venous insufficiency Archives - The New Jersey Vein & Vascular Center

What You Need to Know About Venous Ulcers

Aug 19, 2019 | Venous Insufficiency, Venous Ulcers

A product of venous insufficiency, venous ulcers are a painful and stressful health issue. Managing this condition means making lifestyle changes. But, how do you know if you have a venous ulcer to begin with? And, are there ways to prevent them?

Here we discuss everything you need to know about venous ulcers: what they are, the risks associated with them, and how to prevent and treat them.

What is a Venous Ulcer?

Venous ulcers or leg ulcers are open sores on your legs caused by poor blood circulation in the veins of the leg. They heal very slowly and can lead to further complications if not adequately treated.

What Causes Venous Ulcers?

Venous ulcers occur as a result of your leg veins not being able to keep blood flowing back to the heart. This leads to blood pooling in the lower legs, especially the bony areas, usually the ankles. Since blood is not flowing properly, the legs swell, exacting pressure on the skin. This results in an open sore otherwise known as an ulcer.

What does a leg ulcer look like?

Leg ulcers begin to form when blood pooling in the lower legs goes untreated. The very next sign is stasis dermatitis. Stasis dermatitis is itchy, thin and hardened skin that may have undergone a color change to red, blue, or purple.

You will also notice heaviness, pain, or cramping in your legs. Signs that this condition has advanced into a leg ulcer are:

A sore with a red base. It may usually be covered by yellow tissue
Uneven sore borders
Shiny, tight, warm, and discolored skin surrounding the sore
Leg pain

For people who think they’re at risk for venous ulcers, you should develop a prevention plan. Ulcers are a very stubborn condition to treat once fully formed. Typically, it takes 3-4 months for your legs to fully heal from a venous ulcer.

Venous Ulcer Prevention

To prevent venous ulcers, you will need to embrace lifestyle changes that promote a healthy flow of blood for the veins in your legs. Preventative methods include:

Avoiding smoking
Getting regular exercise
Staying at a healthy weight – if you are overweight you may want to develop an exercise program
Not staying in the same position for hours – take breaks to move around
Moderate your salt intake
If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, keep it in check
Wear compression stockings, which can help increase pressure in your leg veins, keep swelling at a minimum, and prevent venous ulcers

Risks Associated with Ulcers

If not properly treated, venous ulcers can lead to severe complications such as:

Skin Infections

The sore may become infected if treatment is ignored. The symptoms of infection include odor, pus, serious pain, and fever.

Bone Infections

When a wound is open too long, bone infections may occur from invading bacteria. Signs of bone infection include fever, muscle spasms, and deep pain in your legs.

Skin Cancer

If your ulcer becomes infected and you continue to ignore it, a malignant tumor may form. Sometimes even with treatment, this may still occur. It is always important to seek medical attention at the first signs of an ulcer.

Management/Treatment

Venous ulcers are not a condition that will go away over time. Without help from a professional, they can escalate to severely painful or even life-threatening conditions.

That’s why this specific type of ulcer requires a lot of care from the patient and treatment from a professional. Treatment of venous ulcers includes:

Compression stockings, to increase blood circulation in your veins, improving your body’s capacity to heal the ulcer.
Elevating your legs for 30 minutes 3 to 4 times a day to improve circulation
Antibiotics to clear the infection
Surgery to improve circulation. This will help the sore to heal and prevent future blood pooling, as well as the development of future ulcers.

Are you experiencing pain in your legs? Have you noticed any symptoms of venous ulcers? The New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center offers top of the line, personalized vein diagnosis and treatment. We will do our best in expediting your length of treatment to limit your pain and downtime. Contact us today for the highest standard of care.

The Venous Ultrasound: How It Works

Apr 19, 2019 | Vein Conditions, Vein Treatments

Medical technology has revolutionized the world of healthcare. Every day, new discoveries and practices are being implemented that result in better diagnoses, treatments, and overall patient experience. The use of ultrasound is a very common and risk-free tool that is often used throughout the stages of venous diagnoses and treatment.

