Tag Archives: varicose veins safety harbor

01.01.22
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What You Should Know About Vein Disease

West Florida Vein Center

West Florida Vein CenterVaricose veins are only a symptom of vein disease. While they can be problematic, they are not the only bodily effect. If you have chronic insufficiency of the venous system, you may also experience leg ulcerations on the skin that are very hard to heal as well as discoloration of the skin around the ankles.

Those with CVI also often report feeing tightness in their calves, swelling, and itching as well as pain. These are all made worse with movement and feel a bit better when at rest.

Why does Chronic Venous Insufficiency Occur?

CVI is a condition that occurs when veins responsible for pumping blood back towards the heart are unable to do their job any longer due to deterioration and weakness. The blood instead becomes pooled uncomfortably within the veins forcing them to expand and wear down.

This medical condition most commonly occurs in the legs, as it these veins that must fight the hardest against the forces of gravity in order to pump blood upwards towards the heart. While chronic venous insufficiency in itself does not pose a serious threat, it can be extremely uncomfortable for any patient who experiences it and may also present signs that other associated conditions are present, associated conditions which can pose serious threats.

Causes
The causes of CVI are quite varied, and like other venous disorders, typically develop from a combination of both genetic and individual lifestyle factors. Those who are older or who have a family history of vein disease are more likely to develop CVI, and while it was once thought that women are more affected than men, recent research has shown that both men and women are equally susceptible. Factors that are within a patient’s control include obesity, smoking, lack of exercise or general inactivity, or working in a profession that requires long periods of sitting or standing. In addition, CVI can also develop because of injury to an area or as an associated condition to such disorders as high blood pressure or deep vein thrombosis, the latter of which is a very serious venous condition.

Prevention
The recommendations for preventing chronic venous insufficiency are nearly identical to the recommendations given for maintaining your vein health in general. This advice includes maintaining a healthy diet and body weight, remaining active and getting frequent exercise, quitting smoking if applicable, and protecting your legs from trauma or injury. If you travel frequently or work in a profession that limits your movement, try to work in as many breaks as you can to move around and get your circulation going.

If any of the above symptoms sound familiar to you or you feel that you may be at risk for developing CVI in the near future, especially if your family history or personal history indicates such risk, then please contact Dr. Zuzga at the West Florida Vein Center today to schedule a vein screening by calling (727) 712-3233. www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

 

11.02.21
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How to Keep Your Circulation Moving – Safely

tampa vein specialist west florida vein center

tampa vein specialist west florida vein centerExercising with Varicose Veins

Having varicose veins doesn’t mean you have to stop being active.

If you’ve been diagnosed with vein disease, then you have likely already been told by your doctor that it is in your best interest to be active and maintain a healthy weight. Fortunately, there are a variety of things you can do to help make sure that you take care of both, all while helping to alleviate some of the off-putting symptoms that can be experienced with venous insufficiency.

Stretching
If you have vein issues, then it is particularly important to both keep your legs strong and circulation healthy. Exercises geared towards those with venous disease almost always focus on the lower extremities especially the muscles in the calves, as it is there that the force of gravity is greatest and veins must work the hardest in order to pump blood upwards towards the heart.

When it comes to exercising with varicose veins, however, you should start out slowly and gently and try not to exert yourself too much or place too much strain on your legs. Calf raises are a great way to strengthen calf muscles without placing too much strain on them. Calf raises can be performed with or without weights. If your job keeps you confined to a sitting position for extended periods of time, stretching your legs and flexing your feet though out the day is an excellent substitute for calf raises.

Low-Impact Exercise Choices
There are still plenty of fun activities that you can do even after your venous insufficiency diagnosis. It is important to keep these activities as low impact as possible. Bicycling, for instance, is a great way to promote circulation while being easy on the joints and allowing you to maintain control over the intensity of your work-out. Walking is another great work-out that is simple and easy to do and allows you to pace yourself in both speed and distance to your own current level of fitness.

