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Category: Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose Veins, also called varicose or varicosities, are veins get swollen and enlarges, dialets and are overfilled with blood. They can be seen as they become purplish or red in color. They are generally under the skin in the legs. They can give a hint like pain in the legs or bleeding or in certain cases superficial thrombophlebitis.

This is commonly seen in women and as per statistics, 25% of the adults suffer from varicose a vein that means 1 out of 4 people are suffering. The varicose vein treatment clinic Los Angeles is one of the highly suggested clinics for such treatment.

Causes of varicose veins

This is caused due to dysfunction of the vein where the valve present in the vein prevents blood from flowing backward. Due to such a situation, the blood gets clotted rather than flowing towards the heart and this enlarges the vein. The veins are far from the heart due to which the gravity makes it difficult for blood to flow upward.

Certain causes include:
• Pregnancy
• Age over 5
• Menopause
• Obesity
• Standing for long timings
• Genetic history

Diagnosis of varicose veins

The following steps are taken to analyze varicose vein treatment:-
• The doctor will examine your legs by asking you to sit and stand
• The doctor will ask you about the extent of the pain that you are suffering from
• He might prescribe you to get an ultrasound done to check the flow of blood (high-frequency sound waves are applied to check how the blood is flowing in your veins)
• Depending upon the location where the blood clotting has taken place a venogram is done to understand the working of the vein
• During the test, a special dye is injected into the legs and x-ray is being done, the x-ray clearly shows the veins blood flow activity

Treatment and prevention measures for varicose veins

Generally, the doctor suggests to bring about a change in the lifestyle rather than trying any other treatment.
Lifestyle changes would include:
 Avoiding long hours of standing
 Losing weight
 Regular exercise to improve the circulation of blood
 Usage of compression socks or stockings
If one is already suffering from varicose veins then s/he needs to be more cautious to prevent having further disruptive veins. Legs should also be elevated or moved while resting or sleeping hours.

Compression

Due to compression by socks or stockings, a natural pressure is created on the legs which easily enhances the blood flow to the heart. They also help reduce swelling.

The compression stocking can easily be available in drugstores.

Surgery

If there is extreme pain due to varicose veins and the lifestyle changes are not much effective then the doctor may suggest surgery.

The doctor then suggests varicose vein removal. He first applies anesthesia to the affected area. The surgeon makes cuts in the skin then cuts the varicose vein and removes it through the incision. This is also called stripping or vein ligation.

Other options for the treatment of varicose veins are:

• Sclerotherapy, here a liquid or foam is injected to block off the smaller varicose vein
• Microsclerotheraphy, here a liquid chemical injection is used to block off the smaller veins
• Light energy called Laser varicose vein removal surgery is done to block off a vein
• Heat and radiofrequency waves are also applied to block off the veins, this procedure is called endovenous ablation therapy
• A small lighted scope is inserted through a small incision to block off the vein, this procedure is called endoscopic vein surgery

Before getting through any of the surgery methods its very important to know about its pros and cons as this is a concern for health. The kind of surgery would depend on the frequency of the symptoms, the size of enlargement and the affected location of the same.

People suffering from varicose veins

Generally, a lot of it is handled by the change in lifestyle and due to exercise and medication, the pain is under control. They are not long term medical issue but yes temporarily they cause a lot of disturbance in the normal lifestyle.

In certain cases, it is spotted to have lead to chronic inflammation, blood clots, sores on the legs or even ulcers.

In case any of the above symptoms are spotted, it is advisable to visit a doctor at an urgent call before the situation gets worse.

Side effects of surgery

• Skin burns
• Bruising
• Dyspigmentation
• Scarring
• Blood clotting in tiny amounts can be seen in the deep vein region

Recovery

The recovery is faster and a normal lifestyle can be lead and one can join back work within a couple of days.

Cost

The package varies from high to low depending on the therapy, the location, the clinic and the efficiency of the doctor.

The varicose vein treatment Los Angeles is considered to be the best treatment clinic. Patients have experienced the effectiveness of the surgery in vein treatment before and after Los Angeles.

Dr. Haimesh Shah in the la vein center is considered to be an efficient specialist in this field. As per the patients he treated they are satisfied with his technique of operating them. The Center for Vein Wellness is well equipped with the latest technological equipment and the infrastructure is also well supporting making the clinic a top ranked one.

