Vein Myths Dispelled

MYTH 1:

Only middle-aged women get varicose veins.

TRUTH: Anyone can develop varicose veins and they affect men and women of all ages. While anyone can get them, varicose veins in the legs occur more frequently in people who have a strong family history of venous problems, or work in occupations that require prolonged standing, such as teachers, nurses, bankers, retail salespeople and hairdressers.  Patients come from all walks of life to vein clinics in NJ.

MYTH 2:

The symptoms of varicose veins are only cosmetic—large, bluish veins that bulge or bubble at the skin surface, mainly on the legs.

TRUTH: While this is indeed what varicose veins look like, sometimes they aren’t visible at all!  The symptoms are far reaching and can be debilitating such as aching, heavy and tired legs, burning, itching, throbbing, night cramps, restless legs, ankle swelling, skin pigmentation, eczema and ulceration. Vein disease is progressive and likely to become worse with time. If left unchecked, varicose veins can have serious implications such as the risk of ulcers and superficial and deep vein thrombosis.

MYTH 3:

Removing varicose veins involves painful surgery and weeks off work.

TRUTH: Varicose vein issues can now be treated non-surgically with new technology available at vein clinics in NJ, allowing patients to walk in and out after only 30 minutes of treatment. These treatments are safe, effective and have high success rates.

Vein Clinics Princeton are some  of the leading vein clinics in America serving patients in Central and South Jersey.   The vein specialists are highly qualified medical professionals from the top medical programs in the country.

Article Source:  https://southjerseyveincenter.home.blog/2019/11/18/vein-myths-dispelled/

Restless Leg Syndrome

We all have experienced some sleepless nights at some point.  We are affected by many things in our lives and stress plays a large role in our sleep pattern.  However, there are also several other factors that can affect the quality of our sleep.
In this article, we will discuss the issue of varicose veins and what affect the condition can have on your sleep.  We will also provide some simple things you can do at home to improve your condition and hopefully get a good night’s rest.  

Varicose Veins and The Impact on Sleep
Varicose veins and muscle cramps go hand in hand.  However few patients and even some physicians are unable to put the two conditions together.  Doing so, may help you find the solution you need.

To begin with, varicose veins are more common than you think. In fact, 25% of the population has some form of vein disease.  Given the large array of symptoms associated with varicose veins ,it is no surprise that restless legs and muscle cramps associated with vein disease is one of the most common causes of poor sleep.

The symptoms are worse at night with varicose veins when some of the circulation starts to improve with getting our feet up. All the swelling, pooled blood, and toxic metabolites start to circulate and with less distraction, the discomfort becomes more apparent. 

We often attribute the condition to restless leg syndrome.  The body senses the imbalance in your body and creates involuntary movements and contractions of your legs to promote some of the blood movement.  The symptoms of RLS and vein disease are blurred with aching, throbbing, cramps and uncontrolled leg movements.  

Treatment becomes directed at restless leg syndrome rather than addressing the underlying issue that is vein disease. However, unlike RLS, vein disease is very treatable.  A vein specialist can help provide the diagnosis if varicose vein disease is suspected.  

How to Sleep With Varicose VeinsThe first steps are conservative and in many instances, very effective.  We review some simple steps you can take at home to help alleviate sleepless nights from vein disease. 

Compression StockingsThe foundation of good vein treatment is the use of compression stockings.  Many individuals will purchase compression stockings for use at home and work.  Ideally, they are appropriately sized and fitted by a qualified varicose veins doctor.  The typical strength is 20-30 mmHg and they can be obtained as knee-high or thigh-high depending on the condition.  For patients with bothersome symptoms on both sides, waist level compression stockings can also be considered.  The primary goal of compression stockings is preventative. 

Hydrate
Flush your system out before you go to sleep.  This keeps toxic local metabolites from building up in the legs during the daytime that lead to cramps and muscle twitching.  

Elevate Your LegsThis goes for both the day and night time.  The more you can keep the swelling down in your legs by elevating your feet and compression stockings, the less likely you are to experience symptoms of vein disease. 

Stretching and MassageBefore going to sleep, give your muscles a stretch to help them relax.   Massaging your legs can also help settle any tension you have in your legs.  

