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25, 6, 2020

Do I Need Surgery for Varicose Veins?

2020-09-17T19:01:32-07:00

Non-surgical treatment alternatives for eliminating varicose veins

No! We’ve performed thousands of surgery-free treatments. 

Surgery is rarely performed these days to eliminate varicose veins. Modern endovenous procedures, which were first introduced around the year 2000, have replaced surgery for most patients. Endovenous became the standard of care over vein stripping surgery in 2007.  Treatment can be done in a doctor’s office, without general anesthesia, thereby reducing risks. At our facility, we offer multiple non-surgical treatment options so that vein care is individualized and based on what is best for the patient rather than on what is available. There are multiple non-surgical treatment options, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), clarivein, laser vein ablation, endovenous laser therapy (EVLA), varithena foam, microfoam, ultrasound guided foam sclerohterapy, ambulatory phlebectomy.

go to our treatments page for more information

 

Do I Need Surgery for Varicose Veins?2020-09-17T19:01:32-07:00

What Causes Varicose Veins?

2022-01-03T13:11:26-08:00

WHY ME?

Who gets varicose veins 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.

  • 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 varicose veins 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. Varicose 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
What Causes Varicose Veins?2022-01-03T13:11:26-08:00

What Causes Spider Veins?

2022-01-03T12:57:11-08:00

Spider veins refer to the abnormally enlarged, bluish or red-colored small blood vessels at the surface of the skin. They often appear in clusters, where they get the name ‘spider veins’ because of their spider like appearance. They also may appear in a starbust pattern. Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, occur when blood pools in veins near the surface of the skin. They can be caused by heredity, being female, obesity, trauma, and fluctuations in hormone levels. In many cases, the exact cause is not known. They tend to become more numerous with age, and are common among people over 30 and in pregnant women.

Spider Vein
Spider veins can be cosmetic, but may indicate an underlying condition. When spider veins appear around the inner ankle and inner thighs, this may indicate an underlying problem, called venous reflux in saphenous vein which are not visible to the naked eye. Ultrasound can determine if there is underlying venous reflux. Spider veins may also cause symptoms. Itching is a common symptom. Some patients complain of burning, stinging and pain sensations. The reason for the itching and other symptoms is because spider veins can be associated with inflammation. The inflammation in turn, can cause symptoms. Spider veins are most commonly treated with sclerotherapy.

What Causes Spider Veins?2022-01-03T12:57:11-08:00

¿Qué Es La Enfermedad Por Reflujo Venoso?

2020-08-17T22:59:38-07:00

¿Qué Es La Enfermedad Por Reflujo Venoso?

La enfermedad por reflujo venoso también es conocida como estasis venosa o insuficiencia venosa. La enfermedad por reflujo venoso se refiere a las “válvulas dañadas” en las venas de las piernas. El reflujo puede ocurrir en las venas profundas y/o superficiales de las piernas. Las venas profundas son aquellas que se encuentran en el interior del músculo; retornan al menos el 80-90% de la sangre de las piernas al corazón. Las venas superficiales se encuentran por fuera del músculo y debajo de la piel. Las principales venas superficiales son la Vena Safena Mayor que recorre la mitad del muslo y la pantorrilla y la Vena Safena Menor, que recorre la parte posterior de la pantorrilla. Normalmente, existen válvulas unidireccionales dentro de las venas de las piernas, que ayudan a dirigir el flujo sanguíneo en una dirección: hacia el corazón. Esto significa que la sangre realiza su recorrido contra la gravedad. El músculo de la pantorrilla también ayuda a movilizar la sangre hacia el corazón. Cuando las válvulas venosas se encuentran dañadas, la sangre fluye hacia atrás (reflujo) en dirección a los pies. La sangre se acumula en la parte inferior de las piernas, causando venas protuberantes en la superficie. Los síntomas incluyen pesadez, fatiga y dolor en las piernas, hinchazón de los tobillos, flebitis (venas inflamadas y dolorosas), piernas inquietas por la noche y calambres nocturnos. La enfermedad por reflujo venoso es progresiva y empeora con el tiempo. La piel también puede presentar cambios, incluido el oscurecimiento de la piel alrededor de los tobillos. El oscurec- imiento de la piel a veces se conoce como cambios en la piel por estasis venosa. La piel puede volverse seca y producir picazón (eccema venoso). Eventualmente, la piel puede romperse provocando una herida, llamada úlcera venosa de la pierna.