Running, Walking, and cycling can be difficult for seniors who have vein problems but there always an alternative option. Swimming offers an alternative that is non-weight bearing, and there are even a variety of aerobics classics that can be offered in this environment. No matter what you decide to do, signing up for a class or inviting friends to walk, cycle, or swim along with you can be fun for both staying in shape and keeping social as well.

No exercise or diet regimen should be undertaken without first consulting with a qualified physician, and more specifically an experienced vein specialist who is familiar with your condition. To get on the right track today by contacting a vein specialist in Tampa who services the surrounding areas as well, call Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center at (727) 712-3233. www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

 

08.01.21
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Vein Treatments That Can Turn Back Time in Your Legs

varicose veins safety harbor tampa florida west florida vein center

varicose veins safety harbor tampa florida west florida vein centerVaricose veins and leg pain do NOT have to be permanent!

As we begin to age, much like owning a classic car, small things start to go wrong. One of the most prevalent issues in aging is the weakening of the body as a whole. As muscle mass can begin to soften and decline the support around the vein walls in your circulatory system may begin to weaken as well.

What happens during the formation of varicose veins?

When vein walls weaken, they can actually collapse. This collapse can lead to blood pooling and pushing on the walls causing them to expand. Blood can rise to the surface causing patches of reddened skin and over time ulcerations. Blood may also begin to clot. If a clot forms and then breaks loose it may travel through the circulatory system, if it reaches the brain, the heart, or the lungs, you may end up experiencing a stroke, a heart attack, a pulmonary embolism, or possibly death.

This is why paying attention to your vein health is so important. The best time to seek the help of a professional Vein Specialist is as soon as you begin to notice signs and symptoms of varicose or spider veins. This also includes extremely tired and possibly swollen legs, ankles, and feet at the end of a long day. Vein issues often start well under the visible layer of skin and eventually rise up over time.

Modern vein treatments cut off the issue at the source.

While they do not guarantee that no new issues will ever form, they do stop current problems from spreading, deepening, and becoming a far bigger more painful problem down the road.

At West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor Florida in the Tampa Bay region you will sit down, one-on-one with Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. who will assess your personal health situation and history building a customized vein treatment plan just for you.

If you are ready to “re-age” your legs and feel better than you ever have, give us a call at 727-712-3233 or visit us on the web at www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more about our practice and what options we offer.

We look forward to meeting you!

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06.03.21
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Is Venous Ablation a Possibility for Me?

varicose-veins-west-florida-vein-center-ablation

varicose-veins-west-florida-vein-center-ablationVaricose veins, especially in the advanced stages, can become very painful. Twisting, pooling, bulging, enlarged, swollen, and even ulcerated. They distract from daily life and detract from the quality of it.

Those suffering from varicose veins often live with daily pain that does not seem to go away. It can wear you down and exhaust you. As this happens many will find us in their search for answers and solutions.

Consulting a Vein Specialist is the best course of action. Let them use their years of expertise, experience, and education to pinpoint and target the best treatment plan for your particular case. Vein treatment is not a one size fits all.

Among the procedures, one of the most popular and effective is Endovenous Ablation.  This procedure is performed in-office and takes usually less than an hour. It accomplishes the same goal as vein striping which is far more invasive.  It uses ultrasound guidance combined with a local anesthetic. A thin laser fiber is inserted via the catheter to help thread it up the vein to the desired location.

As the laser is withdrawn it shrinks and seals the enlarged and damaged veins. They will then be reabsorbed into the body and the blood re-routed. There is little to no scarring and has a 97% success rate.

Is Endovenous Ablation Painful?

It is a virtually painless procedure. You will feel the injection of anesthetic but after that will be numb. You may feel a slight pressure but there should be no pain.

The recovery time is minimal. We recommend taking the rest of the day off to rest and you should be ok to go back to work and resume normal activity the next day. Strenuous exercise should wait one full week to eliminate the risk of bruising. Mild over-the-counter pain relievers should be strong enough. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or other NSAIDs. Should you be a rare case that needs something stronger Dr. Zuzga, D.O. is happy to work with you.

Endovenous ablation is noninvasive and does not involve any incisions. Because of this, there is no scarring risk.