Vein TreatmentThis can only be considered in consultation with a vein center in NJ providing specialty consultation for vein disease.  The diagnosis depends on a careful history and examination to look for clues of vein disease.  If medically appropriate, an ultrasound will evaluate the size and direction of blood flow in your legs.  This provides important information about the likelihood of vein disease potentially causing symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Modern vein treatments are simple and safe using minimally-invasive techniques.  RF vein ablation and sclerotherapy are the primary tools and target poorly circulating veins.  Diseased veins are collapsed from within and healthy circulation is promoted by the re-direction of blood.  This stops blood from pooling up in your legs and causing symptoms of vein disease.

Article Source:
https://mtlaurelveincenter.weebly.com/blog/restless-leg-syndrome

What are my options when compression stockings don't help?

As you may know, leg veins contain one-way valves that allow blood to defy gravity and travel up to the heart from our lower extremities. If these valves leak or become damaged, blood can pool in the legs, which can cause veins to become enlarged or varicose. People with varicose veins often suffer from the following symptoms and seek out vein specialists near me:

• Leg pains including the feet
• Skin irritation
• Leg Swelling
• Skin Discoloration
• Inflammation

In the past, the best treatment for varicose veins involved an invasive surgical procedure called vein stripping. Fortunately, technological advancements have allowed us to replace vein stripping with minimally invasive, relatively painless procedures.

There are two primary methods for modern varicose vein treatment, both of which are outpatient procedures that do not require general anesthesia.

The first option is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), which uses high-frequency radio waves to heat the targeted vein. The radiofrequency energy is transmitted using a specialized catheter that’s inserted into the vein.

The second is Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA). This approach is quite similar to RFA, but instead of using radio waves to heat varicose veins, ELA uses laser energy to initiate scarring. This is different than laser treatment for spider veins.
​
While both RFA and ELA are very safe procedures, it’s always important to discuss the risks with your doctor. Here are some of the risks you should be aware of before undergoing a vein ablation procedure:

• Skin burns, though rare, are possible due to heat
• Blood clotting, though also rare, is possible
• After surgery, patients sometimes feel burning or prickling sensation from the nerve damage

​Following the ablation procedure, it’s recommended that the patient wear a gradient compression stocking to help reduce tenderness, bruising, and minimize the possibility of blood clots forming. Because the procedures are minimally invasive, the recovery period is relatively short. Still, only the best vein doctors should be considered. If you’re considering varicose vein treatment, one should consider an exhaustive research before choosing the best vein doctor near me.


Article Source:  http://sjveins.over-blog.com/2020/05/what-are-my-options-when-compression-stockings-don-t-help.html

Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins - What's the Difference?

Varicose veins and spider veins are often confused with each other and used synonymously by many people. However, there are a lot of differences. Here we will explain those differences so you can identify what you have, and what is the best vein treatment plan.

Varicose veins are veins that are large, swollen, twisted, and are protruding from under the skin. Sometimes they are visible with the naked eye, but many times, they are not visible with simple examination.

Telangiectasia (aka Spider veins) are tiny capillaries right on the surface of the skin. These usually form tiny networks or “webs” (hence the term “spider veins”) and can be either pink/purple or red in color.

What do Varicose Veins and Spider Veins have in common?

1. They are both unsightly and are of a cosmetic concern for most patients

2. They can both cause symptoms of heaviness, aching and tiredness

3. They both are often the result of an underlying cause

4. They can both be treated with the latest technological advancements in Venous Disease

The big differences between the two is in appearance:

1. Varicose veins are large, swollen blood vessels that are twisted. They form in the legs.

2. Spider veins are smaller and have a more web-like appearance. Also, spider veins can form on the legs, chest, and even on the face.

3. Are varicose vein treatments covered by insurance? Yes, with medical necessity, varicose veins are a medical condition unlike spider veins and are covered.

Patients with varicose veins and spider veins can be treated in the same manner many times. If you think you have either of these, you should find the best vein doctor and have a thorough examination and detailed assessment. Screenings with advanced technology to diagnose vein disease such as a Duplex Ultrasound Machine can determine the extent of venous disease.

