Could your RLS Be Caused by Underlying Vein Issues?

RLS

RLSIt’s late. You are exhausted. You want nothing more than a good nights rest.

If you deal with Restless Leg Syndrome you know trying to get to sleep at night can be nearly impossible.

In RLS your legs move on their own accord. It may feel like small electrical pulses as if you are hooked up to a TENS unit. Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological disorder where the person has a consistent uncontrollable urge in which their limbs twitch.

RLS symptoms can either become worse over time or better, depending on the patient, and the severity of symptoms also varies strongly from patient to patient. While RLS can appear in a person at any age, it is considered both a progressive disease and a spectrum disease.  RLS can also be classified as either a primary condition – one that appears independent of other conditions – or a secondary condition – one that appears as a result of another condition or disorder that is already present.

Has a cause been determined?

While the most common cause of RLS remains an iron deficiency many cases occur as a result of varicose veins or venous reflux.

Varicose veins are not only physically unattractive, but they can also cause severe discomfort and pain in the afflicted area, a discomfort that, like in RLS, can only be alleviated by activity and movement. Fortunately, as more is becoming known about the correlation between RLS and vein disorders, many patients are finding relief for their RLS symptoms through treatments of their veins.

One such treatment for varicose veins is endovenous ablation therapy, a procedure that uses heat in either lasers or radio frequencies to seal off and close affected veins. Many patients report immediate relief in their symptoms, and, because the procedure is minimally invasive and relatively painless, most patients are able to resume their normal activities almost immediately and experience no interruption in their work or home life as a result.

RLS itself cannot be prevented except by attempting to uncover and heal its root cause. In terms of varicose veins and venous insufficiency, the best things that someone can do to help prevent this neurological disorders is to remain active, exercise frequently, maintain a healthy diet and weight, not smoke cigarettes, and to elevate the legs when sitting or laying down. While these actions cannot prevent all the underlying causes of RLS, they can at least help to prevent those instances where RLS is caused by venous insufficiency.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome, seeing a physician that specializes in vein disorders could be the most important step you take towards alleviating your symptoms. While there is no cure for RLS, no one should have to suffer through daily and nightly discomfort, and treatments are available through most insurance policies. Dr. Magnant of Vein Specialists is always available for a consultation and diagnosis and is here to help whether your RLS is simply a minor annoyance or a major disruption in your quality of life.

If you are living with RLS visit www.eveinscreening.com and start today with a FREE online screening and talk with a professional Vein Specialist.

What Exactly IS a Vein Specialist?

The only credentialing body for the treatment of veins in the office setting is the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission or the IAC.

IAC - Vein specialist

You may have heard that if you are dealing with venous insufficiency you will need to consult with a Vein Specialist. 

Are all Vein Specialists created equal? Unfortunately, the answer is No. This is where you need to look for an accredited office and physician.

 

The IAC is made up of representatives from 9 medical societies including:

  • Society for Vascular Surgery
  • Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American Venous Forum
  • American Academy of Dermatology
  • American College of Phlebology
  • Society for Vascular Ultrasound
  • Society for Vascular Medicine
  • Society of Interventional Radiology

These societies have joined forces to stop the dangerous practice of treating veins by unqualified doctors thereby establishing national standards of patient safety.

For your own protection and peace of mind, please only choose a vein doctor with this national certification. There are many “med spas” that pop up around the country and tend to be fly by night operations. Though, yes they are actual doctors who run them, they are not specialists in the true nature of the word and may have only taken a weekend class certification in venous issues.  It takes years to master the art. You do not want to be someone’s practice piece.

Magnant
While there are now several routes to becoming a “Certified Vein Specialist” if you want your health entrusted to the best, choose a doctor, such as Vein Specialists very own Dr. Joseph Magnant, who is a Vascular Surgeon with over 26 years of experience. They are the only specialists who have focused their practice solely to vascular disease.

True excellence comes from experience and this proficiency develops from treating damaged veins day after day, year after year, one patient, one case at a time.

Vein Specialists www.weknowveins.com holds the IAC seal as it is displayed right on the website itself.

If you are in the Fort Myers | Bonita Springs, Florida area we would love to work with you to get you on your way to the best vein health possible. The first step can be taken right now, right here online by going to www.weknowveins.com and clicking the Confidential FREE vein screening button at the top the page or by calling 239-694-VEIN (8346).