¿Qué Es La Enfermedad Por Reflujo Venoso?2020-08-17T22:59:38-07:00

Link Between Leg Heaviness and Your Veins

2022-01-04T04:54:24-08:00

One of the most common symptoms of venous reflux disease is a feeling of leg heaviness. Venous reflux disease refers to ‘leaky’ vein valves in the leg.  Healthy veins return blood flow from the legs to the heart. When the valves are weak and leaky, blood will backflow or ‘reflux’ and pool in the leg veins, instead of returning up toward the heart.  This increases the pressure in your legs, giving you that tired, heavy feeling. Leg heaviness tends to worsen throughout the day, especially after long periods of standing.  You may notice that elevating your legs or using compression stockings reduce the symptoms of leg heaviness. Leg tiredness, fatigue, ankle swelling are other common symptoms of venous reflux disease.

image of varicose veins

image of varicose veins

Varicose veins most frequently cause the legs to become heavy, achy and tired. But, these symptoms can be present even in the absence of varicose veins. Venous insufficiency, the underlying cause for varicose veins can cause leg heaviness, tiredness and swelling even before bulging veins are visible.

 

Link Between Leg Heaviness and Your Veins2022-01-04T04:54:24-08:00

Why Leg Pain Worsens with Menstruation

2021-11-15T11:47:21-08:00

Leg pain from varicose veins tends to worsen just before menstruation.

Many women who suffer from varicose veins or venous reflux disease (without any visible signs of disease) commonly experience increased leg discomfort, leg fatigue and swelling prior to menstruation.  The reason for this is the hormone progesterone. Progesterone rises about a week before menstruation. Progesterone has a significant effect on the veins. Progesterone causes the vein walls to relax, allowing more blood to pool within them. The increased pressure caused by the excessive pooling of blood worsens symptoms.  Saphenous veins, the large superficial blood vessels found in legs, are particularly susceptible to varicosity due to extra progesterone. This is also a reason pregnancy contributes to the development of varicose veins. We have had several patients who have reported their first sign of pregnancy was leg and varicose vein pain (because of the hormone changes).

Symptoms prior and during menstruation can be treated conservatively, with leg elevation, exercise, compression therapy, ibuprofen, and ice packs.
Leg pain from varicose veins

Leg pain from varicose veins

Leg swelling from varicose veins

Leg swelling from varicose veins

Why Leg Pain Worsens with Menstruation2021-11-15T11:47:21-08:00

Spider Veins Along the Ankle Indicate Underlying Reflux Disease

2021-11-03T16:57:45-07:00

Bluish and red-colored spider veins along the inner ankle and foot are referred to as corona phlebectasia in the vein world. This description refers to the ‘crown’ or cluster like distribution of these small blood vessels. Spider veins are often falsely considered as a cosmetic issue. But on the contrary, the presence of corona phlebectasia is a clinical sign that is often associated with underlying venous reflux, most commonly saphenous vein reflux, but the deep or perforator veins can also be incompetent. The underlying disease can be evaluated by a duplex ultrasound examination. Whenever corona phlebectasia is present, a duplex ultrasound examination should be offered to evaluate the underlying cause for the development of spider veins around the ankle. This will help accurately determine the treatment plan.

Spider Veins Along the Ankle Indicate Underlying Reflux Disease2021-11-03T16:57:45-07:00

Blood Vessel Diseases that can be Diagnosed with Duplex Ultrasound

2020-09-18T18:19:53-07:00

Duplex ultrasound combines Doppler flow information and conventional imaging information, sometimes called B-mode, to allow physicians to see the structure of your blood vessels. Duplex ultrasound uses sound waves to get images of your blood vessels. It also helps determine how fast blood moves through the vessels. It can also be useful to estimate the diameter of a blood vessel as well as the amount of obstruction, if any, in the blood vessel. Using duplex ultrasound technology, the structure of your blood vessels, the valve function, the movement of your red blood cells and direction of blood flow through the vessels, and any blockages or blood clots can be seen.

Diseases of the blood vessels can affect both veins and arteries.

Vascular refers to the blood vessels in the body. There are two main types of blood vessels; the arteries and veins. Arteries bring oxygen-rich blood from the heart to every inch of the body; vein return the blood back to the heart and lungs for more oxygen. Vascular disease is when the blood vessels are no longer healthy.

