Varicose Veins

Your varicose veins may be unsightly enough to keep you out of shorts and bathing suits, but is it really worth the time, effort and money to treat them? This is a debate many varicose vein sufferers have as they contemplate eliminating the swollen vessels completely or simply learning to live with them. While a comprehensive assessment can ultimately tell you whether vein treatment would be beneficial, the staff at the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin has a number of good reasons to consider vein treatment even before your examination takes place.

It’s More than Cosmetic

Varicose veins are often more than a simple cosmetic concern. These bulging vessels are often an outward sign of an underlying vein condition known as chronic venous insufficiency or CVI. This condition occurs when small valves inside the vessels stop working properly, which allows blood to back up into the vein instead of flowing in a single direction to the heart. When CVI is left unchecked, it can worsen over time. This is why vein treatment sooner, rather than later, may be recommended to stop CVI before significant symptoms develop.

You Have Pain

Varicose veins can be more than unattractive, they can also be painful. You might feel heaviness or aching in your legs, particularly at the end of the day. The pain may also keep you from participating in some of the active pastimes you have always enjoyed. You may discover that elevating your legs for a period of time in the evening relieves the pain and pressure – often a sign that CVI is present. Some sufferers also experience swelling of the lower extremity, which further exacerbates the discomfort.

Your Skin is Changing

Increased pressure inside of varicose veins can do more than damage the vessel itself. The damage can also spread to surrounding tissue, which may become evident on the skin’s surface. You may begin to notice the skin around the vein becomes irritated and itchy. Over time the skin’s color and texture may begin to change as tissue damage leads to a brown, leathery appearance. If the cause of the skin change is not treated, large, open sores known as venous ulcers can form from even the smallest nick or cut to the skin.

Your Veins are Interfering with Your Sleep

Some varicose vein sufferers find out those bothersome vessels start to act up as soon as they are ready to retire for the night. Once in bed, you might experience cramping of the legs that can be intense at time. You may also notice a restless feeling in the legs that gives you the irresistible urge to move them. Known as restless leg syndrome, this condition can be severe enough in some individuals to actually prohibit them from getting a good night’s rest.

Procedures are Quick and Comfortable

Despite the embarrassment and even physical discomfort, some varicose vein sufferers simply won’t pursue treatment because they believe any procedure to treat their veins will take them out of commission for a period of time. While that has been true in the past when surgical treatments were the only solution, today’s non-surgical procedures can be performed quickly and almost painlessly. Treatments can be done using local anesthetic and patients are usually back to activities the same day or the day after their procedure.

Don’t suffer with unattractive varicose veins that are interfering with your comfort and your quality of life. Contact the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin at 800-910-8346 and find out how we can help you say goodbye to those bulging veins for good.

Spider and varicose veins have one distinctly common characteristic – they can be unsightly enough to cause significant embarrassment. In addition to their cosmetic concern, do these visible veins share any common factors? The answer to that question depends on where the veins are located and what underlying cause might be contributing to their appearance.

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are visible vessels that frequently appear on the legs. However, these veins can also appear on the arms, face and abdomen. The networks of red, blue or purple of lines can often resemble a spider’s vein, which is where they get their name. There are a variety of factors that might contribute to the formation of spider veins:

• Excessive exposure to UV rays
• Trauma to the skin
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Some medications or medical conditions
• Weight gain or a sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of spider veins

These veins are not typically accompanied by physical symptoms. However, some patients with spider veins do experience the following side effects:

• Pain or heaviness in the legs, especially at the end of the day
• Swelling of the lower leg, ankle and foot
• Cramping or restless legs when you try to rest at night
• Fatigue in the legs after long periods of standing or sitting

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are usually larger than spider veins and typically appear on the lower legs. These veins may also be discolored and may actually protrude above the surface of the skin. In some cases, they resemble flesh-colored, ropey vines that twist up the lower legs.

In addition to their unsightly appearance, varicose veins can cause similar symptoms to those listed above. Left untreated, they can also lead to discoloration of the skin and the formation of open sores around the ankles. Known as venous ulcers, these sores can become quite large and difficult to treat.

The Primary Cause of Varicose Veins

While spider veins can have a number of causes, varicose veins are most frequently the visible result of an underlying vein condition known as chronic venous insufficiency. This condition occurs when tiny valves inside the veins that are responsible for keeping blood flowing in a single direction stop working properly. This allows blood to reflux back into the veins, leading to swelling and varicosity.

The Role of Spider Veins

When spider veins appear near varicose veins, or are accompanied by the same symptoms, they can be a product of venous insufficiency as well. When this is the case, both spider and varicose veins are likely to get worse, rather than better, if they are left untreated. The good news is there are effective treatments for both spider and varicose veins that will address the underlying condition to eliminate both the appearance of the veins and their uncomfortable symptoms.

Seeking Treatment for Visible Veins

At the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin, we offer treatment options for both spider and varicose veins. We can tailor our treatment options to your specific condition and concerns to ensure the best possible results from your procedure. All of our treatments are minimally-invasive, which means you can return home the same day as your procedure and usually resume your regular schedule the same day or the next day.

