Dec 21, 2021 | Spider Veins, Vein Conditions, Vein Treatments
Do you have clusters of red, blue, or purple veins on your ankles or feet? Are these veins thin and close to the surface of the skin? If so, it sounds like you have spider veins. Many people come to our vein center asking about the spider veins on their ankles and how to treat them.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins develop when blood gathers in the veins that exist near your skin’s surface. These veins have stopped working efficiently because they are weak or damaged. Blood backs up and pools, causing the veins to become visible.
Why Are Spider Veins Commonly Found on Ankles and Feet?
Ankles and feet are prone to developing spider veins. Slower blood circulation and increased pressure on veins causes feet to swell. This encourages the formation of spider veins.
You also find spider veins on the thighs, calves, and face.
What Factors Influence the Development of Spider Veins?
Heredity plays a major role in the development of spider veins. In fact, studies show that up to 90 percent of people who have spider veins have a family history of them.
Other factors can include:
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Obesity
• Trauma
• Sunlight exposure
• Pregnancy
What Do Spider Veins on Ankles Look Like?
Spider veins have a specific look. They seem to gather and branch out from a central location. Each vein is usually less than 1mm in diameter.
This common grouping of veins often resembles a branch, a spider, or a spiderweb. Now you know where the name “spider veins” comes from!
When blue and/or red spider veins are on the inside of the ankle or foot and form a crown-like pattern, it is called corona phlebectasia. This is associated with advanced vein problems. People with corona phlebectasia should visit a vein doctor for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan.
Symptoms of Spider Veins
Spider veins on the ankles, although unsightly, usually don’t indicate a serious health problem.
Sometimes they are itchy or painful. But most often, spider veins are mainly annoying from a cosmetic standpoint. Understandably, people want unattractive spider veins treated.
In rare cases, spider veins contribute to the formation of large skin sores, or ulcers. This problem is most likely to occur near spider veins on the ankles and requires immediate treatment.
Treatment for Spider Veins on Ankles
Excellent treatment exists for unattractive spider veins on feet and ankles.
You can try some simple things at home to ease minor discomfort and prevent additional spider veins from forming.
Unfortunately, untreated spider veins will worsen over time.
To eliminate existing spider veins, visit our office for safe and effective treatment.
Ways to Prevent Spider Veins on Your Ankles
When sitting, keep your feet elevated above your heart. This will improve your circulation and can even reduce the size of spider veins in your ankles and feet. Use a recliner or put pillows under your feet in bed.
Wear compression socks. Compression socks will improve your blood circulation and reduce pressure on leg and foot veins. Your feet will not swell, reducing the development of more spider veins.
Try not to stand for a long period of time. And try to stand on your tiptoes at workable intervals. This will improve leg muscles and blood circulation in spider veins.
Exercise more. Increase your physical activity to reduce vein discomfort. Regular-paced walking will improve your spider vein health.
Learn useful massages for your ankles and feet. Our doctor can discuss what type of massage will work best in your situation.
Visit Our Office for a Spider Vein Evaluation
Patients come to our office for accurate diagnosis and state-of-the-art treatment of spider veins and other vein issues.
At NJVVC, we know the importance of thoroughly understanding your vein health. We perform comprehensive vein evaluations so we can successfully treat your spider vein problems.
Sclerotherapy Treatment for Spider Veins
Before our doctor treats your spider veins, he will make sure they aren’t associated with varicose veins. If our doctor finds this connection, he will first treat your varicose veins; this will keep the spider veins from reappearing after treatment.
Spider veins in themselves may not be a serious problem, but varicose veins often need treatment.
Visual Sclerotherapy is extremely effective in the treatment of spider veins. It involves injection of a solution into the spider vein. The solution causes the vein to collapse.
This treatment requires no anesthesia.
The sclerosing agent that we use at NJVVC is safe and comfortable for the patient. Your treated spider veins will collapse and disappear three to six weeks after your procedure.
If you have spider veins or other vein issues, contact us for an appointment. We offer expert diagnosis and treatment.
