Do Varicose Veins Itch?

If you are seeking care from a vein doctor for itchy varicose veins, you can be certain that you are not the only one. While many think that varicose veins are purely cosmetic, vein disease can have many manifestations. Varicose veins are just one symptom of a more serious underlying issue--chronic venous insufficiency. The itchy feeling patients experience from varicose veins is a more advanced symptom and suggest inflammation at the level of the skin. These symptoms don’t happen overnight and thus it's important to seek early vein evaluations.
And while the cosmetic issues can be covered and even suppressed with compression socks and long pants, the feelings associated with venous insufficiency can become unbearable for many individuals. These symptoms include itchy veins, swollen legs, leg fatigue, leg cramps, leg pain and skin discoloration.
 
Why Do Varicose Veins Itch?
Varicose veins develop because of chronic venous insufficiency. In this condition, truncal or superficial veins become dysfunctional. This can result from many different causes including employment or lifestyles that lead to prolonged periods of standing or sitting, obesity, smoking, pregnancy are common associated issues. Genetics plays the largest role and many patients will identify parents or siblings with varicose veins.

In chronic venous insufficiency, the circulation becomes impaired in the superficial veins. The veins are dilated and the valves become dysfunctional unable to keep blood from refluxing (or falling back down) with gravity. Unlike deep veins, there is no significant muscle or tissue to prevent the veins from dilating further and worsening the problem.

This poor circulation effort leads to blood to pool in the legs and cause symptoms of venous insufficiency. Spider and varicose veins result from the over-distended veins that cause new , diseased veins to form.
 
As the situation worsens with time, the continued pooling of blood becomes chronically irritated and inflammatory to the walls of the veins and the surrounding tissue. This includes the skin which can become eczematous, itchy and discolored. Untreated this condition can lead to venous stasis changes or permanently discolored and eczematous. In the most serious cases, skin ulcers (CEAP 5 and 6), infections and bleeding can occur.
 
How to treat itchy varicose veins?
The eczema that results from venous insufficiency needs early treatment. Moisturizers and steroids can help resolve very irritated skin, but the key is to treat the underlying issue to prevent chronic insults on the skin.
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Fortunately, these treatments are readily available and can be done with relative ease in the hands of the best vein doctors. Modern treatments are minimally-invasive and catheter based technologies that eliminate the need for surgical removal of veins. Combination treatments with foam sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy can eliminate some of the most unsightly varicose veins once the underlying issue is resolved. If you are seeking expert venous care, make sure you see a board-certified vein specialist as soon as possible.

Article Source: http://sjveins.over-blog.com/2020/02/do-varicose-veins-itch.html

Treatment of Hand Veins

Increasingly, veins in the hands are becoming popular among aesthetic treatments and within the Tri-State area, many patients are wondering what is the best treatment to get rid of veins on the hands.

However, in light of the complex arterial and venous anatomy of the hand, it’s imperative that such treatment be only considered in the hands of a specialized vein doctor Cherry Hill NJ.

Is there a preferred way to treat hand veins?
Treatment options for undesired veins in the hands include sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy.

With sclerotherapy, the target vein is directly injected with either polidocanol or STS. Foam sclerotherapy may be preferred for best vein treatment effect. Compression therapy post treatment is advised, however is done with elastic bandages for 48 hours without interruption. The importance of an experienced physician cannot be over emphasized as the medication being improperly injected or over done can have serious consequences. The qualified vein doctor will be aware of the volume and concentration to have a desired effect and will prescribe appropriate post care to avoid complications such as DVT and phlebitis.

Ambulatory phlebectomy is also performed for hand vein treatments. Under sterile technique and local anesthesia, a small Mueller hook is used to exteriorize the target vein similar to varicose veins in the legs. Post procedure, compression is similar to sclerotherapy. With either sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy, the main side effect is bruising and swelling. In some cases, filler will be needed post phlebectomy to even out the surface of the hands.

If you are considering removal of hand veins, most varicose vein doctors near me will consider sclerotherapy as the primary choice of treatment. However, in some cases AP may be more appropriate. The judgement of a qualified vein doctor who specializes in both techniques and hand veins is important to be certain you will have a safe and desirable outcome.

