The post What causes Varicose, Spider, and Reticular Veins? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The main purpose of veins is to return blood from your body to your heart, so blood can be recirculated. Healthy veins have one-way valves that keep blood travelling in the direction towards the heart. For reasons that we don’t know the valves can fail. This usually occurs in the legs. This in turn allows for sluggish circulation in the involved veins. This leads to internal pressure and swelling, which causes the noticeably enlarged usually blue or red coloured veins at the skin surface.
While the direct cause of varicose veins is uncertain and anyone is at risk of developing them, there are certain factors that seem to increase this risk.
These risk factors include:
Prevention:
It is hard to completely prevent varicose veins. But in order to reduce the risk it is important to improve your circulation and muscle tone. The same methods that you take to treat the discomfort caused by varicose veins can be applied to help prevent them. This includes: – exercising – maintaining a healthy weight – eating a high-fiber, low salt diet – avoiding high heels and tight hosiery – elevating your legs, and alternating you sitting or standing position regularly.
Signs and symptoms to look out for:
In comparison to varicose veins, spider veins are smaller. They are found closer to the surface of the skin and are often red or blue in colour. They get their name Spider veins because they often look like a spider’s web.
The causes and forms of varicose veins varies from person to person, therefore, it is important to seek uation from a vein specialist.
At Specialist Vein Care, Dr Ivor Berman (link) is a Phlebologist (Vein specialist) and Radiologist, who provides state of the art techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease, including Varicose, Reticular and Spider veins.
It is worth considering booking an appointment with Specialised Vein Care when self-care techniques such as exercise, lifting your legs while sitting and/or wearing compression stockings have not worked or even for aesthetic improvement.
We offer different treatments depending on your diagnosis, such as Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), Ambulatory Phlebectomy (AP), Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS),Glue(Cyanoacrylate), Microsclerotherapy and Conservative treatment. (links)
To make an appointment today to have your venous disease assessed by Dr Berman, please phone (03) 9561 5155.
The post What causes Varicose, Spider, and Reticular Veins? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The post Does Microsclerotherapy Remove Leg Veins Permanently? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The most common question and understandably the most troubling for people is whether Sclerotherapy “will permanently remove my varicose and spider veins”.
The gold standard treatment remains injection sclerotherapy which is highly as has been a proven effective therapy since the mid-1900s.
This procedure is usually undertaken for cosmetic purposes, but can in some cases improve related lower leg issues such as aching, itching and burning sensations.
Prior to any treatment we routinely conduct an initial consultation to assess suitability and safety for the treatment and perform a duplex ultrasound. The ultrasound is performed to exclude/demonstrate underlying feeder veins and sometimes varicose veins which may not be visually evident. This is important as the presence of these underlying veins can alter outcomes and the best form of therapy.
The procedure involves injecting the problem veins with a medical solution through a very small/fine needle. Depending on the number and extent of the veins, the number of injections will vary, but usually 15 minutes is enough time to treat all the veins of concern.
Ultimately, the scarred vein will collapse due to insufficient blood flow, and will eventually be reabsorbed into surrounding tissue and fade away.
“Don’t I need these veins?”
The answer is no. These veins are of cosmetic importance only.
“How many treatments will I need?”
The answer is variable. Some people get a great result with one treatment and others may take several treatment sessions. It is not possible to predict with certainty how many treatment sessions any individual will require.
“Will they come back?”
The answer to this question is that the treated veins do not return. What happens is that over time most people will create some new spider veins. We are unsure of the reason and one cannot prevent this from happening.
Depending on the individual, the effects of therapy can be seen shortly after treatment but it can take up to 12 weeks to see the full effect..
Your medical specialist at Specialist Vein Care, will provide you all the information required if you’re deemed a successful candidate for the procedure.
Further detailed information on Microsclerotherapy can be found here, or give the team at SVC a call and book in for an initial consultation.