Don’t suffer the embarrassment or physical discomfort of spider or varicose veins any longer. We can help you eliminate the appearance of your veins and their painful symptoms. Contact the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin today at 800-910-8346.

Varicose veins are a common problem that affects as many as half of all adults over the age of 50. Despite their prevalence, not everyone that suffers with these bulging vessels understands what the condition is all about. To help you separate the fact from the fiction, check out these three common myths about varicose veins and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: Varicose veins are nothing but ugly, swollen vessels.

While it may be true that varicose veins are unsightly, they are also a visible symptom of an underlying vein condition. Varicose veins often occur as a result of a disorder known as chronic venous insufficiency or CVI. This condition develops when tiny valves inside the veins stop working properly, allowing blood to reflux and pool inside the vessel. The results is a weakened, swollen vein that becomes varicose over time.

When CVI is the reason behind your varicose veins, it is also important to know that the condition can worsen if it is left unchecked. You might begin to develop symptoms along with your varicose veins, such as pain and swelling of the lower leg. Skin changes can also occur, due to the increased pressure inside the veins. If the condition is not treated, you may find some of those skin changes, including discoloration and thickening, may become permanent.

Myth #2: Only little old ladies get varicose veins.

When you think about varicose veins, does your grandmother come to your mind? While those swollen vessels are a common bane to the senior female set, this group is certainly not the only one to struggle with this condition. In fact, varicose veins can happen to anyone. Some of the factors that might increase your risk for varicose veins include:

• Family history of varicose veins
• Family or personal history of blood-clotting disorders
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Significant weight gain
• Long periods of sitting (such as on a plane) or standing
• Pregnancy
• Leg trauma that caused damage to the veins

If you have any of these risk factors, the best approach is to take preventative steps as soon as possible. If you are sedentary or have gained weight, develop a daily exercise plan that will get the muscles moving and the veins working more efficiently. If your job requires long periods of sitting or standing, make sure to take regular breaks to exercise the legs and get the blood pumping. You can also talk to your doctor about whether compression stockings – special socks that promote healthy blood flow in the lower legs – might be a good choice for you.

Myth #3: There is nothing you can do about your varicose veins.

Despite their unattractive appearance and even their discomfort, many varicose vein sufferers are resigned to the fact they will have to live with their bulging vessels forever. This could not be further from the truth. Today, there are many minimally-invasive vein treatments that effectively eliminate varicose veins and their painful symptoms.

At the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin, we offer a variety of vein treatments that allow us to tailor your procedure to your specific condition. Choice of treatment often depends on the size of the varicose veins and their location. With state-of-the-art technology and tried-and-true treatment options, we can help you get rid of those uncomfortable veins without putting a major crimp in your daily routine.

Varicose veins are not something you simply must suffer with. Contact the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin today at 800-910-8346 to find out which vein treatment is the right one for you.

Varicose veins are bulging, twisting lines that usually appear on the lower legs. There is no doubt these veins can become quite unsightly, making some sufferers self-conscious about appearing in public in shorts or bathing suits. However, the problems with varicose veins can go much deeper than their cosmetic appearance for some individuals, requiring treatment to not only eliminate their look, but uncomfortable symptoms and potential complications as well.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Some varicose vein sufferers will find the discomfort of their veins moves beyond embarrassment over their appearance. Symptoms can appear over time, which might include any or all of the following:

• Leg heaviness or fatigue, particularly at the end of the day
• Aching or swelling of the lower legs, ankles and feet
• Cramping or restless legs at night when you lie down to sleep
• Throbbing or aching pain during or after activity
• Itching or irritation of the skin around the affected vein
• Changes to skin color or texture around the affected vein

The Underlying Cause

To understand the reason behind the symptoms, you need to know about the most common underlying cause of varicose veins. Venous insufficiency is a condition that affects the tiny valves inside the veins that are responsible for keeping blood flowing in a single direction to the heart. Over time, these valves can become damaged or wear out, which leads to blood pooling inside of the vessels.

The problem tends to be most pronounced in the vessels of the lower legs, because these veins have the challenging task of moving blood against gravity and the body’s own weight to pump it back up to the heart. When blood pools in the lower extremities, it can lead to swelling of the vessels and the appearance of varicose veins. It can also lead to many of the uncomfortable symptoms listed above.

Possible Complications

Venous insufficiency is a condition that can grow worse over time if it is left unchecked. Complications of venous insufficiency might include a higher risk of blood clot formation in the vessels of the lower leg. A painful condition known as phlebitis or inflammation of the vessel can also develop. Some sufferers might see significant skin changes that lead to the formation of painful open sores around the ankle. Known as venous ulcers, these chronic wounds can be very difficult to treat.

Fortunately, symptoms can be relieved and complications can be prevented through a variety of treatment options today. At Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin, we offer minimally-invasive procedures that eliminate unsightly, uncomfortable veins without a major disruption to your daily schedule. To learn more about your treatment options, contact the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin at 800-910-VEIN.