Article Source: 

http://southjerseyveincenter.mystrikingly.com/blog/treatment-of-hand-veins

Ultrasound to Detect Vein Disease

Duplex ultrasound (DUS) has become the gold standard for evaluating signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency. The test can be performed in 20-60 minutes directly in the office to provide information on vein disease and vein reflux. The examination is best performed by a registered ultrasound technician for accuracy and quality. A proper vein specialists in NJ should also be knowledgeable in both the performance and reading of venous ultrasound.

It is recommended that symptomatic patients with leg pain or leg swelling who have physical findings consistent with CEAP stages 2-6 undergo clinical evaluation with duplex ultrasound for detection of chronic venous insufficiency.

For superficial venous evaluation, the primary veins that are evaluated on ultrasound include the GSV, SSV and their primary tributaries. The ultrasound should be performed with pulse wave doppler using a linear 7.5-10MHz transducer. The end goal is to identify incompetent truncal veins and perforator veins. The deep system should also be carefully evaluated to exclude any disease. The vein specialists NJ utilize modern guidelines from the American College of Phlebology to ensure proper performance and documentation of exams.

The exam is generally performed in the standing position, though reverse trendelenburge can be also considered in patients vulnerable to vagal episodes or dizziness with prolonged standing. During examination, the veins are evaluated for size, wall characteristics, debris, and vein reflux. The venous reflux portion is measured with pulse wave doppler and is assisted by augmentation maneuvers. Venous blood flow is characterized by movement of blood towards the heart and any incompetent valves can be detected by abnormal reflux or regurgitation exceeding 500 milliseconds on doppler ultrasound. Vein doctors in New Jersey are expected to review these results prior to vein treatment recommendations. Vein Clinics in New Jersey will recommend treatment based on symptoms and ultrasound findings that are consistent. Insurance coverage for vein treatment in New Jersey is carrier specific and should be discussed in detail with the vein doctor New Jersey before proceeding.

Duplex ultrasound is also just as important in the follow up after vein treatment for varicose veins. Radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy are effective methods to cure spider veins and varicose veins, however duplex ultrasound permits post treatment monitoring for effectiveness and safe outcomes, such as excluding endovenous heat induced thrombosis (EHIT) from ablation. There are 4 stages of EHIT that are closely examined in the post procedure follow up ultrasound.

As such, DUS is required for diagnosis, pre-treatment planning, and follow up after vein treatment with radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation , sclerotherapy and venaseal.

Article Source:

http://njveinclinic.mystrikingly.com/blog/ultrasound-to-detect-vein-disease

Vein Disease in Men

Don’t underestimate varicose veins in males. There can be a serious problem lurking.

While it is true that vein treatment NJ is primarily sought by women, up to 50 percent of men in the United States may develop varicose veins in their lifetime. This is just as true in Princeton, New Jersey.

And varicose veins are not just a cosmetic concern—they can lead to discoloration, bleeding, skin ulcers, and a “heavy leg” sensation that may seriously slow your roll. These are signs of poor blood circulation in your lower extremities.

What Causes Varicose Veins in Men?

The problem involves veins in the lower extremities that suffer from high pressure from within. Naturally, blood pools in these veins due to gravity, resulting in high pressure within the veins. Over time, these vein walls can become damaged from the constant pressure and suffer from venous insufficiency. This is when symptoms such as leg cramps, heaviness, and swelling should no longer be ignored. So if you are asking yourself “Do varicose veins cause leg pain?” the answer is a resounding YES! Venous insufficiency is more common in individuals who sit or stand for prolonged periods, increasing age, obesity, and most importantly patients with a family history.

Is There A Difference Between Men and Women Who Have Varicose Veins?

Venous insufficiency is a progressive disease process most commonly identified by varicose or spider veins. Women tend to present earlier in the disease because they are often more in tune with their bodies. While the appearance of spider veins in the legs may not bother some men, it’s important to be aware that these are early signs of vein disease and preventing more serious complications requires awareness. The diagnosis can only be made by a qualified vein doctor who specializes in ultrasound.