Venefit™Targeted Endovenous Therapy

Venefit

VenefitDon’t resign yourself to a life of leg pain with unsightly varicose veins.

Consult a Vein Specialist. While there is a myriad of treatments available one of the most popular today is the Venefit™ procedure. Venefit™ is minimally invasive and designed for varicose veins as well as Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

A Covidien ClosureFast™ endovenous radiofrequency ablation catheter will be inserted during the procedure. This will close enlarged damaged leg veins. When damaged areas of veins are sealed shut, the blood then naturally is forced to reroute itself to the surrounding healthy veins.

When compared to traditional laser treatment

  • Up to four times faster improvement and healing
  • Less pain
  • Less bruising
  • Fewer complications

Studies have shown that patients undergoing the Venefit™ procedure returned to work much faster than those who had vein stripping done.

The procedure

A catheter is inserted into the vein through a small incision just below the knee. The catheter is guided through the use of ultrasound imaging. During the procedure, the doctor treats each 7 cm segment of vein with a quick 20-second blast of radiofrequency energy. This causes the vessel to shrink around the catheter. This is repeated and continued along the vein for the length of the damage. The treatment is quite fast.

This procedure can be performed in a clinic setting and does not require hospitalization.  This method of catheterization delivers a consistent source of heat to each area. The result is less bruising and rapid patient recovery. Venefit™ is minimally invasive and eliminates the need for general anesthesia. It leaves little to no scarring.

The Results Speak for Themselves

The Venefit™ procedure is performed only as a medical necessity as diagnosed by a trained vein specialist. While it is not intended to fix cosmetic issues the successful treatment of CVI using the Venefit™ procedure can produce improvements visually.

As with any medical procedure, you should consult your vein specialist and review all safety information associated with any procedure.

If you are interested in learning more about this procedure we invite you to speak with our specialists at The West Florida Vein Clinic in Tampa, Florida. 727-712-3233 or visit online at www.westfloridaveincenter.com

Massage & Varicose Veins

massage

massageWhen we are in pain, we look for any and all possible solutions to get to a place of feeling well again. When your muscles get tight a therapeutic massage can help to work the tension out. It only makes logical sense that you may wonder if massage would be a viable solution for the pain of varicose veins. The answer is, unfortunately, no.

Why is massage not a good option to relieve leg pain caused by weak or damaged veins?

Even though your legs are experiencing swelling and pain similar to what you might feel with overworked muscles, the root cause of the pain is entirely different.

The uncomfortable sensations in your legs are due to venous insufficiency which created by veins that have sustained damage.

The valves inside of these veins are no longer working and functioning fully. This can cause blood to pool inside of the veins, creating that heavy, achy, painful feeling. The increase in the volume of blood causes the vein walls weak due to increased pressure. Massage does not fix this problem like it does with tight muscles.

It is imperative that if you still choose to get a massage, that you inform the therapist of your condition.  Some therapists are specifically trained on venous and lymphatic diseases and may offer you a different sort of massage that may better offer you some relief. Its also not a great idea to apply too much pressure on damaged areas of veins so letting them know is beneficial all around.

If you are in pain due to varicose veins, the best solution is to contact a vein doctor such as the ones here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates.

Their specialists can advise you on tips to alleviate pain at home, and also guide you as far as what your options may be in getting rid of the damaged veins. New technology has given way to easy, minimally invasive procedures that require no recovery time and are performed in the doctor’s office.

If you live in the Tampa bay area, please call us at 813-975-2800 or schedule an evaluation through our online form. Patient comfort and care are a priority here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates.

Are You Covering Up Your Leg Veins?

spider veins

spider veinsSpider and varicose veins in your legs are unsightly and can feel embarrassing to some.

It may be tempting to simply try and hide them. Makeup, wearing long pants, avoiding beaches and the pool for fear of putting on a bathing suit – these can hamper your ability to really enjoy life.

Avoidance may work but all it is doing is covering up the root problem: Venous insufficiency. It isn’t simply a cosmetic issue. Veins, once damaged, if left untreated can spread and become worse over time leading to bigger problems such as achiness, leg, ankle and foot pain, swelling and edema, skin issues and even ulcers on the legs.