One should never assume that spider veins or varicose veins are only on the surface of the skin and not part of a larger medical issue. Spider veins and varicose veins are usually an indicator of severe underlying venous disease. It is troubling to see patient after patient receive no formal evaluation of their veins despite obvious symptoms. This is can be counter-productive and costly given how much spider vein treatment cost.

The rule should be to always have your legs properly assessed at a proper nj vein center before any vein treatment—a simple ultrasound can help you find a cure with the best treatment plan.

Living with varicose and spider veins can be unsightly, painful, and can have longterm health effects. It is important to get your vein disease assessed and diagnosed by a a vein and vascular institute that is accredited and well-regarded in the community.

Article Source: https://njveinwellness.bcz.com/2020/05/07/spider-veins-vs-varicose-veins-whats-the-difference/

Top 5 New Vein Treatments

Varicose veins are unsightly blue veins that often develop due to underlying venous insufficiency. The veins appear twisted and bulge from the skin resulting dysfunction of venous valves. Symptomatic varicose veins are more common in individuals who have a family history of varicose veins, work or sit for prolonged periods of time, and with age. Board-certified Vein doctors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of all presentations of vein disease. 

Here are some expert tips:

Symptoms of Varicose Veins
The symptoms of varicose veins can sometimes be overlooked, however early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid progression:

• Leg pain or heaviness
• Leg swelling that is worse towards the end of the day
• A throbbing or burning sensation in your legs (Charlie horses)
• Skin discoloration particular over the ankles or shins
• Blood clots
• skin ulcerations
• Bleeding

Treatment at early stages with simple at home measures can have a meaningful impact on vein symptoms. The recommended actions are taking regular walks or running to promote healthy circulation, elevate your legs periodically, and wearing compression stockings. Talk to your vein doctor about what lifestyle changes you can make early on to prevent worsening varicose vein symptoms.

If these measures do not control your symptoms, then it’s time to consider the next steps in treatment.


Minimally Invasive Options to Treat Varicose Veins
Surgery is no longer recommended for the treatment of varicose veins. The top 5 recommended varicose vein treatments for definitive management are minimally-invasive, office based procedures.


Varithena – A patented vein medication for the treatment of both upper and lower leg varicose veins. This procedure is the least invasive technique and is injected into the target veins for chemical closure.


Endovenous RF ablation–Performed under ultrasound-guidance, an ablation catheter is advanced into the diseased vein and treated with thermal ablation. The treated vein is collapsed and blood is redirected to healthier veins.


Endovenous Laser ablation – Similar to RF ablation, however utilizes a different energy source
Venaseal– A novel procedure that was recently approved by the FDA to treat underlying venous insufficiency using a medical adhesive. Unlike RF ablation or laser ablation, the technique requires minimal anesthetic and seals the problematic vein with a vein glue.


Ambulatory phlebectomy – Also known as microphlebectomy, this treatment is minimally invasive and is the most efficient way to remove unsightly, large protuberant varicose veins.


Minimally invasive varicose vein treatments are ideally suited for all patients with symptomatic vein disease. Your NJ vein specialist  should be comfortable with all the latest technologies in venous medicine to deliver great results in the least invasive way.


Article Source: https://mtlaurelveincenter.weebly.com/blog/top-5-new-vein-treatments

What Effect Does Exercise Have on Varicose Veins?

Many people are aware that varicose veins in the legs are associated with labor-intensive jobs that involve standing all day, or that they tend to affect people who have a family history with the condition. But those aren’t the only ways varicose veins become uncomfortable and aggravated — in fact, the way you work out could be putting you at risk.


Though varicose veins shouldn’t stop you from exercising, it’s important to know what you should make a habit of and what you should avoid.  Vein specialists in Princeton NJ and the surrounding areas are often avid runners and can provide the best tips on how to get rid of spider veins and varicose veins.


Take It Easy and Avoid Impact:Similar to how excessive standing can be problematic for the health of your veins, high-impact exercises can aggravate and worsen the condition for those predisposed to it. This includes activities like running, particularly on hard surfaces like concrete. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, wear compression stockings and sticking to softer surfaces like grass to help improve blood flow from the legs and decrease aches and pains.


