catheter. The fiber sends out laser energy that closes the diseased portion of the vein. These two modes of treatment frequently replace stripping of the saphenous vein. They can be performed alone or in conjunction with removal of individual clusters of the veins known as small incision avulsion or ambulatory phlebectomy.

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

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

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

 

Varicose Veins 1012022-12-26T11:31:21-08:00

Meet our team of vein & vascular specialists: Dr Lucas

2022-12-26T10:58:13-08:00

Our vein and vascular specialists are not your average doctors.  They train and teach other doctors, medical students, physician assistants, and empower and educate patients everyday with knowledge and choices.  They lead clinical research studies and contribute to scientific journal and textbook publications.  Our recent research made the cover of the “Journal for Vascular Ultrasound” in March, 2018.  Our doctors continuously strive to elevate the standard in vein care- they are fellowship-trained, board certified in venous and lymphatic disease, and earned additional credentials in ultrasound interpretation to provide comprehensive vein care for all patients.

 

Sarah Lucas MD, FACS, RPVI

 Vascular Surgeon

vascular

Dr. Sarah Lucas, MD, FACS, RPVI is a board-certified vascular surgeon who has chosen to focus her practice on the care of patients with venous and lymphatic disease. She is also a diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. She is a graduate of the Duke School of Medicine and the integrated vascular surgery residency of Georgetown University Hospital and Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. She returned to Duke as a faculty member following graduation.She and her husband then relocated to Memphis, Tennessee for his pediatric surgery fellowship. During that time, she was on staff at the Memphis VA Medical Center, where she served as faculty for the vascular surgery fellowship of the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Lucas and her husband are delighted to have found their permanent home in San Diego, where he is a pediatric surgeon at the Naval Medical Center.

Dr. Lucas has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and a book chapter in the field of vascular surgery. She is active in the Society for Vascular Surgery and a member of the Young Surgeons’ Committee. Dr. Lucas joined La Jolla Vein Care in 2018. In addition to her role at La Jolla Vein Care, she also manages patients with vascular wounds at the Scripps XIMED wound care clinic.

Dr. Lucas is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Surgeons who become Fellows of the College have passed a comprehensive evaluation of their surgical training and skills; they also have demonstrated their commitment to high standards of ethical conduct.

 

Peer-Reviewed Journals:Dr. Sarah Lucas

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

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

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

 

Meet our team of vein & vascular specialists: Dr Lucas2022-12-26T10:58:13-08:00

La Jolla Vein & Vascular Health Mission

2022-12-26T10:53:29-08:00

Expert Healthcare

Our clinical staff consists of Registered Vascular Technologists (RVTs), Nurse Practitioners and Medical Assistants and ancillary staff who have several years of experience in vein and vascular care and health. Most of our staff have helped patients at La Jolla Vein & Vascular for 5+ years.  We also have administrative staff with expertise in insurance preauthorizations, and in combination with our doctors, will fight for patients to get the treatment they need.

Because of our staff’s extensive experience in vein health & care, they are knowledgeable about vein conditions and treatment and are happy to answer questions any time.

health

La Jolla Vein & Vascular Health Values

OUR MISSION

OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE OUR EXPERTISE AND SPECIALIZED TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR VASCULAR HEALTH, IN A ONE-STOP CONVENIENT SETTING.  OUR COMPREHENSIVE VEIN CARE AND VASCULAR CLINIC HELPS PATIENTS TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR VASCULAR HEALTH.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

health

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

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

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular Health Mission2022-12-26T10:53:29-08:00

30, 12, 2022

What you need to know about Carotid Artery Disease

2022-10-24T14:55:36-07:00

What is carotid artery disease? 

Your carotid arteries are two main arteries that carry blood from your heart, up through your neck, to your brain. Healthy carotid arteries are smooth and unobstructed, allowing blood to flow freely to the brain and provide oxygen, glucose and other nutrients that your brain cells need. Carotid artery disease is a vascular disease.

Typically with age, the carotid arteries build up plaque, made up mostly of fat and cholesterol. Plaque narrows the insides of the arteries and makes them stiff. This process is commonly referred to as “hardening of the arteries,” or atherosclerosis. Carotid artery disease results when the carotid arteries become narrow or obstructed and provide a risk of the plaque traveling to the brain and causing a stroke.

What is a stroke?

Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of perma- nent disability in older Healthy Plaque Build Up adults. Approximately 25% of strokes occur when bits of carotid plaque or clot break off and flow to the brain. If left untreated, carotid artery disease may lead to stroke, where lack of oxygen and other essential nutrients cause damage to the brain. Depending on its severity, a stroke can be fatal.

