venous insufficiency Archives - Page 2 of 2 - The New Jersey Vein & Vascular Center

Why Winter Is the Best Time for Varicose Vein Treatment

Dec 19, 2017 | News

Varicose vein treatment is on the rise across the United States. New research indicates that this growth is likely to continue at a rate of 6.9% by the year 2021. If you are one of the millions of people who are planning to seek vein treatment, you might be wondering when you should schedule your treatment.

Below are five reasons why winter is the best time for varicose vein treatment.

1) Compression Stockings are Easier to Tolerate in the Winter

Compression stockings play an instrumental role in optimizing vein care treatment. However, some people find them a bit hot and confining – especially in warmer weather.

By scheduling your treatment in the winter, these sensations are not as pronounced because the weather is cooler.

Wearing pants over compression stockings will be much more tolerable in cooler weather than in the summer months.

2) Your Legs Will Have Time to Respond to Treatment Before Spring and Summer

People who receive vein treatments sometimes do not notice positive results for weeks or months.

If you want to show off your treated legs during spring or summer, winter is the best time for varicose vein treatment. This will allow plenty of time for healing.

3) Your Treated Legs Will Likely be Hidden from View

In the days following sclerotherapy, your legs may show signs of bruising and discoloration. Additionally, you will likely be asked to wear compression stockings after treatment.

If treatment is completed during the winter months, people will not even notice that you have undergone a procedure to eliminate spider and varicose veins.

4) Patients are Less likely to Engage in Strenuous Activity

Rigorous exercise and weight lifting are both discouraged in the weeks following sclerotherapy or other vein care procedures. This can prove to be difficult for some people who are accustomed to regularly exerting themselves.

Because most people tend to exercise less in the winter months, it is a bit easier to adjust their exercise routines.

If you love the summer sun and swimming, take note that avoiding sun exposure and public swimming pools for a time after vein treatment is recommended.

5) Varicose Veins are Often at Their Worst During the Winter

A more sedentary lifestyle during the winter months can exacerbate varicose veins and highlight the need for treatment.

Lack of exercise can cause more pooling of blood in the legs.

It’s common for people to put a little weight on in the winter which doesn’t help either.

Failure to seek treatment for your varicose and spider veins can cause pain and other symptoms to worsen.

Winter really is the best time for varicose vein treatment. But if you are suffering and don’t want your condition to get worse, you should seek treatment right away regardless of the time of year.

Winter is the perfect time to visit The New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center to change the look and feel of your legs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you escape the escalated discomfort of varicose veins during the winter and become more confident in the look of your legs for Spring 2018.

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!

Advantages of Outpatient Care for Venous Disease

Oct 31, 2017 | News

Seeking healthcare treatment at one of New Jersey’s top-level outpatient centers can have several different perks, including the treatment of a wide variety of venous conditions you may have. Complex illnesses and conditions can be treated on site with a family-like health care program that will provide you with many other quality opportunities including the following:

Avoiding the Hospital

The opportunity to get the treatment done without requiring you to go to the hospital, where stays and wait times can oftentimes be much lengthier, is always a major positive.

Not having to go to a hospital to complete a procedure will keep you away from being exposed to unnecessary germs, the possibility of sharing a room and allows you to recuperate in the comfort of your own home.

No Anesthesia

The procedures that are done in an outpatient environment can treat a wide variety of different symptoms, however, none of the procedures require anesthesia which means a quicker recovery time for patients.

No anesthesia also means that you will be able to witness your procedure and be informed immediately about the outcome and aftercare responsibilities.

Quick Recovery & Return to Daily Activities

Procedures that are done at an outpatient care center generally don’t require long recoveries or much downtime from daily activities.

Typically, you can return to your normal routine the very next day which alleviates any stress associated with being out of work, fulfilling household responsibilities or feeling ‘stuck’ in bed.

State-of-the-Art Treatment Plans

Many outpatient medical facilities are where the newest and best technologies are being used. To find quick, precise and non-invasive care look for medical practices that offer “family-like” care and a deep regard for every patient. Finding a facility that focuses on the concerns of each patient and has an open line of communication between patient and staff will allow you and your physician to create a treatment plan that is based upon your specific needs.

The ultimate goal of any treatment should always be better health, freedom from pain and as little interruption to your daily activities as possible. For more information about our outpatient procedures, doctor, and staff, contact us today!

Podiatry and Your Veins

May 31, 2017 | News

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from varicose veins or any other circulatory issues, chances are you also suffer from pain and discomfort in your legs, feet, and ankles as well. So, how does poor circulation affect the health of your feet and ankles? Well, Podiatry explains that just like most mechanical things, one small issue somewhere in the body can cause bigger issues elsewhere. Understanding how these things are interconnected can help us stay healthier by way of preventive maintenance.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

One of the most common circulatory problems that are the source of varicose veins is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, this condition may affect up to 40% of the United States population, especially women. Patients usually begin to notice symptoms around 50 years of age and above, but it is not unheard of to meet patients suffering from CVI at younger ages as well.

Deep vs Surface Veins

If the affected veins are near your skin, you will notice that the veins in your legs and feet bulge out, look twisted, and are usually a darkish purple color. Sometimes it can look as if you have a bunch of purple grapes bunched up underneath your skin. You may experience your legs and feet feeling achy, tired, or heavy. If the problem veins are closer to the bones, they may not be as obvious, but you will experience chronic swelling in your legs, feet, and ankles, accompanied by aching, tiredness and heaviness in the legs and feet.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Another medical diagnosis for leg and foot discomfort could be Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). This will cause burning feet due to poor circulation to the area. Peripheral Artery Disease is when the long arteries in your legs become narrower and harder, which in turn limits the blood supply to your legs and feet.

What’s the Damage?

Both CVI and PAD can result in nerve damage in the legs called neuropathy. And though it is statistically proven that around 70% of those with neuropathy suffer from diabetes, there are a number of other factors that can cause leg and foot pain as well. So what can we do to prevent the increase in circulatory problems that result in foot pain? The answer is actually an easy one and costs little to no money: daily exercise.

Become Proactive

Cholesterol and fat are one of the main causes of bad veins (and arteries) due to blockage. When your veins and arteries become clogged due to cholesterol and fat, it becomes more difficult for blood to circulate to and from vital parts or your body (and every part is vital). Exercise also keeps your veins and arteries flexible. This is important because blood pressure can vary depending upon a large number of factors. If your veins and arteries are not elastic enough, this can cause some issues, that in turn may turn into other unforeseeable health problems. Exercise also helps in maintaining a good, healthy weight. Obesity is directly linked to poor circulation and also varicose veins.

For more information of the health of your veins, Contact Us today!

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