Aug 21, 2021 | Leg Care, Skin Conditions, Vein Conditions, Venous Insufficiency
This blog covers the first signs of leg ulcers and both medical and at-home treatments. We’ll discuss why it’s important to examine the underlying causes and how to reduce and prevent their frequency.
An ulcer is an open sore on your skin. Ulcers can affect any area of your skin, but often, they occur on the legs.
Leg ulcers can be very painful and often take as long as three to four months to heal, with appropriate treatment.
The most common cause of leg ulcers is poor blood circulation in your veins. This can lead to several other issues including chronic vein insufficiency. Early detection is key in preventing irreparable damage.
Anatomy of Leg Ulcers
A leg ulcer is a chronic sore that develops between your knee and your ankle. They typically appear on your inner leg near your ankle and may take several weeks if not months to heal.
They present as large, red, swollen, fluid-seeping sores with irregular edges that are resistant to healing.
Generally, ulcers are characterized by how they look, their location, the surrounding skin.
Some causes of leg ulcers include:
• Lymphedema
• Venous Disease
• Peripheral Arterial Disease
• History of Leg Ulcers
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Undergoing Surgery or Injuring an Infected Leg
Signs and Symptoms
Most symptoms of vein disorders are transitory and can be effectively treated. However, venous leg ulcers are much more challenging and severe.
The heightened risk of an open sore getting infected is what distinguishes it from other diseases. If left untreated, a venous leg ulcer can have a negative impact on your health.
Signs of leg ulcers may include aching and tightness in your calves. Throbbing or a heavy feeling in your legs may also signify their coming appearance.
Once an ulcer develops, you may see discolored splotches around the edges due to pooled and trapped blood.
Some leg ulcers will only affect the skin, however, there are times when the sore may descend deeper into your muscle, your tendon, fat layer, or bone.
Risk Factors
Women are at a higher risk of having Venous leg ulcers. Women affected tend to be in their forties, while the men affected tend to be in their seventies. Other possible causes for venous leg ulcers include:
• Cancer
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Immobility
• Pregnancy
• Varicose Veins
• Heredity/Genetics
• Incompetent Valves
• Swelling of a Superficial Vein (phlebitis)
• Muscle Weakness in the Legs, Leg Injury, or Trauma
A majority of ulcers heal within three months. However, some ulcers may take years to heal and about 15% may never completely heal.
Seeking Medical Help
You should contact your doctor if you have a wound that will not heal, or if you think that your wound is infected. Your doctor should inquire about any history of recurring or chronic conditions, like diabetes or hardening of the arteries.
In some cases, additional tests such as an X-ray or CT scan may be needed.
Signs of a wound or leg ulcer infection can include:
• Chills
• Odor
• Fever
• Bleeding
• Increased Pain
• Excess Drainage
• Swelling About the Wound
• Redness, Increased Warmth
• Cloudy or Yellowish Drainage
Diagnosing Leg Ulcers
A physician will perform a Doppler Study to evaluate your veins and arteries. During a Doppler Study, an ultrasound probe is placed on the skin in order to visualize blood flow patterns.
Your doctor may also obtain blood pressure readings at your arms and ankles for comparison if he/she suspects arterial disease.
Treating Leg Ulcers
Some treatment options are non-invasive, while other methods are medically involved. Treatment options are administered based on the severity of your condition.
Medical treatment strives to enhance blood flow to the affected area as well as encourage recovery of the ulcer.
Practicing Prevention
Here are some things that you can do at home to prevent a leg ulcer.
Compression Stockings
Compression stockings assist in reducing strain and edema on the skin due to increased pressure and swelling.
Elevate Your Legs
Elevating your legs will help in circulating blood back to your heart. Also, use a pillow to prop up your feet when sleeping, and elevate your legs above your heart for 30 minutes when you awaken, and repeat up to four times daily.
Maintain Healthy Skin
Keep your lower legs clean and moisturized with a non-drying, alcohol-free moisturizing cream or lotion.