The post Does Microsclerotherapy Remove Leg Veins Permanently? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The post Microsclerotherapy: The Best Non Invasive Treatment For Spider Veins first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>In reference to the small, purple and blue veins commonly found on the legs or face, spider veins are simply clusters of tiny blood vessels that develop closer to the surface of the skin.
While there are a multitude of ways to remove of these unsightly veins, some methods of laser removal can be invasive and quite painful.
The gold standard for spider vein removal remains injection sclerotherapy.
At our Melbourne based clinic, Specialist Vein Care, we offer multiple products for spider vein removal. These products include Polidocanol (Aethoxysklerol), Fibrovein (Sodium tetradecyl sulphate) and 20% Normal Saline, we provide microsclerotherapy to treat even the smallest spider veins.
A microsclerotherapy session typically takes anywhere between 15-45 minutes long to perform. The method essentially involves ultra-fine needles being used to inject a solution into the spider veins causing them to disappear. Depending on the response of the veins to the therapy, as well as the number of veins requiring treatment, patients may require variable number of injections which may need to be repeated over several sessions.
Despite the advances in laser therapy, injection sclerotherapy remains the best and most reliable method.
With regular treatments, most patients can expect at least 70% improvement in the appearance of spider veins.
Another key benefit of the microsclerotherapy method of removal is that it is less painful compared to other laser solutions. The development and use of ultra-fine needles also means a less invasive treatment that has proven to be more comfortable for patients.
Not uncommonly the surface veins are fed by slightly larger deeper veins that may or may not be visible to the naked eye. Hence we always use ultrasound in combination to ensure that there are no underlying abnormal veins contributing to the surface disease.
If these are present they should be treated otherwise the results may be suboptimal. These are treated in the same session.
At Specialist Vein Care, Dr. Ivor Berman and his staff are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease, utilising minimally invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy. Every patient that we see is carefully uated and the best treatment regime for each patient is determined and discussed.
To make an appointment to discuss your particular venous issue and to have your venous disease assessed by Dr Berman, please phone 9561 5155.
The post Microsclerotherapy: The Best Non Invasive Treatment For Spider Veins first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The post A Current Affair – Non Surgical Management of Varicose Veins first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The post Why is it important to perform a duplex scan in a patient with venous disease ? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>I sometimes get questioned as to why this is necessary and so important.
The reason is that management of the venous disease depends on identifying abnormal aspects to the vein disease not able to be seen at the skin surface and responsible for the clinical or cosmetically visual problem. A person can and not uncommonly does have classic signs and symptoms of venous disease with no visible abnormality at the skin surface. The only way to accurately determine the cause of a person’s problem and the best treatment methods are by performing an ultrasound duplex scan.
Also multiple different patterns of incompetent vein disease can result in a similar appearance of abnormalities at the surface.
If vein reflux is identified and contributory to spider vein disease, then in order to get a good outcome this needs to be treated either before or in conjunction with treatment of the spider veins.Treatment decisions based solely upon clinical uations are often fraught with errors and often accounts for unsuccessful outcomes.
Therefore, it is imperative that all patients undergoing uation for lower extremity varicose or spider vein disease undergo an ultrasound study of the superficial venous system to determine the pattern or patterns of incompetence prior to making any treatment recommendations.
The goals of the ultrasound examination is to identify all incompetent truncal and other veins and to determine whether they are responsible for the patient’s clinical problem.
The ultrasound examination should be performed with the patient either near vertical or in the standing position. Generally, the examination begins at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) at the groin, and proceeds down to the ankle. A relatively standard protocol exists to ensure all relevant veins are examined. In addition to reflux, the truncal veins are measured as this has implications towards method of therapy. We also simultaneously examine the deep venous system as again this has implications with respect to treatment and outcomes. As the above examination takes time to perform, usually 30-60 minutes are required (one or two legs) to get an accurate complete picture
Ideally this should be performed by an expert vascular sonographer to ensure accuracy of the scan. We regularly have to repeat scans at our practice due to inadequate or incorrect studies performed elsewhere.
