Tag Archives: vein problems

10.12.19
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Varicose and Spider Veins – What’s the Difference?

varicose-veins-spider-veins-tampa-cardio

varicose-veins-spider-veins-tampa-cardioPeople often incorrectly use the terms “spider veins” and “varicose veins” interchangeably, and it’s important to understand that these are two very different conditions.

While one is a simple cosmetic problem, that while causing embarrassment and discomfort poses no real medical threat, the other can not only be very painful but also present physical signs of some very serious underlying conditions. Understanding the difference between these venous disorders can make all the difference in what kind of treatment a patient seeks, and whether they find it necessary to seek treatment at all.

 

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when the one-way valves within veins weaken, and a portion of the blood that is meant to be pumped back to the heart instead leaks back into the vein and collects, causing the veins to enlarge and bulge past the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can appear red, blue, or flesh-colored, are twisted or ropey in appearance, and can be found throughout the body, though most commonly in the legs where the force of gravity is greatest. Varicose veins are a condition in themselves that can be quite painful and uncomfortable, often causing aching, swelling, itching, burning, or feelings of heaviness in the legs. If ignored, varicose veins can result in skin ulcers that sometimes bleed and are very hard to heal. In the most extreme cases, varicose veins can lead to a condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which is present when a blood clot forms in a deeper vein. If one of these blood clots breaks off and travels to the lungs, the results can potentially be fatal.

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are caused by a back up of blood in the veins and appear very close to the surface of the skin in sunburst or spider web patterns, hence their name. Spider veins are typically quite small, but can appear in a variety of locations on the body, most commonly on the legs but also on the arms and even on the face. These red or blue veins can be brought about by hormone changes, injury, or sun exposure, and treatments are available to remove them if the patient so desires. Fortunately, while spider veins can be unsightly and uncomfortable, they are typically not causing alarm and only present a cosmetic problem for the patient.

If a condition or ailment appearing on your body concerns you, it is always wise to seek the advice of a medical professional.

While most spider veins are harmless and not all varicose veins lead to more serious conditions, only a medical professional can decide whether your personal condition calls for further action. Treatments for both spider veins and varicose veins are readily available, and because varicose veins are considered a health condition, their treatment or removal is covered by most insurance policies, making their treatment affordable as well.

If you are in any way concerned about the health of your veins, please visit the Vein Center at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates to speak with a certified vein specialist. www.tampacardio.com (813) 975-2800. 

07.01.18
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Orthotics Maybe an Answer To Tired Achy Varicose Vein Prone Legs

orthotics

orthoticsIf you live in pain with venous insufficiency issues such as varicose veins you are likely willing to try just about anything to get relief.

While you primarily hear tips about elevating the legs, using ice compresses and wearing daily compression stockings, one of the most overlooked treatments that are noninvasive for the relief of pain from varicose veins is the creation and use of customized orthotics.

While there is no guarantee that having these inserts made and wearing them will clear up your vein deficiency or even lessen the visibility of varicose veins what they can provide is some relief while standing and walking making daily life far less painful and more comfortable.

What Do Orthotics Do?

Orthotics give the arches in your feet support. Your foot actually has three separate arches, not just one. These arches are how your body balances itself by keeping your weight evenly distributed. Orthotics can even help to straighten the way you walk. Proper body mechanics in movement can help to keep you in alignment preventing excess wear and the body.

Bad body mechanics start from the base. Being flat footed or off balance can put pressure on the legs. If these veins are already diseased being off balance can make the discomfort experienced worse.

Ok, I Am Convinced, Where Do I Have Them Made?

Professional-quality orthotics are not bought in Walgreens or CVS. Those machines give you a slightly customized choice between two or three different supports. That is not what is meant by custom in this sense.

Proper orthotics can be fitted and ordered by your podiatrist, family doctor, or chiropractor. Depending on the company from which they are ordered, the orthotics can be formed by using step in boxes that cast your feet in a sand-like substance that holds form or by use of foot scanner which will measure the pressure points and arches in your feet.

They can be specially made for specific use in running and walking shoes, dress shoes and even sandals and can be easily moved from one pair to the next. They simply slide in and out of each shoe.

It is recommended when you get your first pair to wear them for 1 hour at first to allow your feet and legs to get used to them. From there try 2-3 hours, and then you can move on to a full day. If you go to fast you may end up feeling like you did a massive leg day work out at the gym as it uses muscles you may not have activated in a while.

In order to correct the damage done and rid yourself of the damaged veins, a consultation with a Vein Specialist is needed. Orthotics, as well as compression stockings, ice, rest and elevation all, can help with varicose vein issues. They can help to regulate the blood flow and alleviate the pain. 

The West Florida Vein Center can help if you have vein issues and are in the Tampa, Florida area, give us a call at . (727) 712-3233 www.westlforidaveincenter.com.

04.04.18
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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.