Exercise
Exercise is known to promote healthy veins and blood flow. Daily exercise is also an awesome way to increase circulation. Foot and ankle exercises can promote good blood flow. So, give it a try.
Point your toes upwards, then point them away from you. Repeat this exercise for a few sets every day. This can be done in a sitting or standing position.
New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center in Morris County is committed to personalized patient care and good vein health.
Our state-of-the-art vein center maintains the highest standards and advances in the field of vein and vascular care. Our goal is to diagnose and treat the underlying causes of your various vein conditions.
For more on our office and services, please contact us today.
Jun 21, 2021 | General Health, Vein Conditions, Venous Insufficiency
This blog covers the basics of venous insufficiency a precursor for chronic vein insufficiency( CVI). It also goes into detail about the symptoms, causes and common treatments of CVI.
Over 40% of people in the United States have chronic venous insufficiency. Early detection is key to preventing damage caused by vein disease.
That’s why we’ve put together a guide on everything there is to know about CVI and how a vein specialist can help remediate symptoms.
What is CVI?
Chronic venous insufficiency or CVI is an acute or persisting form of venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is a vein disease that occurs when valves in the leg are not working properly.
When these valves are not functioning, it becomes difficult to return blood to the heart. Blood will then begin to collect and pool. The “pooling” of blood in our veins is called stasis.
What Causes CVI?
First, let’s go back to basic biology with the anatomy of a vein and our circulatory system. Our heart pumps blood through the arteries to our entire body to keep it functioning.
Our veins are responsible for returning blood to the heart. In order to reach the heart, our blood needs to flow upward from our legs.
To do this, our leg muscles contract while walking. This causes our veins to push blood against gravity and towards our heart.
However, something else needs to be in place to keep our blood flowing up, not down. That’s where valves gain their importance.
Each vein in our legs contains one-way valves. These valves are responsible for keeping blood flowing in an upward direction.
When they are not properly functioning, valves no longer have the ability to direct blood. This allows blood to pool and collect which causes CVI.
Valve damage is a common cause of CVI and can occur due to several reasons. It can result from simply aging or from extended sitting and reduced mobility.
Although, the most common cause of CVI is Deep Vein thrombosis (DVT).
CVI vs DVT
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the veins deep inside your body.
CVI differs from DVT mainly due to its causes. CVI can often occur without a clear-cut reason whereas DVT happens because of immobility.
People often develop blood clots after surgery or traveling for that reason.
Learn more about understanding and preventing DVT.
Symptoms of CVI
Over time, CVI can cause many symptoms and affect our bodies in more ways than one.
CVI can cause severe pain and swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles. It can also cause changes to the skin on your legs that lead to ulcers or open sores.
Venous ulcers are painful and notoriously known to be very difficult to heal. Venous ulcers also have a high tendency to become infected, causing even more trouble for your body.
If you have any symptoms of CVI, it’s better to see a doctor sooner rather than later. Non-invasive treatments become limited if the disease is left untreated.
Here are more common symptoms of CVI:
• Swelling in lower legs or ankles
• Aching in legs
• New varicose veins
• Flaking or itching skin near legs and feet
• Stasis ulcers
Stages of CVI
The severity of CVI depends on how long it’s left untreated. Symptoms of CVI increase as the disease progresses and so do the hidden health risks. Therefore, getting an early diagnosis of CVI can be the difference between having subtle or severe symptoms.
Once showing the common symptoms of venous insufficiency, patients should seek medical advice from their doctor.
For a formal diagnosis, your doctor may use a venous ultrasound to examine the blood circulation in your legs.
When left untreated, CVI can often reach a dangerous stage. Eventually, the pressure and swelling will get too much for our veins to handle.
This can lead to blood vessels in our legs bursting. The overlying skin in this area is then very sensitive and susceptible to cracking.
Treatments
After diagnosis, your doctor may treat CVI and its symptoms using several different methods.
These can include compression stockings or antibiotics, depending on the severity of the case.
The overall goal should be to improve your circulation and decrease venous insufficiency.
Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are the most common treatment for mild cases of venous insufficiency.
Compression stockings are lightly-fitted support stockings or socks.
Compression therapy aids the body in moving blood up the leg against the pull of gravity. They are used to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs.
Compression therapy is also used to aid in healing after various types of vein surgery.
Antibiotics
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to resolve any skin issues related to CVI. Issues can include deep skin infections caused by ulcers or sores.
Antibiotics will not treat the underlying issues of CVI, but they can still help clear up skin problems that manifest.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the most common spider vein and smaller varicose vein treatment. It involves injecting a solution directly into veins. The solution then causes the veins to collapse and disappear.
Sclerotherapy is one of the easier solutions to vein issues. Treatment time depends on the specific case but can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive and requires only topical anesthesia.
Sclerotherapy is typically used to treat spider veins or varicose veins. However, it can also treat symptoms of CVI. Treated veins usually disappear in three to six weeks. Some larger veins take longer.
Up to 80% of the spider veins treated will disappear with each treatment.
Endovenous Thermal Ablation
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is a superior treatment for vein problems. It is also known as laser vein ablation or obliteration.
Unlike conventional surgery, EVLT provides much less risk and is extremely precise.
A catheter with a laser tip is inserted into the vein. Ultrasound imaging helps guide exactly where to position the laser. The laser tip catheter is then activated inside the affected vein to shrink it down and seal it.
This stops the blood flow to that vein and diverts it into others. It increases circulation and relieves existing symptoms of CVI.
This outpatient treatment takes less than an hour and is minimally invasive. Relief of symptoms begins within several days of the procedure.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. It involves removing incompetent, superficial, or varicose veins.
This treatment is usually done on larger veins that bulge above the surface of the skin.
CVI can often be debilitating to deal with. But a CVI diagnosis does not mean you’re left without options. There are many treatments available to ease symptoms and vein issues. Finding the right vein specialist is the first step to recovery.
At the New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center, we’re committed to personalized vein care. Our goal is to diagnose and treat the underlying causes of various vein conditions.
For more on our vein services and treatments, please contact us today.
Sep 20, 2020 | Varicose Veins, Vein Conditions
Menopause dramatically reduces the amount of estrogen and progesterone produced in the ovaries. Because of that, women over 50 are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins.
Estrogen and progesterone contribute significantly to the health of women’s capillaries and veins. In addition to supporting vein valve functioning, these hormones also enhance blood flow.
Degradation of collagen fibers and smooth muscle relaxation caused by the loss of progesterone and estrogen promotes varicose veins. But it also causes two other vein diseases called venous insufficiency and venous thrombosis.
Veins and capillaries have cell receptors for both estrogen and progesterone. Studies show that the veins of menopausal women actually create more receptors in an attempt to “find” female hormones essential for their normal functioning.
Vein Valve Disorder and Menopause
Varicose veins emerge when valves controlling blood flow through veins don’t open properly. Valve dysfunction causes blood to pool in veins. Over time this will eventually result in visibly bulging, bluish veins.
While pregnancy or taking birth control pills may cause weakening of valves and temporary development of certain vein conditions, menopause will produce permanent varicose veins as ovaries drop production of estrogen and progesterone.
Varicose veins are typically asymptomatic and don’t present a health risk. In some cases, people experience their legs feeling heavy or achy. The swelling of the ankles and feet often accompanies this vein condition. More rarely, varicose veins produce burning sensations and itching around bulging veins.
Many women seeking help for varicose veins want to improve their appearance. More common than the uncomfortable symptoms that present, is the desire to eliminate and prevent.
There are a few minimally invasive procedures to improve the appearance of varicose veins on your legs. They do not require hospital stays or lengthy downtimes. Choosing the right treatment should be discussed with a doctor after a complete examination.
Can Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Reverse Development of Varicose Veins?
HRT may reduce the number of varicose veins that emerge during and after menopause. Although, hormone replacement cannot completely prevent veins from appearing. Hormone Replacement Therapy is a good way to keep your veins working properly. It is a viable treatment to consider after varicose veins are eliminated.