Symptoms of carotid artery disease: 

  • There may be no symptoms in the early stages of carotid artery disease, and stroke could be the first sign of the condition.
  • Stroke, however, typically has warning signs, referred to as mini-strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
  • Mini-stroke symptoms are usually temporary, lasting a few minutes to a few hours, and should be treated as serious medical emergencies requiring immediate treatment because they are strong predictors of future stroke.

Some symptoms of stroke or TIA may include:

– Weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side of the body

– Inability to control movement of a body part

– Loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes

– Inability to speak clearly

– Difficulty talking or comprehending what others are saying

Causes and risk factors of carotid disease:

  • High blood pressure and age
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol and obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Family history of hardening of the arteries and/or stroke

Diagnosis of carotid artery disease: 

If your doctor suspects carotid artery disease, it can be confirmed by undergoing a noninvasive duplex ultrasound examination. The ultrasound can also show how severe the disease is. If you experience symptoms of a mini-stroke, seek medical attention immediately. Your physician may then ask you to see a vascular specialist since they are highly trained in every type of vascular procedure.

Treatment:

Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures such as carotid endarterectomy (cleaning out the plaque with surgery), or in select cases, carotid artery stenting. Some patients benefit from surgery even if they are having no symptoms based upon life expectancy and degree of narrowing.

La Jolla Vein & Vascular runs  the diagnostic ultrasound for Carotid Artery Disease, but will refer out for further treatment.

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

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

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

What you need to know about Carotid Artery Disease2022-10-24T14:55:36-07:00

What is PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease)?

2022-10-24T15:03:43-07:00

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

Peripheral Arterial Disease is a disease we see and treat at La Jolla Vein and Vascular. You probably are familiar with the terms angina and heart attack, which are related to a blockage of blood flow to the heart. That same sort of blockage can occur elsewhere in the body, depriving the limbs (the peripheral parts of the body) of oxygen and nutrients. Left untreated, the disease can lead to amputation.

Healthy peripheral arteries are smooth and unobstructed, allowing blood to freely provide the legs with oxygen, glucose and other nutrients. As we age, peripheral arteries build up plaque, a sticky substance made up mostly of fat and cholesterol. Plaque narrows the passageway within the arteries and causes them to become stiff, which then leads into peripheral arterial disease. 

A moderate blockage in one of arteries in a major leg muscle, such as the calf or thigh, can cause pain when walking.This pain can be temporarily decreased with rest, but will act up again with more walking or activity.

Lower extremity pain, similar to angina, is called claudication by medical providers. The pain itself is not limb-threatening but it is a sign that the person should make lifestyle changes and see a doctor. 

Examples of possible treatments for peripheral arterial disease include: 

  • Smoking cessation 
  • Daily exercise
  • Medical management

If the disease becomes more severe, the limb can be starved of basic nutrients and the patient begins to suffer pain at rest (especially at night). Sores that won’t heal may develop on the feet. This is a very concerning sign for losing toes or even amputation of the leg. An urgent referral to a vascular surgeon is necessary to prevent limb loss in this situation.

Causes and risk factors of Peripheral Arterial Disease:

  • Age
  • Gender—males are more prone to the condition than females
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) 
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Family history of vascular problems

Leg pain does not always indicate PAD, but older patients, especially those who are at risk, should see a physician. A simple, noninvasive ultrasound and leg blood pressure examination can diagnose peripheral arterial disease and determine its severity.

If you experience symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, ask your primary care physician to refer you to a vascular surgeon. Vascular surgeons can perform any necessary treatments, including medication management, minimally invasive endovascular angioplasty and stent procedures, and open bypass surgery.

Treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease:

Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medications, minimally invasive angioplasty/stenting, or open bypass surgery.

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

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

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

What is PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease)?2022-10-24T15:03:43-07:00

Vascular Health and Physical Activity

2022-10-24T12:56:53-07:00

Physical activity helps to burn calories, increase the heart rate, and keep blood flowing at a healthy rate for your vascular health. All of these contribute to vascular health. 

If your doctor has diagnosed you with vascular disease, or if you have concerns about your vascular health, starting some good habits can help keep vascular complications at bay. Daily exercise has been found to have a significant positive effect on vascular health, along with other good lifestyle choices, such as not smoking, eating heart-friendly foods and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Your Vascular Health

Exercise can impact several artery diseases. A regular exercise routine may reduce the risk of stroke, the fourth leading cause of death in America according to the CDC’s 2010 National Vital Statistics Report. In 2010, 137,000 Americans died of stroke. Studies show that patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) may be successfully treated with exercise therapy and possibly avoid interventions. Regular exercise also decreases the growth rate of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), research has found.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of physical activity per week for adults ages 18 to 64. The activity can be a combination of moderate intensity aerobics and strength training, and should continue for at least 10 minutes at a time.