Ready to see if this procedure is right for you? Give the office of Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. a call today. The West Florida Vein Center is waiting on your call. 727-712-3233.

02.01.21
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Is it a Deep Vein Thrombosis (Blood Clot) I am Experiencing?

DVT Blood clot west florida vein center

DVT Blood clot west florida vein centerIf you are reading this you may be in pain or trying to help a loved one in pain, so we will keep it short and to the point!

Deep vein thrombosis is a clot that forms in a deep leg vein. It can cause warmth, tenderness, pain, and as it progresses it can block the artery or vein entirely causing the limb to get cold, turn blue or purple, and go numb.

If you are experiencing leg pain it isn’t something you can ignore and wait on. You need to seek medical attention. While sometimes clots can break up and go away on their own it isn’t worth chancing. If they break free and they are still sizable they will travel through the circulatory system and if they get stuck at any point in the heart, lungs, or brain you can be facing a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or stroke.

All three conditions can cause permanent damage if not death.

The best advice is to keep your veins healthy and if you notice an issue, see a vein specialist such as Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. at the West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor, Florida in the Tampa Bay area. Early treatment of venous insufficiency can help proactively prevent blood clots down the road as well as save you from edema, ulcerations, and aching leg pain.

Why go through all of that when you don’t have to?

Many people incorrectly believe that vein issues are cosmetic and will not be covered by their insurance. While varicose veins are unsightly, they are also a very legitimate medical concern and most insurance companies will cover your treatment once your deductible is met for the year.

We cordially invite you to give our office a call and schedule your consultation. Dr. Zuzga, D.O. will evaluate your condition and medical history and make the best recommendations for you personally to get you on the path to wellness quickly and painlessly.

(727) 712-3233

www.westfloridaveincenter.com

 

01.02.21
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What You Need to Know About Spider Veins

spider veins tampa safety harbor west florida vein center

spider veins tampa safety harbor west florida vein centerSpider veins, while not painful, can be embarrassing and a visual eyesore.

A Closer Look at Spider Veins

Living with spider veins isn’t any fun. This is especially true in Florida. We are after all, the tropics – land of shorts and bathing suits. Hiding your vein issues becomes a hassle and a hot one at that. Thankfully there is no need to hide or cover any longer. Spider veins are completely treatable.

The Causes

Spider veins, much like varicose veins, are rooted in insufficient blood flow. (Venous insufficiency). When veins become frail or weak, they may start to leak collecting or pooling blood. This is what gives the appearance of a spider vein or in the case of more damaged veins, varicose veins.

Are you at risk?

Millions of Americans suffer from spider veins. Factors that contribute include gender, heredity, weight, age, pregnancy, history of deep vein thrombosis, excessive sitting or standing, repeated sun burns, smoking, wearing tight clothes, and excessive heat use (sauna and hot tubs).

Interesting Statistics

  • Close to 50% of women ages 40 to 50 have spider veins
  • About 75% of women ages 60 to 70 have spider veins
  • Around 25% of men age 30 to 40 have spider veins
  • Close to 50% of men over the age of 70 have spider veins

Spider Vein Symptoms

Usually spider veins are visible. They are small veins that remain close to the surface. They may be blue, reddish, or even purple in appearance and look like tiny tree branches or spider webs.

You may also experience restless legs when you are trying to go to sleep or relax, itching in the area of the vein damage, throbbing, aching, cramping or just an over all uncomfortable feeling in your legs.

What you can do to rid your legs of spider veins

Lifestyle changes can help alleviate the pain associated with spider veins and reduce new ones from forming but a lifestyle change alone cannot rid you of already existing vein issues.

Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy is done via injection of a sclerosant into the damaged veins. It begins a reaction of closing the vein so it can be reabsorbed into the body and the blood flow redirected.

Ultrasound may be used to help guide the placement of the needle into the vein being treated.

Treatment of Spider veins is very effective and virtually painless. The results are permanent. Interested to learn more and see if you are a good candidate?

Give our office a call at The West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor, Florida serving the Tampa Bay Florida area as your Vein Specialist. Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. would be more than happy to help you get healthy legs that feel good again.  www.westfloridaveincenter.com 727-712-3233.