 

If you begin to have veins that are visible it is advisable to seek the advice of a Vein Specialist. Going through offices such as weknowveins.com where they offer FREE online screenings can give you peace of mind and some professional knowledgeable advice as to your current state and the very best medical recommendations for your health now and in the future.

 

Treatment options are numerous and with the advances that have been made in vein care, you no longer simply have to live with embarrassing or painful veins. Diagnostics are simple, quick and pain-free. The solutions are all outpatient procedures with very minimal recovery times. The majority of those who undergo treatment remark that they wish they had done it sooner.

 

To get started go to www.eveinscreening.com for a confidential FREE Vein Screening right online. Dr. Joseph Magnant is a board certified vascular surgeon and Dr. Nero is a board certified general surgeon. They have dedicated their lives to this surgical practice with the singular focus on the treatment of venous insufficiency. 239-694-VEIN (8346) to schedule an in-person appointment.

Does Growing Older Have to Mean Varicose Veins?

As we age maintenance is key. Eating a healthy balanced diet and keeping yourself in shape as well as living a healthy lifestyle can all help to keep your body functioning at its fullest. When blood flow is fluid and your veins are all working properly, no spider or varicose veins will be present. It is fully possible to live to a ripe old age and never have a vein issue at all.

While it may seem fairly normal to relate varicose and spider veins with aging, the truth is that though age-based vein issues have more to do with genetics and health than to do with your numerical age in years.

In both spider and varicose veins, it is the weakening of the walls that causes the visible pooling and bulging. Once damage has occurred in order to get back to health they do need to be surgically or chemically repaired. Damaged veins left untreated can lead to leg pain, achiness, swelling, and pain. Over time it can lead to hard to heal leg ulcerations.

What comes into play in the formation of venous insufficiency:

Gender – Birth control pill use, pregnancy, menopause, and puberty – that is a lot of hormonal changes for a body to go through over the years. It can become a contributing factor.

Family History – 50% of all of those who develop vein issues have other family members who also have it as well.

Leg Trauma – injury to an area of the leg can damage veins leading to wearing down of the vein wall cells and over time may cause venous insufficiency.

Weight – additional pressure on the veins can cause issues. Keeping your weight in check is important for your circulatory health.

Regardless of age or contributing factors, the sooner you see a Vein Specialist talk about options when it comes to restoring your vein health the better the outcome is likely to be. If you have vein issues currently, don’t wait. Give West Florida Vein Center a call today by dialing 727-712-3233 or visiting www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

Standing ‘vs’ Sitting – Vein Health

vein health

It has been said that too much of anything is bad for you. This goes for extended periods of being on your feet as well as sitting and doing desk-bound work.

Both regular prolonged sitting and standing can cause extra strain on veins and the development of varicose veins. Movement helps pump blood through the veins. So take a break and relax, get up and stretch, just don’t stay stagnant for hours on end.

Those who sit for most of the day are 54% more likely to die of a heart attack. That is according to a study done by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana. When seated in one position for a long time, calf muscles are not engaged. The calf muscles play a crucial role in pumping the blood back to the heart.

Prolonged sitting can cause the development of varicose veins, as well as blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). If you have to travel often or sit in one spot often, it’s best they engage their legs as much as possible throughout the day. Go for short walks, stand in a meeting, or park farther away in the parking lot, or take the stairs to get the benefits of interrupting sitting within the day.

Standing in one stationary position for more than two hours in a day isn’t healthy. When a person stands for a long period of time, stress is placed on the legs, hips, and pelvis. All of this pressure on these body parts weakens the vein walls and begins to damage the veins’ valves. This damage begins the development of varicose veins. To combat prolonged standing from a job or any other activity, it is suggested to add some stretching throughout the day, as well as trying to sit here and there.

The body gets worn down when repetitive motions are done time and time again; the body is built for movement. Whether you’re sitting or standing a lot, it’s best to take routine breaks, so as to not develop venous issues or other health problems.

If you think you may be suffering from varicose veins contact Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein Center. Let the experts at West Florida Vein Center diagnose and treat your venous issue. To book an appointment, click here or call 727-712-3233.

Varicose Veins & Obesity

Varicose Veins


Could being overweight contribute to venous issues and deficiency leading to varicose veins? Yes.