Moderate-intensity aerobic activities that increase the heart rate and cause sweating which are great for vascular health:

  • Riding a bicycle at a casual pace 
  • Playing doubles tennis
  • Actively playing with children
  • Mowing the lawn
  • Gardening, raking, or bagging leaves
  • Light snow shoveling
  • Water aerobics
  • Ballroom dancing

Vigorous activity that increase the heart rate that are great for vascular health:

  • Hiking uphill or with a heavy backpack,  race walking, jogging, running
  • Riding a bicycle fast or riding hills, more than 10 miles/hr
  • Rollerblading / inline skating at a brisk pace 
  • Playing basketball, football, soccer, etc.
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Jumping rope
  • Aerobic dancing
  • Heavy gardening continuous digging and hoeing
  • Swimming laps
  • Playing singles tennis

Twice weekly strengthening activities include:

  • Sit-ups, push-ups
  • Weight lifting
  • Heavy gardening such as digging and shoveling 
  • Yoga

The lack of regular physical activity results in 250,000 deaths annually, according to a 2003 report in the medical journal, Circulation. People who are the least physically fit have a mortality risk 4.5 times higher than physically fit people.

To add physical activity into your daily schedule:

  • Select enjoyable activities 
  • Work out with a friend
  • Encourage family members to participate
  • Measure progress through a daily exercise journal

Physical activity is not just good for your veins and arteries, just about every part of your body can benefit. According to the CDC, exercise also helps your vascular health and in addition helps:

  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; can lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels
  • Reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes; can help control glucose levels
  • Reduce the risk of colon and breast cancer
  • Strengthen bones and muscles – can increase or build muscle mass and strength; can slow the loss of bone density that comes with age; can help with arthritis and other joint conditions
  • Keep thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp 
  • Reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Improve the ability to complete daily activities and prevent falls for older adults
  • Increase the chances of living longer by reducing the risk of dying from heart disease and some cancers

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

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

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

Vascular Health and Physical Activity2022-10-24T12:56:53-07:00

Varicose Veins Patient Transformation

2022-10-24T12:54:28-07:00

What are varicose veins?

Varicose Veins are the twisted, bulging veins just beneath the surface of the skin. They 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, and are very common. 

 

Varicose veins are caused by leaky vein valves, which allow blood to pool within the veins causing them to stretch and become enlarged. They can be an isolated finding, but the majority of the time, they are caused by underlying venous reflux disease. Venous reflux disease is also known as venous stasis, venous insufficiency or venous incompetence. Reflux may occur in the deep and/or superficial leg veins.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms can include:

  • Aching, tenderness
  • Heaviness, fatigue
  • General restlessness in the legs
  • Burning pain
  • Throbbing pain
  • Itching
  • Leg cramps, particularly at night
  • Ankle swelling
  • Skin discoloration at the ankle
  • Skin ulcers above the ankle

Over time, complications can develop from untreated veins. These include:

  • Superficial phlebitis (painful inflammation of the vein)
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis (blood clots within the varicose veins)
  • Spontaneous vein hemorrhage (the vein can rupture spontaneously)
  • Skin discoloration and eczema around the ankle (venous eczema)
  • Skin sores or ulcers usually near the ankle

Duplex ultrasound technology is used to evaluate the veins beneath the surface of the skin. The ultrasound allows us to see if the valves are leaky; it can detect the direction of blood flow and also detects blockages in the veins, for example from blood clots or scars within the veins from previous clots. The ultrasound will determine exactly which veins are ‘bad’ or incompetent. Reflux may be detected in the deep veins (within the muscle), the great and small saphenous veins, and/or branches of the saphenous veins. This will help determine the treatment plan.

La Jolla Vein Care Before and After Transformations:

At La Jolla Vein Care, we are here for our patients from beginning to the end. We love seeing the transformations that take place. Below are a few cases from our patient transformations from before varicose vein treatment to after vein treatment. 

 

 

 

varicose varicose varicose

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

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

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 


Varicose Veins Patient Transformation2022-10-24T12:54:28-07:00

Uterine Fibroids: what you need to know

2022-10-24T12:48:30-07:00

Millions of women around the world are affected by the development of uterine fibroids each year. While it is not a life-threatening condition in itself, the symptoms and potential complications that come with it make it such a pressing medical concern for affected individuals.

