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9 Hidden Health Risks of Untreated Varicose Veins

Jan 18, 2018 | Varicose Veins, Vein Conditions, Vein Health

When one thinks of vein treatment, often what immediately comes to mind is the aesthetic aspect. But there are hidden health risks of untreated varicose veins. Varicose, spider, reticular, and pregnancy veins are all considered unsightly. While many may not care to invest in treating vein conditions and are willing to accept the look of their blue, red or purplish veins, this certainly isn’t the only reason to consider having vein treatments. The truth is, some vein conditions carry their share of risks as well as discomfort, and if left untreated can lead to larger issues.

Varicose veins are a common symptom of age (especially in women), a sedentary lifestyle, and excess body weight, among other genetic factors. Most people consider them more of an unsightly cosmetic inconvenience, rather than an actual health risk.

Learn the Health Risks of Untreated Varicose Veins:

If left untreated for a prolonged period, varicose veins pose some potential major health risks that could leave you hospitalized and in pain.

1. Changes in Skin

The skin near an untreated varicose vein will turn “shiny”, feel waxy and thin, and take on a darker, almost bruised pigmentation. This will deepen over time without treatment. The skin around a varicose vein is easily disturbed and delicate enough to be damaged by a slight bump. Heavy bruising is not uncommon.

While not a serious health risk, this symptom causes many to feel self-conscious about their skin. Dermatitis from the varicose vein could lead to infection if not treated properly.

2. Itching

One of the most common symptoms of untreated varicose veins is an “itching” sensation. It is often treated as dry skin if varicose veins are not obvious. This symptom is one of the mildest on this list and can often be treated with over-the-counter skin salves and ointments. Seeking the opinion of a specialist is important to make sure that there aren’t serious issues happening beneath the skin.

3. Swelling

Varicose veins can cause far more problems than meets the eye. Don’t think that they are simply visible little veins. They are visible for a reason. When blood isn’t pumping out of the legs properly due to damaged valves within the vein walls, blood begins to collect. This enlarges parts of the veins where blood is stagnant.

While some people may never feel any discomfort due to appearance of varicose veins, there are many who experience leg swelling, cramps, restlessness, and even burning sensations.

4. Pain and Cramping

Because varicose veins affect the flow of blood through the veins, oxygen that is carried through the blood does not reach the proper areas, leading to muscle cramps near the site of the vein. These cramps are painful, sometimes debilitating, and can severely affect mobility.

5. Bleeding

Some experience bleeding when veins close to the skin burst. While this isn’t usually a very serious health risk it’s important to have veins checked and treated so it does not continue to occur. Bleeding can sometimes prove heavy. In cases of bleeding, it is important to seek medical assistance.

6. Ulcers Due to Untreated Varicose Veins

Venous diseases can also cause leg ulcers. An ulcer is a break in the skin, which is dangerous due to exposure to bacteria and infection. According to Mayo Clinic, these ulcers are caused by long-term fluid buildup in the tissues surrounding the varicose veins due to “increased pressure of the blood within the affected veins”. These ulcers are slow-healing, painful, and can even be caused simply by scratching the skin over a varicose vein.

Leg ulcers can easily get infected and lead to further health complications. Treating a varicose vein is paramount to treating an ulcer, as the ulcer is not likely to heal while the vein is still affected. Healing leg ulcers can take a very long time and often require a wound care specialist. This can be avoided with proper vein treatment before the ulcers take hold.

7. Superficial Thrombophlebitis

This condition occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein that is close to the skin, causing it to swell and push against the dermis (layer of skin under the epidermis), making it visible. This symptom causes discomfort and can lead to more complications, since the vein is more vulnerable to damage or irritation.

8. Deep Vein Thrombosis (Blood Clots)

When varicose veins are present, the blood in the veins is unable to cycle back through and pools in the body. This creates what is called “stagnant blood flow”. A blood clot located in deep veins is known as deep vein thrombosis. While superficial veins are not at risk for deep vein thrombosis, often those who experience discomfort from varicose veins may not realize that perhaps their discomfort is from deep veins.

Blood clots for superficial veins are often not much of a health problem; however, according to WebMD clots found in deep veins have the potential to travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing potentially life-threatening issues. This is one of the most serious health risks associated with untreated varicose veins.