Varicose veins are a genetic condition that is usually associated with inactive and overweight people, as well as pregnant women due to weak calf muscles and/or impeded blood flow in the veins in the legs and pelvic area. However, it is also known to affect perfectly healthy and physically active individuals.

Athletes and Varicose Veins | Vein Specialist Ventura & Los Angeles

Athletes are constantly running on hard surfaces or engaging in heavy resistance training and other strenuous activities. This puts their veins under a lot of strain, causing them to bulge and appear on the surface of the skin as ropy blood vessels on the lower thighs and calves. Varicose veins can also form on the arms, chest, and other parts of the body where blood flow is restricted.

Varicose veins usually don’t cause any pain or unfavorable symptoms, except for aesthetic concerns. But in some cases, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms that hinder the performance of an athlete.

Varicose Veins Prevention

For most people, light leg exercises like walking and jogging are enough to strengthen the calf muscles and reduce the risk of vein problems. But considering that this may not be an option for athletes, your vein specialist may recommend a personalized plan that includes:

  • Keeping your legs elevated when resting to make it easier for blood in the lower extremities to flow back to the heart
  • Avoid exposing your veins to extremely high temperatures in hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas
  • Increase your dietary intake of fiber and reduce sodium consumptions to reduce the risk for constipation, water retention, and other problems that may contribute to varicose veins

Varicose Veins Treatment

If your varicose veins are causing symptoms such as localized pain, itchy, swollen legs, or tired, heavy legs, your Ventura or Los Angeles-based vein specialist may recommend various minimally invasive treatments that involve little or no downtime and won’t cause major interruption to your training schedule. The sooner you get problematic veins treated, the faster you can achieve optimal training and performance.

If you’re looking to get rid of large, problematic varicose veins that cause pain, swelling, and heaviness in your legs, your vein specialist may recommend the removal of the damaged veins through two minor surgical procedures known as vein ligation and stripping.

Vein Ligation and Stripping | Varicose Vein Specialist Los Angeles & Ventura

These procedures are mostly used to treat severe cases of varicose veins, usually after addressing smaller vein problems with a minimally invasive procedure such as sclerotherapy. During vein ligation, your surgeon will make a small incision through your skin and surgically tie the affected vein. With vein stripping, a similar incision is made but with the view to removing the problematic vein.

What to Expect

If your vein specialist recommends vein ligation and stripping, it is best that you take the rest of the day off and ask someone to drop you off at the center and pick you up later because you’ll be sedated. Some tests will need to be done prior to the procedure to ensure the presence and location of varicose veins and to avoid any complications.

The doctor will numb the area before making a small cut over the damaged veins. During litigation, the problematic veins are tied off to force the blood to redirect and flow through other healthy veins. The vein is not removed, which allows other blood vessels to reconnect to healthier parts of the vein to continue circulating blood.

But if the vein and valves are severely damaged, the entire portion of the valve may be surgically removed or stripped. This requires the surgeon to insert a flexible instrument up the damaged vein, grasp it, and then remove it. Blood is automatically redirected to other healthy veins.

The procedure itself takes between 2 and 3 hours. You should be able to go home the same day, but it’s recommended that you wait a few hours to recover from the regional or general anesthesia used during the surgery.

Post Surgery Care

Vein ligation and stripping is a safe, minor surgical procedure that helps to treat the symptoms of venous incompetence, including swelling and ulceration, and prevent varicose veins recurrence. Your vein specialist in Ventura & Los Angeles will discuss any side effects that may result from the procedure, such as as scarring, and provide directions for care and preventing other varicose veins from emerging. You should be able to return to your normal activities after a few days of rest.

With the holiday season fast approaching, many people will be planning trips to the mountains or the beach; or taking long flights to international destinations. Considering that travel usually involves extended periods of queuing and/or sitting, it is important that you ensure the optimal health of your veins, especially if you’re at risk of getting varicose veins.

Tips for Relief from Varicose Veins While Traveling | Vein Specialist

Here are a few tips to maintain vein health while traveling:

Stretch your legs every few hours

If traveling long distances by road, whether driving or by bus, it is recommended that you stop every few hours to stretch your legs.

Pump your legs/ankles on the plane

Air travel poses a major risk for venous problems, from the confined space in a narrow seat to the restricted mobility to the slow blood circulation when flying at high altitudes. These situations cause pressure to build up in your veins, resulting in restlessness, heaviness and an achy feeling in the legs, and other symptoms associated with varicose veins.