In addition to HRT, many women find that being a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and having an active lifestyle reduces the number of varicose veins that appear. Sitting or standing for too long in one position can also affect blood flow and veins.
Varicose Vein Treatment in Randolph, NJ
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
If you have large or visible veins above the skin’s surface, an ambulatory phlebectomy can help. This treatment is usually performed in conjunction with another therapy. It is minimally invasive. Patients can get back to their daily routine a few hours after the procedure.
It is typical to wear compression stockings for several weeks after this procedure. They help reduce discomfort and promote healing of treated areas.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
Endovenous Laser Treatment (ELVT) is an outpatient procedure that uses a laser to remove varicose veins. The heat emitted by the laser fiber effectively damages and shrinks varicose veins until they are absorbed by the body.
Once veins shrink enough to stop functioning, your circulatory system simply reroutes blood to nearby veins. Most patients see results from EVLT at the initial procedure.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
This form of therapy is often used to treat reticular veins and certain varicose veins. A sclerosing agent is injected into the vein to cause it to collapse and disappear. Ultrasound is used to guide the vein specialist to areas that are difficult to see from the surface.
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy can be done with other forms of treatment for the best possible results. Sodium chloride should never be used as a sclerosing agent as it causes severe pain.
Learn more about our varicose vein treatment options by calling New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center today. Ask about scheduling your free vein screening.
Jan 20, 2020 | Prevention of Vein Conditions, Spider Veins, Varicose Veins, Vein Care, Vein Conditions
Good vein health can’t be achieved overnight. It takes eating the right foods, exercise, and putting aside some bad habits. An estimated 40 million Americans are affected by varicose veins, which is just one type of vein complication. About half of those individuals have a history of varicose veins in their family. Women are the most likely to develop the disease. We have created this guide to vein conditions that could be affecting you.
While varicose veins are one of the most well-known vein complications, there is a range of other diseases that can affect your vascular system.
This condition is presented as white or bluish skin in the fingers and toes due to spasms in the small arteries.
With this malady, you’ll notice a pain in the feet and legs as well as hands and arms. This is brought on by blocked blood vessels.
Peripheral Venous Disease
This disorder initially shows as bulging in the veins under the skin, leading to a feeling of heaviness and pain in the legs.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
An ailment that causes poor circulation brought on by hardening or narrowing of the artery from smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc
Varicose veins are one of the most common vein issues. You’ll notice it by the bulging or purplish veins in the legs due to damaged valves.
We find that this issue is usually caused by pregnancy, bed rest, or damage to the veins. Pregnancy veins occur due to the increased size of the uterus during pregnancy. The uterus causes pressure on the large vein on the right side of the body, called the vena cava.
Usually painless, this condition affects almost 80% of adults due to hormone imbalances, weak veins, and genetic factors.
Whether inherited or acquired, these disorders make it so that blood does not clot normally. When this happens blood can often be found in urine or stool. It may also cause nosebleeds or excessive bleeding during childbirth.
Telangiectasia (Also Known as Spider Veins)
Spider veins are caused by the pressure of body weight, gravity and the tough job of carrying blood back to the heart. You may notice them on the face, breasts, and feet. Almost 60% of adults may have spider veins.
With this condition, fluid from the lymphatic system builds up and causes swollen arms and legs. Most often this is caused by damaged or missing lymph nodes or vessels.
Foods for Maintaining Good Vein Health
Support good vein health this year by integrating foods that increase and promote blood flow. You can accomplish this by looking for foods that are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Foods like citrus, broccoli, bell peppers, mangos, fish, etc.
It’s also important to include foods like brown rice, leafy greens, chia, and lentils that are high in fiber. Drinking enough water is also important for optimal vein health.
Precautions to Avoid Vascular Conditions
By integrating healthy lifestyle considerations into your day-to-day, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking, you can avoid future vascular problems.
If medications are needed to lower cholesterol and regulate your blood pressure, it’s important to take the meds as prescribed to mitigate the occurrence of vascular issues.