Common types of vein disease include:

  • Varicose veins
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Deep venous thrombosis

Common types of artery disease includes:

  • Carotid artery disease and stroke (TIA or Stroke)*
  • Lower extremity arterial disease (PAD)**
  • Upper extremity arterial disease
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
Blood Vessel Diseases that can be Diagnosed with Duplex Ultrasound2020-09-18T18:19:53-07:00

29, 5, 2020

Micro-Phlebectomy to Remove Varicose Veins

2021-12-30T11:47:53-08:00
Micro-Phlebectomy involves using a scalpel to make tiny incisions (less than 3mm- about the size of a grain of rice) along the legs to remove the veins. This is performed with local anesthesia that is used to numb the skin of the leg. This procedure may take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the extent of the individual’s varicose veins. Return to normal activities after the procedure is possible. There will be significant bruising with this procedure. The benefit is that the veins are removed immediately, although it may take several weeks for the bruising to resolve. This procedure may be performed in conjunction with other procedures or stand-alone, depending on the individual’s specific vein issue. Alternatives to Micro-phlebectomy are foam sclerotherapy, which is an injection into varicose veins to cause them to shrink and eventually disappear. Discuss with your doctor which treatment is better for you.

Preparing for your Procedure:

There are no medication restrictions before the procedure. If you have asthma, please bring your inhaler with you to your appointment, or your doctor may have recommended taking an antihistamine such as Claritin prior to the procedure. You should take this the morning of your treatment.

Please notify our office if you are scheduled to have any type of medical procedure or surgery 2 weeks prior to or after your treatment.

If you choose to take the light sedative offered, be sure to make arrangements for transportation to and from the procedure, as you will not be able to drive yourself home. The morning of your procedure, please shower and thoroughly wash your leg with soap from your groin to your ankle and wear loose-fitting pants to your appointment. It is also advised for you to bring an extra pair of underwear with you to your appointment. It would be best if you have a light meal before you arrive. You may bring a book or an iPod to listen to during the procedure. We also offer a movie to watch during the procedure. If you already have 30-40 thigh-high compression stockings, please bring them with you to your appointment. If not, we will fit you for stockings on the day of your procedure.

 

Micro-Phlebectomy to Remove Varicose Veins2021-12-30T11:47:53-08:00

How to Manage Varicose Vein Pain at Home

2021-11-03T16:37:58-07:00

While venous interventions are the best way to alleviate long-term pain related to varicose veins, symptoms can be managed conservatively at home. Especially under the stay-at-home safe harbor orders.  Conservative management can be helpful to relieve symptoms and also prevent complications (such as thrombophlebitis). These include:

  • Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time:  To keep blood moving when you have to sit or stand for long periods, try these tips: at work, take walking breaks and try walking during your lunch hour. While sitting, try flexing your feet up and down 10 times an hour. When standing, raise yourself up and down on your toes or rock back and forth on your heels.

Varicose Vein Pain, Walking Breaks At Work

  • Exercise: Exercising is good for your veins because it improves blood flow. Walking, cycling or swimming are great exercises for vein health. But be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

exercises for vein health

  • Weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins.

Manage Varicose Vein Pain Method, Weight Loss or Maintaining A Healthy Weight

  • Leg elevation: Use leg elevation three or four times a day for about 15 minutes at a time. Even elevating your legs on a step stool or ottoman is beneficial. If you need to sit or stand for a long period of time, flexing (bending) your legs occasionally can help keep blood circulating. If you have mild to moderate varicose veins, elevating your legs can help reduce leg swelling and relieve other symptoms.

Manage Varicose Vein Pain Method, Leg Elevation

  • Compression stockings: These elastic stockings squeeze or compress the veins and prevent blood from flowing backward. Compression stockings must be graduated, medical-grade compression to be beneficial. TED hose are not adequate to reduce symptoms in venous disease for active patients. Although we typically recommend being fit for compression stockings, compression stockings can be purchased at home, from online resources. Email us if you would like suggestions.

Manage Varicose Vein Method Compression Stockings

  • Supplements such as horse chestnut and grape seed extract can help reduce symptoms of venous disease. Vascular is a prescription medication that may be helpful for some. Always check with your PCP before starting supplements or new medications as there may be side effects.
  • A flavinoid-rich diet including berries, green teas can reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen
  • ice packs are my favorite way of reducing painful veins. Put ice cubes in a ziplock bag and apply to tender veins.
  • Anti-inflammatory creams can be prescribed to apply directly to painful veins.
How to Manage Varicose Vein Pain at Home2021-11-03T16:37:58-07:00
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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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