For people with vein disease, air travel may increase the risk of venous thrombosis, where blood clots in your deep veins break off, travel to your lungs, and cause difficulty in breathing.

If possible, it is recommended that you stand up and walk on the cabin aisle regularly. If getting up is not an option, consider pumping the calf muscle while sitting. With your foot on the ground, raise the heel so your tippy toes support your leg on the ground, and then return to the original position. Do this multiple times to engage the calf muscle, which will in turn help to pump blood from the leg veins to the heart.

Keep well hydrated

Avoid the temptation of consuming snacks, sweets, alcohol, and other items that dehydrate your body. Instead, drink water or another nonalcoholic and decaffeinated beverage to stay hydrated and keep your lips moist, improve your mood, and avoid bad breath. Staying hydrated helps to prevent the veins from narrowing. It also reduces the risk of constipation, which is known to stress the venous system.

Get a support hose

Compression stockings are designed to physically squeeze your foot and calf muscles to facilitate steady blood flow in the venous system. Visit a vein specialist to get custom stockings that provide just the right amount of compression, and put them on before setting off.

Final tip

If you notice swelling of the legs or chest pain or shortness of breath soon after traveling, you should visit the nearest hospital for evaluation.

For most people, varicose veins are a cosmetic concern that causes embarrassment and prevents you from wearing the attire and footwear that you want. In some cases, people with untreated varicose veins may also experience some discomfort and other symptoms such as pain, restless legs, swelling, and heaviness in the legs.

What Happens If You Leave Varicose Veins Untreated | Vein Specialist

It is recommended that you visit a vein specialist as early as possible before the symptoms of varicose veins get worse. If left untreated, patients often report more severe symptoms that may require emergency treatment, such as:

  • Bleeding – When the skin around the affected veins becomes damaged to the extent of exposing the varicose vein, a small puncture could result in spontaneous bleeding. This blood loss is usually painless.
  • Hyperpigmentation – Refers to darkening of the skin around the area with varicose veins. As pressure increases in the bulging veins, some of the oxygen-depleted blood may begin to leak from affected veins and flow into the surrounding tissues, resulting in inflammation, swelling, and discolored skin pigmentation. Commonly occurs in the lower leg area.
  • Venous leg ulcers – These also occur when the affected veins burst due to increased pressure, allowing blood to flow into the surrounding tissues. When the red blood cells interact directly with the tissues, they may cause the skin to break down and form painful ulcers. These ulcers typically won’t heal until you treat the varicose veins.
  • Lipodermatosclerosis – This is a result of venous insufficiency where the skin around the problematic veins hardens and becomes discolored. Some pain and swelling is also very common. This usually occurs around the ankles.
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis – clotting or damage of the veins located just below the surface of the skin can cause decreased blood flow, resulting in swelling, redness, and pain around that area.
  • Deep vein thrombosis – This occurs when blood clots in the deep veins of the leg. It increases the risk of pulmonary embolism, where the blood clots break off and get carried to the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath and even death

Untreated varicose veins can cause serious medical complications that include ulcerations (large sores), bleeding, and thrombophlebitis (blood clots), due to the increased pressure and blood pooling in the veins.

Please visit a vein specialist as early as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Although varicose veins are mostly reported by middle-aged women, studies show that they also affect between 17 and 45 percent of men. These veins are cosmetically unattractive, and appear as ropy, blue or purple blood vessels bulging out of the skin. Perhaps because women are more concerned about their appearance than men, and the fact that their clothes are more revealing, they are more likely to seek treatment for varicose veins from a vein specialist.

How Do Varicose Veins Affect Men? | Vein Specialist in Ventura & LA

Men, on the other hand, are less aware of the appearance of varicose veins. This is especially true for men who workout a lot, as bulging veins are a sign of masculinity and a good fitness session. Even when the veins cause pain and discomfort, one can easily dismiss the symptoms as muscle fatigue after exercises.

However, the bulging, ropy veins may be varicose veins that can develop into serious vein complications if left untreated.

Reasons to treat varicose veins

Failure to treat varicose veins can lead to a number of problems, including:

  • Ulcers – Ulcers can form from scrapes or cuts that don’t heal properly. They are very painful, and often form around the varicose veins on your ankles. One of the early signs of ulcers is skin discoloration around the varicose veins.
  • Blood clots – These often lead to swelling in the legs, which in turn results in leg heaviness, fatigue, and restlessness.
  • Bleeding – The bulging veins are more vulnerable to breakage as they’re very close to the surface of the skin.
  • Infections – The bleeding opens up your skin to infections

Get your varicose veins treated today

It is important that you get your varicose veins assessed and treated as soon as you notice them. If you’re not ready for treatment, Dr. Shah of the Center for Vein Wellness may recommend a few lifestyle changes and activities to improve blood flow and thereby reduce their visibility.