9. Lipodermatosclerosis

The appearance of veins may indeed be a warning of a bigger issue, which is why it’s important to have them checked by a doctor. For example, varicose veins are a key symptom in an illness called Lipodermatosclerosis. The National Institute of Health says those suffering from this disease suffer “pain, hardening of skin, change in skin color, swelling, and tapering of legs above the ankles.” It’s important to start recommended treatment to control symptoms, as in more severe cases surgery may be necessary.

Don’t Ignore Unsightly Veins

While many unsightly veins prove simply superficial, there are potential risks to ignoring them. It is important to have visible veins checked, and if necessary, treatment by a medical professional to avoid future issues that may cause discomfort, stress, and serious health problems.

Call today to schedule an appointment at The New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center, a leading center for treatment of varicose vein disease and venous insufficiency, or visit our website for more information.

Why Sclerotherapy is the Most Common Spider Vein Treatment

Nov 30, 2017 | News

Sclerotherapy is the most effective and common spider vein treatment option. It has been called the Gold Standard by a multitude of patients and providers around the country. Are unsightly spider veins keeping you from being your most confident self?

If so, you’re not alone.

It’s estimated that one in five Americans, ages 18-60+, are burdened by the trademark of blue, knotted veins on their calves and inner legs.

Spider veins are smaller versions of varicose veins and are visible on the surface of the skin.

They are known for their thin, tangled, web-like appearance and are mainly seen as a cosmetic nuisance.

As do most vein doctors, Dr. Stuart Miller at New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center (NJVVC) considers sclerotherapy the most effective treatment for small varicose veins and spider veins available today.

Why? Well, let’s take a look at the other options.

Alternative Treatment Options

One popular treatment is Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment. With IPL, a local anesthetic is administered, and the use of heat energy destroys the abnormal veins. The vein is then absorbed into the body over a short period of time. Another option is surface lasers. They are similar to IPL treatments in that the heat from a laser destroys the diseased vein.

Saline injection, classified as the older alternative, is rarely used anymore due to the risk of skin necrosis. However, some clinics still offer this treatment.

Doctors inject a hypertonic saline solution into the veins to irritate the lining, causing it to collapse and stick together.

How These Other Procedures Fall Short

IPL and laser treatments are often painful and can result in blistering of the skin. The average cost for these treatments is high and the effects of this procedure are rarely desired. They are not long-lasting, and the patient will need to return every four weeks to see continued results.

Saline solution injection often results in an extreme burning sensation and possible skin alteration at the injection site. The results are minimal and continued treatment is advised. Sclerotherapy has graduated beyond this painful treatment and has exceeded the expectations of many clinics and patients.

Sclerotherapy is the Gold Standard for Spider Vein Treatment

Sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment for spider veins available today.

The treatment takes 15 minutes to an hour to complete and doesn’t require anesthetics.

It’s important to understand that no treatment for spider veins will prevent new veins from forming.

The sclerosant solution is administered by a thin needle that fills the vein, causing it to collapse and disappear before your eyes. A band-aid is then applied to the injection area and recommended compression stockings are applied.

The procedure is minimally invasive and will reduce up to 80% of spider veins within the first treatment.

Additional medical advancement of this treatment includes ultrasound assistance and foam solutions for those deeper, more damaged veins.

Let New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center help you step out in confidence. Contact us today and see for yourself what sclerotherapy can do for you!

Travel and Vascular Health: Exercises and Tips for Vein Care While On-The-Go

Nov 17, 2017 | News

The holidays are fast approaching and for many of us that means cold temperatures and traveling to visit with family and loved ones while spending hours in confined spaces to get there. If you have ever gone on a plane or long car ride and taken your shoes off and found it difficult to put them back on upon arrival, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Being crammed into a tight plane seat for several hours can do more than just cramp your style. Hours of immobility can be extremely dangerous to vascular health.

Economy class syndrome, otherwise called DVT or deep vein thrombosis, is a blood clot that can develop in the legs, especially on flights longer than 8-10 hours.

The best way to prevent DVTs is to stay mobile and active during your journey. Here are some tips for vein care and exercises you can do to maintain vascular health while traveling.

Take a stroll.

The key to vascular health is staying active. One of the easiest ways to keep the blood flowing is by walking.

A quick stroll around the plane every hour or so, especially on flights longer than 4 hours, will go a long way in keeping your leg veins healthy.

If you are stuck in a cramped hotel room, walk around the building or make use of the hotel gym and pool.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing.

The more comfortable you are, the better. Loose-fitting clothing will less likely
impede blood flow in the legs and make it easier to get around and move.