Why?

The heavier you are, the greater the pressure put on your body, veins and circulatory system included. Over time, the large leg veins will start to bulge causing blood to pool. The pooling can stretch the vein walls and damage the valves. This may start off feeling like a slightly itchy feeling and move on to leg heaviness, aching, swelling and pain. Restless legs at night and cramps may also be experienced.

Varicose veins can also develop due to genetics, hormone fluctuations from pregnancy or birth control, medications, ageing, blood clots or sitting or standing for extended repeated periods of time.

Is it too late?

It is never too late to take steps to get yourself going on the road to better health. Losing weight can prevent already existing varicose veins from worsening and new ones from forming. It cannot, however, reverse the current already appearing varicose veins.

The Key is prevention

  • Balanced diet and exercise are vital
  • Massage
  • Elevating your legs daily
  • Wearing compression hose

Varicose veins already forming?

If varicose or spider veins are already present come see us at The West Florida Vein Center. There is no reason to live with the pain and unsightliness damaged veins present. We will screen you thoroughly and present you with the best course of treatment options available. Our Vein Specialists are the best in the industry.

For more information on vein issues please contact West Florida Vein Center, Tampa’s leading vein treatment center, for a consultation. They can be reached by calling 727-712-3233 or going to www.westfloridaveincenter.com

Want Vein Treatment but not sure insurance will cover it?

Many patients are reluctant to go see physicians, especially Vein Specialists, because of the fear of cost. It is automatically assumed by most that this is a vanity treatment and there is no way insurance would foot the bill. This is not always the case. In fact, this is not the case most of the time. Depending on the severity of your venous insufficiency your treatment, so long as not considered simply cosmetic will likely be covered.

While it’s true that spider veins generally are not covered, varicose veins are almost always considered a medical necessity. 

If the veins on your legs have enlarged bulging veins that appear purplish or blue in color and your legs feel heavy, painful, itchy, or swollen it is guaranteed that you are experiencing venous insufficiency.

Treatments for varicose veins have advanced throughout the years and are now outpatient procedures that generally take about an hour or so (though multiple sessions may be needed in certain cases). There is no need to live in pain. 

An ultrasound of the veins can be done in the office to show which veins have become defective, to demonstrate medical necessity and to plan treatment. All insurance plans require a venous ultrasound before they will approve treatment of varicose veins. Vein treatments can then be scheduled. To begin the process give us a call and set up an appointment for a vein screening. 

If you have further questions or are experiencing symptoms that you would like to have addressed, we invite you to give us a call today at 727-712-3233 and Let The West Florida Vein Center Vein Specialists help. Call for a consultation. www.westfloridaveincenter.com

Do Pregnancy and Varicose Veins Go Hand in Hand?

Pregnant

PregnantWhy do varicose veins often appear during a pregnancy?

They often happen during a pregnancy due to the extra volume of blood your body produces in order to support two lives. The extra blood when added to extra weight plus the baby’s weight puts a strain on your legs. Progesterone levels rise as well which relaxes the blood vessels it often can lead to the appearance and formation of varicose veins.

 

Will they be permanent?

The likelihood of them shrinking and disappearing after the birth is good if you did not have them pre-pregnancy. Varicose veins do tend to be hereditary.  If your maternal line had them during pregnancy, the chances are high that you may as well.

 

How can I avoid getting varicose veins if I am pregnant?

 

Comfortable clothing is important– Wearing non-binding clothes that fit well. Belts, jeans, and even shoes can cause issues.

 

Keep your weight in check – 25 to 35 lbs. is all that is recommended to gain during a pregnancy. Gaining excess over that amount puts undue pressure on your entire body.

 

Move! – Exercise – walk and keep that blood pumping!

 

Vitamins – Eating foods high in Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen and elastin which makes the body more readily able to snap back into shape after the baby is born. Eating bone broth soup also boosts collagen levels.

 

Support Hose and Elevation– Support hose give your veins extra stability. Elevation also helps alleviate pressure, flex your ankles regularly as well.

 

Veins cannot be treated during a pregnancy, If the varicose veins gained do not fade once the baby has been born, come see us at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. Please call us at

Please call 813-975-2800 Tampa Cardiovascular Associates.