How To Prevent Varicose Veins?

There are some simple things you can do at home before you schedule a Princeton vein center visit:

• Exercise daily for both your heart health and your venous health
• Compression stockings with at least 20-30 mmHg of compression
• Avoid uncomfortable footwear especially during longer periods on your feet
• Elevate your legs especially when sitting for long stretches of time
• Change your sitting or standing position regularly

How to Treat Varicose Veins?

Fortunately, treatment for varicose veins has become incredibly simple and safe due to major advances in the field. Surgery is no longer required. Instead, the options are now minimally-invasive and do not require any downtime. In fact, many patients return to work the very same day after a quick treatment session. Most importantly, the procedures are covered by all major medical insurance and Medicare making varicose vein treatment cost tolerable.

At the Princeton vein clinics, there are board-certified vascular specialists who have received formal venous training during vascular surgery and cardiovascular fellowships. Safe and effective varicose vein treatment requires the best varicose vein doctors in NJ.

Article Source: http://njveinclinic.mystrikingly.com/blog/vein-disease-in-men

How to Find the Best Vein Doctor?

The easiest way to find out who the best vein specialist in Edison or Central Jersey is requires research on your part.  You may even visit one or two clinics before making a informed decision.  Here are some of the qualities that stand out at the top vein clinics in Central Jersey:

 ·      Highly-trained specialists: The best vein doctors are board-certified vascular physicians who have had special training in managing vein diseases. Vascular training should be through an accredited residency or fellowship in interventional cardiology, interventional radiology or vascular surgery

·      Patient testimonials:  While every review cannot be expected to be 5 stars, the vein clinics that value patient care will also value patient feedback.  You should evaluate the authenticity of reviews and see if the descriptions match their own impressions.  Also, see if you can get your hands on some before and after pictures of sclerotherapy level of work.

·      Equipment : A top vein clinic will keep their equipment up to date for both diagnosis and treatment.  The investments into the latest technologies will tell you if the clinic cares as much about their continuing improvement.   

·      Your visit: Unfortunately, most vein clinics can seem like factories for vein treatment and these are likely to be associated with poor quality.    A factory vein clinic will often appear to be rushed to get busy waiting rooms empty and push for testing before ever meeting the doctor. The doctor may only spend a few minutes with you before setting off to the next patient. While vein treatments are generally safe, don’t feel rushed!

·      Cosmetic treatment: Don’t be afraid to ask who will perform the cosmetic vein treatments.  If you are receiving sclerotherapy, shouldn’t the most qualified person be the one performing the procedure.

We hope this review has provided you some insight as you consider vein treatment clinics.  The Vein doctors Edison are a premiere specialty clinic with experience in spider and varicose vein treatments.  

Source URL : http://sjveins.over-blog.com/2019/12/how-to-find-the-best-vein-doctor-in-mt-laurel-new-jersey.html

Vein Disease in Teachers

What teachers need to know?

Teachers are on their feet as much as anyone, if not more.  Whether they are in front of the classroom, interacting with students, or on lunchroom duty, teachers rarely get a chance to sit down. In terms of vein disease, this is a recipe for spider veins and varicose veins.  It’s no surprise then that NJ teachers are among the most likely groups of patients to seek out vein doctor near me to seek out information and relief from varicose vein leg pain.

To be clear, varicose veins has many contributing factors, however being on your feet or sitting in one position is one of the most important lifestyle factors that affects varicose vein disease development.  In the standing position, superficial or truncal veins are placed under a great deal of pressure and this can lead to valve dysfunction and vein dilation. This condition is known as venous insufficiency and is the number one cause of symptomatic varicose veins.  So while being active is good for you, standing or sitting one place for extended periods of time is associated with the development of vein disease.  Unfortunately, teachers seem to be disproportionately affected due the very nature of their jobs.  

Early awareness of common symptoms in venous insufficiency is the most important step in improving vein health.  In this article, we will discuss some of the simple things we can do to improve our venous circulation and maybe prevent some symptomatic vein disease.

What can you do?