Some common treatments include changing your fitness routine, losing weight, stretching often if you sit or stand for extended periods, keeping the legs elevated when resting, and wearing compression sleeves. If the veins are causing complications, Dr. Shah may recommend a minimally invasive treatment like sclerotherapy or ablation.

Please visit the Center for Vein Wellness for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Although varicose veins are hereditary, they can also be caused by other factors that strain the veins in your legs, like pregnancy, surgery, trauma, obesity, and prolonged standing or sitting. These veins do not necessarily cause pain, which may prompt some people – especially men – to ignore them if they can conceal them with clothing.

Do You Need to Remove Varicose Veins? | Varicose Vein Treatment

If left untreated, varicose veins cause a myriad of symptoms like pain, leg heaviness, fatigue, and general discomfort. In severe cases, they can lead to more complicated conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), ulcers, and skin discoloration, among others. So how should you deal with varicose veins?

Removal is not the only treatment for varicose veins

As soon as you realize that you have varicose veins, it is important that you contact the Center for Vein Wellness to schedule a consultation with a vein specialist. Dr. Shah will assess your condition and identify the root cause of the varicose veins. If caused by lifestyle factors, the doctor may first recommend a few months of self care at home.

Self care involves:

  • Regular exercise
  • Taking regular breaks to stretch your legs if you stand or sit for long periods
  • Elevating the affected area whenever you’re resting
  • Using custom compression stockings

Further Treatment through vein removal

If your varicose veins are causing symptoms or complications, Dr. Shah may recommend a minimally invasive procedure to get rid of the troublesome blood vessels.

You will discuss the best treatment for your case depending on the size of the varicose veins, their position, severity of the complication, and your general health. The procedures include radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, and sclerotherapy.

Varicose Veins Treatment for Pregnant Patients

Expectant mothers often get varicose veins due to the increased strain in the blood vessels around the pelvis and abdomen. If they were there before, they may become more noticeable during the pregnancy period because of the strain and increase in progesterone hormone production. If your varicose veins are causing problems, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Shah to discuss the best treatments that pose the lowest risk to your pregnancy.

No one should have to live with unsightly varicose veins or other venous problems until they cause painful symptoms and complications. The Center for Vein Wellness offers many options for their treatment. Please visit us to discuss your case.

Varicose veins affect more than one-quarter of the American population. So it’s likely that you have them, or you know a few people who have them. It is also likely that you or your friends have shared some information about varicose veins and other venous disorders, some of which may not be true. Let’s discuss some myths about varicose veins.

Myths About Varicose Veins | Vein Specialist Los Angeles & Ventura, CA

Common Myths About Varicose Veins

It is important that you have accurate information about varicose veins for a proper self-diagnosis, and to know when to seek professional help. Here are a few common misconceptions about varicose veins to enhance your understanding of the condition:

1. Varicose veins occur because of crossing your legs

Crossing your legs is not one of the risk factors of varicose veins. In itself, it cannot weaken or damage your valves, which is what causes blood to pool in certain veins and cause them to bulge. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise, on the other hand, are known risk factors.

2. Varicose veins are only a cosmetic concern

Bulging blue veins are undoubtedly unsightly, and likely to make you conscious about wearing attire that might reveal them. However, people with varicose veins eventually develop symptoms such as cramping, throbbing, dull achiness, and heaviness in the legs. Moreover, failure to treat varicose veins can lead to bigger problems including blood clots and leg ulcers. Early treatment helps to prevent any discomfort and higher treatment costs.

3. Varicose veins only occur in old age

Although aging is one of the risk factors of varicose veins, it can affect people of all ages depending on other factors such as genetics, obesity, or change in hormone levels due to pregnancy.

Treating Varicose Veins

There are also some misconceptions about the treatment of varicose veins. For instance, some people claim that the only way to treat them is through surgical stripping, some argue that the treatments are painful and expensive, and others say that there’s no point in treating them since they’ll return.