What Is a Venous Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is nothing more than sound vibrations that are used to create a visual image. One of the most common uses for ultrasound is during pregnancy examinations, although it can also be used to look at a vast array of structures within the body.

During a venous ultrasound, a probe is placed externally on the skin and emits sound waves. When the sound waves encounter objects, they send a signal back to the probe, which is connected to a computer. The computer then composes an image which can provide substantial information about function, structure, and movement of soft tissues and organs.

Some ultrasound scans are brief and only last 10-15 minutes, while others can be about 30-45 minutes long, depending on the nature of the exam.

Ultrasound is completely non-invasive and provides real-time imagery and information. In addition, there is no radiation exposure, unlike x-rays or CT scans. They are widely accessible at many clinics and offices and are often lower-cost than other diagnostics. They’re usually covered by most insurance plans.

How Is Ultrasound Used to Treat Vein Conditions?

Because most vein conditions involve insufficient blood flow, ultrasound is used first to determine which veins are compromised and if there are any identifiable blood clots. Once your doctor has identified the damaged valves and route of the abnormal circulation, there are several procedures that can be used to improve the appearance and relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of afflicted veins.

All the treatments provided at the New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center involve ultrasound guidance. This means that while conducting laser therapy or placing catheters, your doctor will always have a clear visual representation of your venous structures. And highly invasive surgery is unnecessary.

The aid of an ultrasound ensures that your procedure requires minimal recovery time and can be performed quickly and safely. There are no known harmful side effects or complications that occur from utilizing an ultrasound. It is one of the safest medical practices used at medical facilities around the world.

Contact Us

At The New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center, we are proud to offer the most advanced and safest procedures and diagnostics for all our patients. Our high standard of patient care, industry expertise, and cutting-edge treatments ensure that you have the best chance for positive and lasting results. If you have any questions or would like more information on the services we provide, please contact us.

Venous Insufficiency and When to See a Vascular Specialist

Sep 18, 2018 | Vein Conditions, Venous Insufficiency

If you’ve experienced leg pain that seems to be emanating from a vein but are unsure what it is, it may be venous insufficiency. Pain, swelling, itchiness, leathery skin, or loss of cosmesis are symptoms of venous insufficiency and a warning of when to see a vascular specialist. Allowing any symptom to linger too long, can lead to much more serious conditions.

What Is Venous Insufficiency?

Healthline defines the process of your body’s blood flow as functioning properly when it operates within an intricately simple system. The arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body, and the veins return it back to the heart. Valves act as the stopgap in your veins to keep blood from flowing backward.

If the veins are not able to return blood to your heart for some reason, then it begins to pool where its movement is blocked in your legs. This is known as venous insufficiency. You may be having trouble with a blood clot or varicose veins.

Blood Clot: A blood clot restricts the flow of blood, and as a result, blood pools below the clot.
Varicose Veins: Blood leaks back through damaged valves.
Weakness in the Leg Muscles: May result in squeezing the blood forward.

Is Venous Insufficiency Painful?

While pain is one of the symptoms associated with venous insufficiency, its effects may vary depending on the severity and placement of the vein condition.

Some people experience a feeling of heaviness in the leg, while others may describe their discomfort as achiness. An itching or throbbing sensation may also occur. If the situation has become acute, extreme pain can occur while standing or walking.

Is Venous Insufficiency Life Threatening?

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Institute (NCBI), vein disease is common and manageable if caught during the early stages. A vascular specialist can diagnose the severity of your situation. If your symptoms are not bothersome, you may benefit from exercise, weight loss, wearing compression stockings, or elevating your leg.

If left untreated, however, venous insufficiency can result in loss of cosmesis in addition to serious complications, such as thrombosis, ulcers, or bleeding.

Why Vein Disease Should Never Be Ignored

The circulatory system is essential to the body’s overall health.