1. Exericse:  Use some of the time and space in the classroom to keep active.  During lessons, if there is an opportunity to stroll around the classrom while engaging with students, that will help. 
2. Put your feet up:  During break time or lunch, see if you can elevate your legs a little to lessen the stress on the veins even if its just for a short period of time.
3. Keep at your Target weight: Extra pounds definitely increases the stress on your veins. So with a healthy diet and exercise, we want to make sure the circulation remains healthy.
4. Footwear:  Teachers love their high heels and that does affect your calf muscle pump function.  The less we are able to engage those muscles, the blood can pool in your leg veins.   
5. Compression stockings - these are specially designed socks that apply pressure to your legs to help circulate the blood and prevent swelling.   Many designer companies are now providing their own flavors to keep you stylish while also supporting your leg veins

These are some of the simple tips to keep your leg veins healthy, however certain people will continue to have symptoms or progression of vein disease.  Teachers just seem to be prone to the issue and we understand that compression stockings are not for the cure all.  Fortunately, vein treatments today are very effective and quite popular among teachers due to the minimally-invasive nature.  In fact, there is no need for any recovery time and teachers can get back to the classrooms without any disruption. More importantly, because vein disease is associated with quality of life issues and health problems when untreated, nj teachers health benefits do provide coverage for medical necessary treatments for varicose veins and venous insufficiency.  It is recommended that if you are continuing to have symptoms of vein disease, a qualified vein doctor is sought for a comprehensive evaluation.   A duplex ultrasound will help determine the severity of any underlying venous insufficiency and help guide any further treatment.

Evaluation of the Vein Patient

The history of the patient who presents with varicose veins will be symptoms of leg pain, leg swelling, leg cramps, or fatigue in the legs. Patients may also reports restless leg syndrome or itchy varicose veins. Their primary concern can be as simple as “Are varicose veins dangerous?”

Significant considerations to the vein doctor include: family history of varicose veins or dvt, blood clotting disorders, age, pregnancy and gender. Occupation plays a large role in the development of varicose veins. Employment or lifestyles that require prolonged periods of sitting or standing are inciting factors for venous pooling and venous hypertension. Teachers, bus drivers, bank tellers, transit workers, clerical or office assistants tend to be prone to developing venous insufficiency. These professions tend to be a large majority of patients seen at the best vein clinics New Jersey.

During the evaluation with a NJ vein doctor, it’s important not to lose track of the patients main concerns such as “eliminate spider veins” or “what is most important for you if we proceed with treatment?” For this reason, it’s important that before proceeding with any vein treatment, the vein specialist really consider what is causing the patient discomfort or pain. In the end, if the pain is related to sciatica, pain relief is unlikely with any cure for spider veins.

Important vein specific features include leg swelling (especially if unilateral), prior DVT, prior episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis, and bleeding leg ulcerations.

Vein treatment should also be considered in the context of important co-morbidities including cardiac disease such as prior myocardial infarctions, arrhythmias or heart failure. Vein treatment is elective and should not compromise a patient’s health status. Other considerations include diabetes, know history of blood clots or DVT, stroke, allergic reactions, musculoskeletal issues that can prove difficult for patient positioning. The vein doctor should also be aware of any mobility issues as it is important for patients to be able to recover post vein treatment with sufficient walking that promotes healthy circulation.

Previous surgical history can be relevant especially if the patient has had prior vein stripping or radio-frequency ablation procedures.

The physical examination cannot be overemphasized. Visual inspection for spider veins, varicose veins , and reticular veins will be obvious. The patient should also be inspected for skin discoloration, swelling, leg ulcerations. Scarring or pigmentation from prior ablation or sclerotherapy should also be inspected for. Advanced changes can include stasis dermatitis and even lipodermatosclerosis that in the presence of venous insufficiency should be considered by a vein specialist for treatment. These findings of vein disease form the basis of the CEAP classification of vein disease.

These features of the history and physical examination are hallmarks of a comprehensive examination. Anyone looking for the best vein doctor near me should expect not only a board-certified vein specialist, but also an attentive doctor.

Article Source: 

https://southjerseyveincenter.home.blog/2019/12/20/evaluation-of-the-vein-patient/