Fortunately for you, none of these claims are true. Today, there are many modern, non-invasive and painless treatments that help to detect all diseased veins – including those that are not visible on the surface of the skin – so the root of the problem is treated to prevent future recurrences. You only need to discuss with your vein specialist about the best treatment for your case.

Varicose Vein Consultation in Los Angeles & Ventura County

Please visit the Center for Vein Wellness or schedule a consultation with Dr. Shah to discuss your case and vein treatment options. We have multiple locations in Los Angeles and Ventura County.

Healthy veins rely on muscle contraction and valves to keep blood flowing forward – and against gravity – in your legs. But when these valves weaken, blood can begin to flow backwards and pool in the veins that are close to the surface of the skin, resulting in varicose veins.

Professions with Higher Risk for Varicose Veins | Vein Specialist Ventura

There are certain risk factors for varicose veins, including genetics, weight gain, gender, age, and prolonged standing or sitting. This means that people who work in professions that require them to spend a lot of time behind a desk or on their feet are at risk of developing varicose veins.

Some high-risk professions include:

1. Nursing

Nurses spend hours on their feet, care for one patient after the other. Moving around is not necessarily bad as it engages the leg muscles, which helps to push blood in the veins. But since they spend more time in a stationary position than in motion, the veins in their legs are forced to work hard against gravity, causing them to wear out faster than normal. This increases the risk of varicose veins.

2. Food and beverage service industry

From chefs to waiters to bartenders, these occupations require you to spend a lot of time on your feet either preparing meals/drinks or attending to patrons, with minimal movement especially during off-peak hours.

3. Office work

Any kind of work that requires you to sit at your desk for extended periods puts you at risk of developing varicose veins.

4. Hairdressing

Hair stylists and barbers spend a lot of time on their feet with minimal movement, which translates to minimal leg muscle movement and high risk of varicose veins.

5. Teaching

Teachers have one of the most sedentary lifestyles because they’re either sitting or standing, often beyond work hours when reviewing their students’ work, which puts them at considerable risk for varicose veins.

How to Avoid Varicose Veins

Although it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk of varicose veins, you can slow down their progression by taking a few precautionary steps, such as scheduling regular breaks to walk around, maintaining healthy weight, and wearing custom compression stockings as advised by your vein specialist.

Varicose Vein Consultation in Los Angeles & Ventura County

Please visit the Center for Vein Wellness or schedule a consultation with Dr. Shah to discuss your case and vein treatment options. We have multiple locations in Los Angeles and Ventura County.

When it comes to varicose vein removal, most procedures are safe when performed by an experienced specialist. Traditionally, physicians and surgeons relied on a surgical process known as vein stripping to remove troublesome veins. But this procedure is no longer recommended because there are safer and more effective alternatives with no downtime.

What Are The Safest Varicose Vein Removal Procedures? | Vein Specialist

Today, patients have several options for non-invasive treatments for the varicose vein removal, including:

Sclerotherapy

This is a painless procedure that involves the physician injecting a solution (sclerosant) into the varicose vein to cause it to collapse and divert blood flow to healthier veins. There are different types of sclerotherapy, as follows:

  • Liquid sclerotherapy – recommended to treat spider veins
  • Foam sclerotherapy – recommended for the treatment of larger veins because foam sclerosant travels further than the liquid solution. This is the most advanced and least invasive treatment for small to medium size varicose veins and/or spider veins
  • Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy – used to treat large, deep veins that would typically require surgical treatment

Your body gradually destroys the collapsed vein, causing it to disappear in a few weeks. The procedure is painless and has no downtime.

Radiofrequency Ablation

This procedure requires the physician to transmit radio frequency energy (radio waves) through the vein wall. First the skin is numbed, and then the vein is cannulated with a needle, after which a catheter is introduced in the vein to heat it from the inside, destroying the vein wall. The doctor uses an ultrasound to help guide the catheter, usually from the knee towards the groin. The damaged vein is eventually reabsorbed by the body and disappears in few months.

Laser Ablation

The physician uses a similar process as with radiofrequency ablation, except using laser energy to deliver the heat. Ablation is recommended for the treatment of straight leg veins.

What to Expect

Although these treatments are generally safe and effective, you should discuss the best option with your vein specialist depending on your specific case. Things such as medications, allergies, chronic conditions, and pregnancy, among others can complicate your treatment and recovery if the physician is not aware of them beforehand. Please visit the Center for Vein Wellness or schedule a consultation with Dr. Shah to discuss your case and varicose vein treatment options.