09.05.20
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Cardiovascular System Basics with the West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor, Florida

circulatory-system-west-florida-vein-center-dr-mark-zuzga-d.o.

A Look at the Cardiovascular System

At The West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor | Tampa Bay, Florida, we understand that the majority of our patients are not physicians themselves and have only a basic layman’s understanding of the vascular system. While this is generally enough information, as a person ages or their vein health becomes an issue, there may come a time when treatment at a vein center by a licensed vascular specialist becomes necessary.

For those who become vein patients, a certain level of understanding of the cardiovascular system becomes crucial in understanding and addressing what is going on in their own bodies.

We have included a basic easy to follow introduction to the vascular system in this article. This guide is simply intended to introduce some of the vocabulary words your doctor will likely be using with you, ensuring that their directions and recommendations are clear.

The circulatory system is made up of a series of blood vessels designed to carry blood, oxygen, and nutrients delivering them throughout the body. Waste products your body doesn’t need is picked up at the same time throughout the tissues and carried to the correct locations for disposal.

The types of Blood vessels and what they do

  • Capillaries are extremely numerous and tiny blood vessels located between the veins and arteries. The main purpose of capillaries is to assist both the arteries and the veins as they perform their functions. Capillaries distribute the oxygenated blood from the arteries out into the cells, and then collect the waste and distribute it back into the veins.
  • Veins are medium-sized vessels that perform an extremely important function in the circulatory system. It is the job of the body’s veins to pump blood from throughout the body’s tissues back to the heart, expanding as they collect waste.
  • Arteries are the largest, fewest, and most vital vessels within the human body. The purpose of arteries is to carry oxygen-rich blood pumped directly out of the heart and distribute it throughout all other tissues. The body’s major arteries are quite large but break down into smaller and smaller branches in order to be able to reach all of the body’s organs.

It’s easy to see how vital this system is. Other important bodily systems – the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems, as well as the body’s ability to regulate its own temperature – would not be able to function without nearly constant interaction from the vascular system. Because the pumping action in the vascular system must constantly battle with the force of gravity, the body’s arteries, veins, and capillaries must work very hard, and they are highly sensitive to problems and issues.

While you may understand the vascular system a little better after reading this, unless you are a physician you will most likely not be able to self-diagnose or treat any venous conditions that come up. Without a properly functioning system of blood vessels to distribute oxygen and eliminate waste, the body would simply fail.

To learn more about the vascular system and the importance of your vascular health, please get in touch with Dr. Zuzga at West Florida Vein Center today. www.westfloridaveincenter.com. (727) 712-3233 to schedule your appointment.

 

05.04.20
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Treatment Options for Varicose Veins in Safety Harbor, Florida

varicose veins west florida vein center

varicose veins west florida vein centerIf you have put off healing yourself from varicose veins or even going for a consultation with a Vein Specialist because you didn’t think you could afford a cosmetic procedure, wait no longer. Most vein issues are not considered cosmetic and are covered under insurance!

If you have varicose veins it means you have a condition known as Venous insufficiency. This is an indication of physical damage to your veins. Leaving damaged veins untreated can lead to the spreading of damage making things worse. Even if they do not start out painful, often can lead to pain.

Vein issues can make your legs feel tired, achy, itchy, and even painful. When left untreated for a very long time ulcerations can occur which are very difficult to heal.

The best course of action is to make an appointment, have an exam, and find out what exactly you are dealing with as well as a recommended best course of treatment to get you back to health.

Dr. Mark Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center has been treating patients for years now with much success. In-office, they offer several state-of-the-art medical options that can heal those damaged veins for good.

Option 1: The Venefit Procedure Endovenous Targeted Therapy – We proudly offer the Venefit™ procedure, formerly known as the VNUS Closure™ procedure, for the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. The Venefit™ procedure is a minimally invasive segmental ablation treatment that utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to provide an even and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-route itself to other healthy veins.

The Venefit™ procedure allows for a quick, comfortable recovery and a return to everyday activities for the average patient, while also improving the appearance of varicose veins.