But if your body simply can’t handle the strain of running and other high-intensity activities, walking is a far safer alternative. It’s not too strenuous, and it might actually be the most beneficial physical activity for your circulation. If you’re at a job that involves extended periods of sitting, taking short breaks to walk around or climb stairs has proven extremely helpful. That being said, even walking can be a difficult task for those already suffering from varicose vein pain. A good method to increase blood flow without straining yourself physically is to rotate your ankles and rock your legs back and forth.


The Gym – What to Do and What to Avoid:For starters, the elliptical and the stationary bike are great, low-impact exercise implements that help you burn calories and increase blood flow without putting too much strain on your body.


If exercise machines aren’t your style, swimming is another excellent choice to log some physical activity that won’t have your veins regretting it afterward. That’s because swimming places the legs in a horizontal position, rather than straining them through interaction with a tough surface.


On the flip side, it may be wise to stay away from heavy lifting. Weight-lifting has a similar effect on the body to running in that it can interfere with or restrict blood flow from the legs to the heart, causing blood to pool in the veins and enlarge them. This is a result of the straining and increased abdominal pressure that the exertion involved in lifting heavy objects requires. Sit-ups, lunges, squats, and even yoga can have a similarly strenuous effect on varicose veins.
​

For greater discussion on the effects of exercise on veins, consider visiting a vein doctor.

Article Source: https://mtlaurelveincenter.weebly.com/blog/what-effect-does-exercising-have-on-varicose-veins

Laser Ablation for Vein Disease

In clinical trials, endovenous laser ablation for vein disease has proven to be safe and effective for truncal veins. More importantly, they have proven to be associated with better long term results, faster recovery and improved quality of life in comparison to older, outdated methods like surgical stripping. The modern day minimally invasive techniques for vein treatment have been revolutionary.

Equipment
The mostly commonly used device used by the vein specialists NJ is VenaCure EVLT by Angiodynamics. This EVLT system is based on delivery of infrared lasers that target hemoglobin

Procedure
Laser ablation is minimally-invasive and can be performed directly in the office. Most vein clinic near me perform the procedure in a dedicated room that provides a sterile environment and houses the necessary equipment. In general, thermal ablation is utilized for truncal veins like the GSV and SSV or some of the tributaries.
Access for the ablation catheter is obtained by venupuncture under ultrasound guidance. Prior to access, the area of treatment should be sterilely prepped and draped per usual protocols. Lidocaine or similar local anesthetic is used to numb the region of interest. Using the modified Seldinger technique, the vein is prepared for treatment with exchange of wires for a percutaneous sheath. In the case of the GSV access can be obtained anywhere distal to the SFJ (or in the case of the SSV, distal to the SPJ) that provides adequate treatment of the culprit vein. The ablation catheter is then advanced into its target position under careful ultrasound guidance making sure that any positioning into deep venous structures is avoided. Before the heat sources is turned ON, the saphenous sheath in the region of interest is infused with diluted tumescence anesthetic (combinations of lidocaine, saline, bicarbonate, and epinephrine). Epinephrine is used sometimes opted for by the vein specialist in the solution to minimize the vein size when treatment is performed. Tumescence has three purposes: 1) anesthetic 2) collapse the targeted vein to the size of the catheter where treatment can be more effective against the venous walls, and 3) direct collateral tissue and nerves away from the targeted region to reduce risks of injury.
Once adequately anesthetized, the vein doctor will activate the generator to initiate thermal injury. The catheter will then be withdrawn 1cm/s until the catheter has fully treated the targeted segment and can be withdrawn in entirety from its insertion site. The sheath is also withdrawn and hemostasis at the access site is achieved by manual pressure. Post procedure after care instructions are then provided to the patient by the vein treatment clinic per usual protocol.

At minimum, the patient will return to his vein specialist with in 1 week to rule out any unintended complications, like DVT. Thereafter, each vein clinic follow their own protocol to assess the need for additional treatments based on any continued symptoms.

Overall success rates for laser treatment for varicose veins is >90% in long term follow-up with fearsome complications like DVT or allergic reactions in proper vein specialists NJ hands less than 1%.

Article Source: https://njvaricoseveins.kinja.com/laser-ablation-for-vein-disease-1840906872