Veins and arteries are an integral part of this system, as they are responsible for transporting blood to and from the heart.

Veins bring blood back to the heart and are prone to complications since they must work against gravity.

Left untreated, vein-related complications like vein disease can cause serious health complications.

What Happens When Vein Disease Is Left Untreated

Discolored, Itchy Skin

When the veins do not work properly and the blood flow from your body to your heart is decreased, the skin can become dry and itchy. As the blood is not flowing at its optimal speed, the skin can also become discolored and swollen. When this inflammation becomes chronic, it can be referred to as stasis dermatitis.

Cellulitis

This only occurs when stasis dermatitis has worsened. The symptoms of cellulitis include red and swollen skin, chills and fever, and swollen lymph nodes. This typically happens when vein disease intensifies, and treatment is not sought.

When cellulitis sets in, the risk of a lethal bacterial infection sepsis increases dramatically.

Ulcers and Spontaneous Bleeding

As vein disease progresses, the body’s veins either become enlarged or deteriorate over time. If the vein’s capabilities have decreased dramatically, blood may pool in the varicose veins. This forces them to become more swollen and create painful ulcers.

Ulcers caused by untreated vein disease can itch, burn, cause rashes, and dry out skin. They may be a brown color and ooze or bleed with a foul-smelling substance.

DVT

Deep vein thrombosis happens when a blood clot is formed within the veins of the leg or other body parts. It can happen when veins are no longer able to bring blood back to the heart and create a clot within the leg.

When a clot is created because of untreated vein disease, a pulmonary embolism can occur. This occurs when a blood vessel becomes blocked by a clot that has traveled to the lung.

There are a variety of ways to maintain the health of your circulatory system and many treatment methods for vein disease and other vein-related issues.

When you have concerns about the health of your veins, contact the New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center for diagnosis and treatment of vascular disorders.

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.

12 Simple Ways to Improve Circulation

Jan 18, 2018 | Diet & Exercise, General Health, Vein Health

Your circulatory system is your body’s method of distributing both nutrients and oxygen. It also functions to clean your body, whisking away carbon dioxide and waste products from all areas. It is very important to keep your blood circulating well so that your body gets all the support it needs to survive. Which is why we have compiled a list of the simplest ways to improve circulation and stay healthy.

The symptoms of poor circulation can vary. Some people experience slight tingling in their extremities, while others might develop varicose veins in their legs. Whatever the symptoms, inadequate blood flow is a major risk factor for issues like heart attacks, strokes, and even amputation of limbs.

Proper circulation is vital for one’s health, and can also prevent varicose veins. If you’re worried about your circulation or experience pain or coldness in certain areas, you should contact your doctor immediately, as this may be indicative of poor blood flow. With these tips in mind, it is easier than ever to prevent and improve poor circulation to keep yourself healthy.

Take a Walk

Poor circulation can be a problem for those who stand for extended periods of time at work. In this position, the blood simply is not recirculating adequately in the body, and it can result in extreme pain in the legs and feet. According to this study, the simple act of walking every day can dramatically increase the circulation throughout your body.

If you find yourself standing for too long, or remaining sedentary for any reason, find a friend, go for a walk, and get that blood moving. A simple exercise like walking is enough to stretch your muscles and restore blood flow.

Stop Smoking

It’s no secret that smoking cigarettes leads to a host of health problems. Not least among them is the fact that cigarettes are extremely damaging to cardiovascular health. Smoking causes swelling of the wrists and ankles. It damages your cells on a molecular level and can increase the risk of blood clots.

Cigarettes kill 140,000 people in America because of their impact on cardiovascular health. Quitting cigarettes is one of the best things you can do to ensure your vital organs receive an increased amount of oxygenated blood.

Try Swedish Massage

A therapeutic Swedish massage, available at most spas, is a luxurious getaway for your body and mind. Though relaxation is tied to healthier blood flow, massage therapy has been shown to increase local blood circulation and lymphatic flow. Trained massage therapists know how to increase your circulation through specialty strokes throughout the session.