Cosmetic Varicose Veins Treatment and Spider Vein Treatment
Varicose and spider veins are treatable. Sclerotherapy is often the best method of treatment. This in-office procedure is an easy and painless way to resolve this cosmetic issue.
Other procedures can include stripping, ambulatory phlebectomy, endoscopic vein surgery, and endothermal ablation. Laser surgeries can also help to make the veins fade and disappear under intense light bursts.
Natural Therapies to Cure Vein Conditions
While cosmetic vein treatment is effective, regular exercise, dietary changes, compression stockings, and herbal remedies can guide to improve the symptoms and side effects of some vein conditions.
Doing regular yoga with positions where the lower legs are elevated above the heart helps in relieving symptoms of varicose veins.
Sound sleep also affects your vein health. Just one week of fewer hours of sleep can affect your vein condition.
Guide To Preventing Vein Conditions
The same remedies that help to reduce and eliminate the severity of vein conditions are also the treatments that you should continue even after a vein condition has improved.
Keep moving, eat right, and stop smoking. You may also consider wearing looser clothing and not standing or sitting for long periods of time.
For more information about caring for your veins or how to prevent vascular issues, please contact our office.
Jul 19, 2019 | Diabetes and Veins, Vein Conditions
Diabetes affects over 30 million Americans, according to the most recent data provided by the CDC. People most often attribute diabetes to blood-glucose levels, insulin, and even diabetic shock. But diabetes negatively affects the body in other ways. One area that often gets overlooked is the venous system and how your veins are affected by diabetes.
How does diabetes affect vein health?
Over time, high blood glucose levels can weaken or damage blood vessels. These weakened blood vessels make your veins more susceptible to infection.
A diabetic’s veins and blood vessels are prone to inflammation and weakness. Often, this creates the possibility of circulatory issues in addition to infection.
Vascular disease is also a possibility for diabetics if there is too much glucose in the blood.
Advanced diabetes may even result in nerve and tissue damage. This primarily happens in the legs where varicose veins are more common. Varicose veins are unsightly and cause pain, weakness, and overall discomfort. Weight gain as a result of diabetes can encourage varicose vein growth.
Often a sign of inflammation, varicose veins can also put extra pressure on the body’s immune and circulatory systems.
How is diabetes linked to vascular disease?
It is imperative that you maintain a healthy lifestyle when living with diabetes. Managing your dietary intake and exercising on a regular basis is important.
Without an emphasis on health, vascular diseases are bound to occur. Even when a diabetic keeps their glucose levels under control, they are still at risk for vascular diseases.
This is because diabetes affects:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Weight
- Mobility
These effects can lead to vascular diseases such as:
Retinopathy – abnormal growth of blood vessels in your retina
Nephropathy – a disease that damages the tiny filtering units of the kidney
Neuropathy – a condition causing a loss of sensation in the feet and toes
Atherosclerosis – caused by high blood pressure, this is when plaque builds up on the walls of arteries
Stroke – a blockage in arteries that causes and a loss of blood to the brain
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – the narrowing of arteries
Importance of diabetic care and being proactive.
Diabetes is unlike any other disease. It can be very overwhelming and time-consuming when considering treatment and care. Taking medication is not enough.
A diabetic needs to fully change their lifestyle in order to keep the disease at a minimum. It’s easy for diabetes to get out of control if certain conditions are not properly met.
Always take your medication on time, as prescribed.
Always take your medication on time, as prescribed.
Follow proper nutrition as directed by your health-care provider.
Check your blood glucose (sugar) levels regularly.
Get adequate amounts of exercise and physical activity (as recommended by your provider)
Find ways to eliminate stress
Finding the right vein and vascular specialist
When deciding on a specialist, it is imperative that you go with a provider who has knowledge and experience in a dedicated field. Your veins and vascular system play a vital role in your body. Thus, it is important they are handled appropriately.
The New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center is New Jersey’s leading vein center with the highest standard for patient care. Contact Us today to see how you can benefit from our services.