Keep hydrated and avoid alcohol.

Dehydration can slow circulation, contributing to the occurrence of blood clots. Alcohol can be a contributing factor to dehydration, as well as making you
feel sluggish.

Skip that in-flight beer and fill up on water to keep hydrated and motivated to move while traveling.

Do some sitting exercises.

If you find that you cannot get up often enough, there are some exercises you can do while sitting in your plane seat.

While pointing your foot towards the ceiling, squeeze your toes and hold for 3 seconds. You can repeat this exercise 10 times with both feet every half hour.

While in your seat, stretch your feet up and down, rolling your ankles.

These small exercises can be enough to keep your blood flowing.

Wear compression stockings.

If you are at risk for vein issues, compression stockings can aid in preventing DVTs while traveling.

Compression stockings prevent leg swelling and allowing blood to flow properly throughout your feet and legs.

The last thing anyone wants is to end up ill after traveling to be with loved ones for the holidays, so keep these exercises and tips for vein care in mind. For more information about vascular health, contact NJVVC today!

Varicose & Spider Veins: Does My Insurance Cover It?

Oct 25, 2017 | News

Do you have insurance concerns regarding varicose and spider veins? We’re here to help. Varicose veins are typically covered by many insurance companies, while spider veins are not. However, this depends on what type of insurance you have and the circumstances based on your individual condition. Let’s take a closer look.

Vein disease (varicose and spider veins) is a very real ailment. The common misconception that they are both only cosmetic issues, leads many patients to ignore the signs and symptoms associated with vein disease which includes pain, leg restlessness, and protruding discomfort. A patient’s experience of these symptoms is a sign that corrective procedures must to be done to alleviate the problem. These indicators are also significant to insurance companies regarding coverage.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins result from damage to the tiny valves within the vein walls. Once they’re damaged, blood can no longer flow efficiently from the foot back to the heart. Blood moving in opposite directions results in stagnating blood and causes varicose vein disease.

Since most varicose veins are a medical necessity, insurance companies will cover it.

Medical necessities include:

Venous Insufficiency
Pain and Leg Cramps
Ulcers on the Legs
Bleeding from Varicose Veins
Presence of Reflux on Ultrasound

Some insurance carriers will require three months of conservative therapy before they will consider treatment a covered medical expense.

Conservative therapy includes:

wearing compression stockings everyday
leg elevation
weight loss

Spider Veins

60% of adults have spider veins, which are caused by pressure of body weight along with gravity, struggling to get blood to the heart.

These thin blue, red, and purple lines are generally harmless and pose no medical threats.

Spider veins are rarely covered by insurance companies as it’s typically considered a “cosmetic” treatment.

Ways to reduce the formation of spider veins:

quitting smoking
losing weight
exercising

It’s important to note, that 1 in 4 people with clusters of spider veins actually have vein disease which can be painful like varicose veins.

That’s why it’s important for people with spider veins to have a full diagnostic exam done using an ultrasound to determine the diagnosis.

Treatment for spider veins may be covered by insurance based on exam results.

Each patient’s needs are unique. Contact New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center for more information on varicose and spider veins or to schedule a free screening and consultation.

Occupations Most at Risk for Varicose Veins – How to Help

Jun 14, 2017 | News

There are a variety of factors that make a person more susceptible to developing varicose veins. Age, weight, gender, and genetics are some of these, but your occupation may actually be the main culprit of varicose veins. Any job that requires prolonged periods of standing and sitting put you at risk for varicose veins. Some of these occupations include:

Retail and hospitality
Healthcare
Administration and IT
Hairdressing and barbering
Truck driving
Teaching

These are only a few of the examples of the types of jobs that may lead to the development of varicose veins. So, what can be done about it? Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce your risk.

Move!

Exercise is vital in maintaining vascular health by helping to keep weight down and blood flowing. If you work behind a desk all day, try taking a walk on your lunch break or taking the stairs instead of the elevator on your way up to the office.

Kick your heels up

It is also important to rest and elevate your legs when you can. Standing behind a cash register all day can take a toll. Break times should be spent with your legs up whenever possible.

Compression

Compression stockings can aid in keeping blood from pooling in your legs. Commercial drivers may find these especially helpful when time and space are limited.

Taking precautions to prevent varicose veins is crucial. While most of the time they do not cause any long-term medical issues, they can be painful and require surgical intervention. For more information, call a vascular health specialist today.

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