Do Some Yoga to Improve Circulation

Regular, gentle yoga is another pleasant alternative therapy for improving circulation. Studies have shown that certain yoga poses have proven beneficial for cardiovascular health, and offer a myriad of other health benefits as well.

The best part about yoga is that simple exercises and stretches can be safely done in the comfort of your own home, without expensive equipment or gym fees.

Put Those Feet Up

Aside from the fact that you deserve a break at the end of a long, exhausting day, there are legitimate health reasons to put your feet up daily. Gravity can cause fluids to build up in your lower limbs if you’re on your feet all day. Laying down with your feet elevated about six inches above your torso is a great way to reduce swelling.

Elevating your feet lets gravity help your blood flow establish a more natural rhythm, especially if you’ve spent a great portion of your day on your feet.

Decrease Stress

When you’re stressed out, your body produces higher levels of the hormone cortisol, which is linked to cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure. Studies have shown that stress significantly decreases the amount of oxygenated blood flow to the heart.

If you’re experiencing elevated levels of stress, it’s likely impacting your circulation. Try to focus on mediating that stress in your life. Whether you de-stress through hobby time, meditation, phone calls with friends, listening to music, or journaling, make sure you prioritize your peace of mind.

Losing Weight Will Improve Circulation

Like quitting smoking, losing weight takes a little more of a lifestyle change to implement. Weight gain restricts blood flow due to endothelial dysfunction, blocking circulation to the limbs. It’s been shown that having excess fat, especially belly fat, can make it more difficult for your abdominal arteries to expand. This means less blood flow throughout the rest of your body.

Losing weight can help take pressure off those arteries, and lead to better circulation.

Wear Compression Stockings or Socks

Compression stockings are long, tight socks that hug your lower legs and improve blood circulation. They counteract the tendency of blood to pool in the lower legs. Compression socks squeeze your vein walls in such a way that the blood returns to the heart from the legs more easily. They help mimic the muscle movement created by walking even when you’re sitting still. This discourages stiffness and swelling, and is very useful for people who work long hours sitting at a desk.

Compression socks can be purchased in a variety of styles, fabrics, colors, and levels of compression. Some are designed for dress, casual, and sports, in open and closed toe. There are four main levels of compression from 8-15 mmHg to 30-40 mmHg. The lower the number, the milder the compression. People in many professions wear compression socks daily to improve circulation, and prevent leg fatigue and swelling.

Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Pomegranates and blueberries are great sources of antioxidants, which are thought to increase blood flow by neutralizing free radicals, which can damage your cells. Some other super foods to include in your diet to increase circulation are grapes, nuts, dark green veggies, sweet potatoes, beans and fish.

Wear the Right Clothes

Tight clothing prevents blood flow by placing pressure on the skin. Loose clothing allows blood to flow freely without restriction. Shoes that are too tight or at an odd angle (like high heels) force your feet into uncomfortable positions, causing swelling in the feet and ankles which restricts blood flow.

Choose clothes and shoes that are comfortable if you know you will be on your feet for long periods of time. Save those more form fitting clothes and high heels for date night or special occasions.

Don’t Cross Your Legs

Crossing your legs while sitting can restrict blood flow. Sitting with both feet flat on the ground helps prevent this. If you typically cross your legs, this can be a difficult habit to break, but it is highly recommended that you give it a try.

Crossing your legs not only hinders circulation but it can also lead to poor posture, back pain and leg stiffness.

Drink Water

Your body needs water to move nutrients and waste throughout the blood. It helps keep both your blood and skin cells hydrated so they can repair themselves efficiently. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems.

Keep water on hand and drink it regularly throughout the day. Drinking water will improve circulation, brain function and heart problems.

Poor circulation is a serious health threat that afflicts many Americans, but there are plenty of interventions to consider. If you have been giving extra thought to improving your circulation, the professionals at New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center can help answer questions about vascular health, blood flow, and varicose veins.

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