As only women will usually possess a uterus, it follows that only women are afflicted by this ailment, which is why gynecologists will often be the first ones to make a definite diagnosis. As with so many medical emergencies, knowing the problem early will greatly increase the chances of beating it, which is why the professionals at La Jolla Vein & Vascular are dedicated to administering reliable, accurate, and entirely effective diagnostics, therapies, and treatments to all clients coming through our doors.

Let’s take a closer look at what exactly we will be dealing with should uterine fibroids turn out to be the issue at hand.

What are uterine fibroids? 

To understand what uterine fibroids are, the first thing one should do is separate the two terms making up the condition. A fibroid is a term to refer to a type of tumor that has ‘muscular’ characteristics. They are also referred to as a leiomyoma and can appear singularly or in formations or in lumps. 

They are known as uterine fibroids since they will appear in the patient’s uterus. Although they are not cancerous in almost all instances, they will range in size from patient to patient, from as small as an apple seed to as large as a grapefruit and beyond, in some unusual instances. 

It is important for all women to be aware of the dangers presented by uterine fibroids, not only owing to the potential harm that the condition might bring about but due to the high rate of prevalence among the female population affected in some way. By the time they are 50 years old, it is estimated between 20 to 80 percent of women will have developed uterine fibroids, with most cases affecting the 40’s to early 50’s. 

Symptoms to look out for: 

Fibroids go undiscovered in most patients due to the lack of symptoms accompanying them, but some patients will experience some symptoms, including:

  • Frequent urination due to pressure being exerted on the patient’s bladder
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Enlargement of the lower abdomen, with severe and extremely rare instances causing the appearance of apparent pregnancy in the patient where none exists
  • Heavy bleeding and/or painful bleeding during periods sometimes resulting in a medically significant depletion of blood in the patient (anemia)
  • Greatly increased risks of complication during pregnancy and delivery, with uterine fibroid patients requiring cesarean sections at six times the average rate.
  • Reproductive health problems such as infertility are very rare outcomes.

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

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

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 


Uterine Fibroids: what you need to know2022-10-24T12:48:30-07:00

Muscle Hernia or Varicose Veins

2022-10-24T15:51:59-07:00

Is it a muscle hernia or varicose vein?

 

Muscle hernias of the legs frequently are confused with varicose veins. Patients may present with bulging along the outer part of the shin, that looks like a varicose vein. It may or may not be painful. It goes away with flexing the foot (pointing your toes to your head).  But, to experienced vein care specialists, it is clearly a muscle herniation.

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.

Varicose veins are caused by leaky vein valves, which allow blood to pool within the veins causing them to stretch and become enlarged. Varicose veins can be an isolated finding, but the majority of the time, they are caused by underlying venous reflux disease. Venous reflux disease is also known as venous stasis, venous insufficiency or venous incompetence. Reflux may occur in the deep and/or superficial leg veins.

In our study, led by Dr. Nisha Bunke and published in the Journal of Vascular Ultrasound in 2018, we studied over 1,000 legs with varicose veins. Over 90% of the time, the source of the varicose veins were the great and small saphenous veins. The Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) courses up the middle of the thigh and calf and the small saphenous vein (SSV), which courses along the back of the calf. Normally, there are one-way valves within the leg veins, which help blood flow in one direction: toward the heart. This means blood is traveling against gravity. The calf muscle also helps move blood toward the heart. When vein valves are leaky, blood flows backward (reflux) towards the feet. Blood pools in the lower legs, causing bulging veins at the surface.

A Muscle herniation is a focal protrusion of muscle tissue through a defect in the deep fascial layer. Anterior tibial muscle is the most commonly affected muscle of the lower extremities because its fascia is the most vulnerable to trauma. Clinically it is characterized by asymptomatic or painful, skin-coloured, soft, subcutaneous nodules of various size depending on the position. The diagnosis is usually made clinically based on its typical manifestations, but ultrasonographic examination is useful for detecting the fascial defect and excluding other conditions caused by soft tissue tumors such as lipomas, angiolipomas, fibromas, schwannomas, or varicosities.

Usually, surgical treatment is not needed, but may be necessary for increasingly painful hernias.

At La Jolla Vein and Vascular, we frequently see muscle herniations that are confused with varicose veins. Using ultrasound technology and a clinical examination, we can make an accurate diagnosis.

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

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

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

Muscle Hernia or Varicose Veins2022-10-24T15:51:59-07:00
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 2010-2025, 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

Toggle Sliding Bar Area

informacion en español

Visita nuestra página en español

https://ljvascular.com/informacion-en-espanol/

Go to Top