If you have venous disease but are unsure whether these are of any clinical significance or if you have spider vein disease that worry you, please give us a call and organise an appointment.
We can discuss your particular venous issue, discuss options and create an individualised treatment plan if required. The venous disease that you have may well require reassurance only with no treatment required.
To make an appointment today to have your venous disease assessed by Dr Berman, please phone 9561 5155
The post Why is it important to perform a duplex scan in a patient with venous disease ? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The post What should people with varicose veins know? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The good news is that in most people varicose veins are unlikely to ever cause them harm and that treatment is not essential !
For those who need or want treatment, a variety of non-surgical options are available.
It is important that people undergoing therapy understand that veins recur.Treatment really, irrespective of method is control not necessarily cure.I regularly hear the following: “I had my veins treated but they have come back”.This is both correct and incorrect. Veins that are removed are gone. There are new veins, yes, but these are not the same ones. What is happening is that over time, and commonly, new varicose veins grow.We do not know the reason for this.I often tell my patients that “One cannot treat veins that have not developed as yet”.
On average it is about 7 years between having ones veins treated and them returning to a similar degree.
So the best thing to do after vein therapy is to have an early follow up at 3-6 months and then 1-2 yearly, so that if treatment becomes necessary, the treatment is much easier and less involved. In other words keeping them at bay.
There is little one can do to prevent the recurrence of veins.It is also not possible to predict who is more likely to redevelop varicose and/or spider veins or when.
Patients for whom discomfort is the main problem can wear support stockings or compression socks. Elevation of the legs may relieve symptoms.General advice includes: Regular exercise – however there is no real supportive evidence that this helps.Keeping ones weight under control may reduce symptoms but be aware that excessive weight loss can make ones veins more visible!
Of course if veins are of concern from a cosmetic point of view they can be treated regardless of whether they are producing any symptoms.
There are published guidelines re the management of venous disease. These are the NICE guidelines as stated below: Timing of treatment ranges from routine to urgent. If one has a bleeding varicosity this requires immediate attention. If a varicosity has bled or is likely to bleed again, this should ideally be treated in the next few days/week. If there is an ulcer, treatment should be planned in the near future. These ulcers tend not to heal unless the underlying venous disease is attended too. Routine, means that the veins should be treated but this can be is something that be planned at a convenient time.
Referral guidance for varicose veins from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
Emergency—Bleeding from a varicosity that has eroded the skin
Urgent—Varicosity that has bled and is at risk of bleeding again
Soon—Ulcer that is progressive or painful despite treatment
Routine—
Active or healed ulcer or progressive skin changes that may benefit from surgery
Recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis
Troublesome symptoms attributable to varicose veins, or patient and doctor feel that the extent, site, and size of varicosities are having a severe impact on quality of life
Also worth noting the following:
People are often reluctant or nervous to seek treatment as they do not wish for an operation or have heard about unpleasant experiences form others. Treatment these days is restively non-invasive and well tolerated with little if any downtime.
It one has concerns it is worth exploring. One does not necessarily require therapy and may just need reassurance. If treatment is warranted the individual situation can be assessed and discussed. Mostly fears about treatment are inappropriate and can be allayed by explanation and reassurance
Also remember that leg pain can be due to other reasons such as referred pain from the back. Careful history and examination will usually sort this out.
At Specialist Vein Care, Dr. Ivor Berman and his staff are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease, utilising minimally invasive procedures. We can discuss your particular venous issue, discuss options and create an individualised treatment plan if required.
To make an appointment today to have your venous disease assessed by Dr Berman, please phone 9561 5155.
The post What should people with varicose veins know? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The post Restless Legs Syndrome and Varicose Vein Disease first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>Restless legs syndrome also includes other sensations such as tingling, tugging, itching, aching, burning, twitching, throbbing, or a creepy-crawly sensation that causes patients to jiggle their legs to find relief. It disrupts sleep and, in some cases, leads to insomnia, as patients anticipate yet another night filled with unbearable symptoms.
There are several causes, with venous disease being a major contributor.