The Venefit™ procedure has been proven in clinical studies to have excellent long term effectiveness, with less pain and bruising than endovenous laser.

*A comparison of the patient experience between those treated with the Venefit ™procedure, using the Covidien ClosureFast™ Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Catheter, and those treated with 980nm laser ablation.

Option 2: Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy involves the injection, via a very fine needle, of a solution into small to medium varicose veins and spider veins. The solution causes the veins to shrink, close off, and gradually disappear. A session usually lasts approximately 15 minutes. There are few reported allergic reactions to the solution used. Depending on the number of veins, multiple sessions may be required, which will be decided after the initial consultation and evaluation.   Sclerotherapy is sometimes used alone but in the instance of very small spider veins, laser treatment is also used.

Option 3: Microphlebectomy / Phlebectomy – Varicose veins are micro-surgically removed through tiny punctures about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen.  The word “phlebectomy” literally means removing the vein. On the day of the procedure, the doctor or nurse will mark your leg where the veins bulge out. Then, a special local anesthetic (numbing medication) called “tumescent” is injected into the area surrounding your vein. The doctor will make tiny incisions or “stabs” of about 2-3mm – the size of a ball-point pen tip – and use a crochet-type hook to “grab” the vein and remove it. This interrupts the vein, causes any remaining portions of the vein to “clot off”, and gets rid of those unsightly bulgy areas!

Option 4: EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment or Endovenous Ablation) – This revolutionary new treatment for large varicose veins was pioneered at Cornell University in New York. Originally performed in Spain, the EndoVenous Laser Ablation is performed in the office, takes less than an hour, and accomplishes the same thing as a major surgical vein stripping. Using ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia, a thin laser fiber in a catheter is threaded up through the vein. As the catheter is slowly withdrawn, the laser shrinks and seals the large vein that causes varicose veins in most patients. There is little or no visible scarring. In those patients who are candidates for the procedure, it is 97% successful.

Interested to learn more and find out what option may be right for you? Don’t wait. Call us today at (727) 712-3233 or visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more about each procedure.

12.22.19
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Natural Vein Health Support

varicose-veins-natural-remedies West florida vein

varicose-veins-natural-remedies West florida veinVaricose veins are not only a visual distraction they are also often painful and uncomfortable. Lifestyle alterations can help – exercising more regularly, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight – all can do wonders. While the best options to permanently eliminate varicose veins are medical in nature there are some natural things you can do at home which may help support vein health overall.

Looking to nature’s medicine cabinet you may find some relief with the following vitamins and herbs.

B Vitamins – B vitamins can lower your cholesterol and improve your overall circulation, with B12 and B6 being specially recommended for those at risk of developing blood clots.

Vitamin C – vitamin C is important for the production of collagen and elastin, tissues that help to keep vein walls strong and flexible, helping greatly to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with varicose veins.

Vitamin E – often used alongside vitamin C, vitamin E is important for improving blood flow and general circulation, and also reduces the stickiness of blood platelets to assist those who are at particular risk for blood clot formation.

Gotu Kola – also known as Centella Asiatica, Gotu kola is an effective herb in treating varicose veins because it encourages healthy blood flow, promotes vein flexibility, and tones the connective tissues which surround the veins.

Bilberry – often sold as a companion product to Gotu kola, bilberry is an antioxidant herb that improves blood flow by strengthening capillaries.

Horse Chestnut Seed – typically sold as an over-the-counter supplement called Venastat, horse chestnut seed extract helps varicose veins by reducing fluid retention, swelling, and inflammation.

Butcher’s Broom – an herb that has proven to be especially effective when used in combination with horse chestnut seed, butcher’s broom works by strengthening the walls of blood vessels.

For more information on natural remedies for varicose vein treatment and prevention, contact Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center today at (727) 712-3233.

*Please check with your doctor prior to taking any vitamins or supplements for your venous condition. While the supplements listed above have been proven to be safe in most situations,  it is always best to double-check with a professional before taking anything that might interact negatively with any current medications or conditions.