Other conditions such as iron deficiency, renal disease, diabetes, Parkinsons and peripheral neuropathy are also known causes.
Simple treatment may include limiting caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.
Back in 1944, Dr Karl A Ekbom linked restless legs syndrome (RLS) with vein disease.
In 2008 a team of doctors, led by C.A. Hayes, conducted a study with 35 patients who had RLS ranging from moderate to severe who also had superficial venous insufficiency (SVI).
They found that the RLS symptoms in a majority of their patients improved after treating their venous disease.
Nearly 89 percent of the patients reported a distinct improvement, while more than 50 percent of the patients reported that most of their symptoms had vanished as a result of the treatment.
In addition, 31 percent of the patients experienced total relief.
For RLS patients, this is potentially great news !
Varicose vein disease is usually visible at the skin surface, however, there can be extensive disease which is not readily apparent with it being “hidden” below the skin surface. Ultrasound uation is required to demonstrate this disease.
If you are one of those patients with restless legs syndrome it may be worth being assessed by a vein specialist (phlebologist) to see whether there is any vein disease contributing to the restless leg syndrome which may be treated.
At Specialist Vein Care, Dr. Ivor Berman and his staff are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease, utilising minimally invasive procedures. We can discuss your particular venous issue, discuss options and create an individualised treatment plan if required
To make an appointment today to have your venous disease assessed by Dr Berman, please phone 9561 5155.
The post Restless Legs Syndrome and Varicose Vein Disease first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The post Is it possible to prevent varicose veins and spider veins? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>Some people start getting them in their early teens whilst others develop them later on in life.
Fortunately however there are some things that one can do to reduce the likelihood of getting them!
These same steps may also help relieve the discomfort from the ones you already have.
These include the following:
If you have spider or varicose veins and they are causing concern from a symptomatic or visual point of view or if you have these but are uncertain whether these are of any concern at all, please give us a call and organise an appointment.
We can discuss your particular venous issue, discuss options and create an individualised treatment plan if required. The venous disease that you have may well require reassurance only with no treatment required.
To make an appointment today to have your venous disease assessed by Dr Berman, please phone 9561 5155
The post Is it possible to prevent varicose veins and spider veins? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The post What factors increase my risk of developing varicose veins and spider veins? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>About 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men over the age of 50 have varicose veins.
Every vein has valves that allow one directional flow. The basic problem is that for whatever reason, these valves fail, allowing blood to pool due to gravity. This increasing pressure in the affected vein generally and therefore increasing the size of the vein and its side branches.
Overall we are uncertain why this occurs in some people and not others.
There are some factors which are thought to increase a person’s chances of developing them.
These include the following:
Overall there is little that one can do to limit the development of venous disease.
If you have venous disease but are unsure whether these are of any clinical significance, please give us a call and organise an appointment.
We can discuss your particular venous issue, discuss options and create an individualised treatment plan if required. The venous disease that you have may well require reassurance only with no treatment required.
To make an appointment today to have your venous disease assessed by Dr Berman, please phone 9561 5155
The post What factors increase my risk of developing varicose veins and spider veins? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>The post How would I know if I have a vein problem? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
]]>Although discomfort in the legs can be due to various medical problems, varicose veins is a significant contributor.
It can often be difficult to differentiate what is causing the discomfort in the legs.
Common symptoms of varicose veins in the legs include:
If you are unsure or concerned, then a duplex venous ultrasound could be performed in order to exclude this as a possibility.
If you have a varicosity that has bled or is bleeding, superficial thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis as described immediately below, this is far more serious and warrants urgent attention.
More serious manifestations of venous disease include:
If you have any concern, then please let us help!
Please give us a call and make an appointment.
We can discuss your particular venous issue, discuss options and create an individualised treatment plan if required. The venous disease that you have may well require reassurance only with no treatment required.
To make an appointment today to have your venous disease assessed by Dr Berman, please phone 9561 5155
The post How would I know if I have a vein problem? first appeared on Specialist Vein Care.
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