Standing on the job

Do you work at the kind of job where you’re on your feet all day? (Nurses, teachers, and restaurant workers, we're talking to you!)

In our latest issue of Vein Health News, we look at the risks of being on your feet all day at work, as well as the role that veins may play in causing leg pain or discomfort after prolonged standing. The article explains the symptoms that indicate that leg pain may be due to vein disorders— symptoms that are often mistaken for something else.

Of course, the article also explores modes of treatment and prevention. We offer tips from experts in podiatry, pedorthics, compression, and even a nail technician. Read on to find out more about what you can do to take care of your feet so that they can keep you healthy and moving forward!

To learn more about this and other current topics in vein healthcare, click here. And if you’d like to take the next step in your vein health, click here.

Fixing the problem

In our last two posts, we looked at the problem of leg pain in athletes, and how veins and exercise can possibly affect each other.

If vein problems keep someone from doing activities that aggravate his or her vein symptoms, then choosing alternate activities is one way to cope. Some people may find that swimming, for example, does not produce the same discomfort that running does.

Athletes can live with the problem, but they don’t have to. There are so many options for treatment so that people can continue doing their favorite sports or whatever activity they're passionate about. They might even see an improvement in their performance.

Modern treatments have excellent initial and long-term success rates when performed by an experienced phlebologist (vein specialist). Endovenous approaches are minimally invasive treatments used to address specific large varicose veins in the legs.

Endovenous ablation (EVLA) is considered the gold standard in the treatment of venous symptoms, with success rates between 90% and 98% after five years. It has largely replaced previous, more invasive standards of care, such as vein stripping.

Another option for treatment is sclerotherapy, performed either with ultrasound-guidance, or with a light-assist, which seals the vein wall of small varicose veins allowing them to fade away.

With both EVLA and sclerotherapy, patients can walk the day of the procedure and return to normal activity, including moderate exercise, within a few days.

The key to safe, effective vein treatment is to consult with a board certified vein specialist who can evaluate the entire venous system so that poorly functioning veins can be treated at the source.

Physical activity, leg pain…and veins?

Many athletes, professionals and amateurs alike, experience some kind of leg pain at one time or another, whether from the mechanics of pounding movement on a hard surface, or keeping their legs in the same position for extended periods. Rarely do they attribute the discomfort to a dysfunction in their venous (veins) system.

But not all aching legs are simply due to physical activity, or even the effects of aging. It may actually be vein insufficiency that’s causing those symptoms and not that five-mile run.

The first thing to understand that leg pain in general is not normal. If your legs hurt after exercise, you should find out why.

Some of the symptoms of vein disease are obvious: visible blue- or purple-colored “spider veins,” bulging varicose veins, or even open wounds (leg ulcers) on the leg or ankle. Other symptoms are much more subtle. In addition to achiness and swelling, sensations like an itching or tingling in the legs may be an indication of vein insufficiency. Leg cramps after long periods of inactivity, or while lying in bed at night, is another possible symptom.

Some people may experience no symptoms at all—and some merely accept them as an unavoidable byproduct of physical fitness. You can be in great shape and still have a vein disease that’s developing.

In our next post, we’ll look at how exercise impacts veins (and vice versa). If you wonder whether vein issues are affecting your physical performance, feel free to call the Vein Healthcare Center with any questions.

Knowledge is Power

If you’ve thought about “doing something” about your varicose veins or heavy, achy legs but aren’t sure what exactly to do, here’s a suggestion: learn more vein disease and the available options for treatment. By reading this blog you’re on your way, and in this post we’re going to get more specific. After all, knowledge is power!

When researching on the Web, go to trusted sites that specialize in phlebology (the study of vein disease and vein healthcare), such as the American College of Phlebology (www.phlebology.org) and the American Venous Forum (www.veinforum.org). The Vein Healthcare Center website also provides reliable information for both patients and physicians (www.veinhealthcare.com).

If you prefer reading books to screens, then check out our previous post about vein health books.

Gathering information is important, but don’t worry yourself needlessly because of too many visits to WebMD! If you really want to understand the root of your vein problems—and possible treatments—then a visit to a Board-certified vein specialist is best.

A few more ways to ease venous symptoms at home

In our last post we discussed a number of ways to alleviate the pain and discomfort of venous disease right away. Here are four more ways to make your legs feel better and prevent the progression of symptoms. 1.  Walk. Walking causes the rhythmic contraction of calf muscles and helps promote blood flow to the heart. Walk at least 30 minutes every day – all at once, or in shorter increments. 2.  Take a break. Take frequent walking breaks to avoid sitting or standing for periods of more than two hours. 3.  Wear compression stockings. Wearing compression stockings purchased from your pharmacy will help promote the flow of blood when you are flying, on your feet for long periods, or carrying heavy loads. 4.  Know your history. Women with a family history of vein disorders, or those who have relatives with varicose veins, should wear compression stockings during menarche and menopause, and during pregnancy – most importantly, during the first trimester. If you are experiencing signs of venous disease, such as spider veins, or swelling or pain in the leg, considering seeking professional help. A vein specialist certified in the field of phlebology (the branch of medicine that deals with vein health and diseases) can evaluate your vein problems and offer a range of treatments, whether a minimally invasive procedure, or a more conservative approach.

5 ways to ease venous symptoms at home

There are a number of treatments for venous disease (including varicose veins) that are outpatient procedures, minimally invasive, and virtually pain-free. But did you know that there are things you can do right now, on your own, to alleviate discomfort? These techniques may even help prevent the progression of symptoms.

Here are five ways to make your legs feel better:

1. Elevate. Elevate your legs above your heart – for as long as 30 minutes, or as briefly as three minutes – as often as possible. The best time is after you have been standing or after a hot shower.

2. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Avoid tight-fitting clothes around your legs and waist. It will help by not impeding circulation in your lower body.

3. Avoid high heels. High-heeled shoes shorten the muscles in the back of your leg and prevent deep veins from operating at their full capacity.

4. Sit properly. Focus on good posture and avoid crossing your legs  or sitting in ways that can compress veins for prolonged periods.

5. Don’t smoke. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke constricts veins and affects overall circulation.

These are just some of the things you can try if you are experiencing signs of venous disease. Also consider contacting a board certified phlebologist (vein specialist)  for a screening and evaluation, or to find out more about the risks, prevention, and treatment of venous disease.

If left untreated, vein issues today can possibly lead to larger medical problems tomorrow.

Shorter Workouts Could Be the Key to Fitness

Can a few minutes of strenuous exercise be enough to improve health and fitness? Scientist and journalists continue to focus interest on an abbreviated approach to exercise in an effort to find out whether brief stints at the gym are actually better for health than lengthy ones. The New York Times discusses their latest findings in the Rise of the Minimalist Workout.

Are you moving enough? If you have symptoms of venous disease, taking frequent walking breaks to avoid sitting or standing for periods of more than two hours can alleviate discomfort and help prevent the progression of symptoms. Find out what 10 Things You Can Do for Leg Pain Relief.

Spider Veins? Quick Tips for Coping

Spider vein is the common term for blue or purple-colored veins that occur under the skin but are close enough to be seen on the surface. They are similar to varicose veins but smaller, and like varicose veins, they can cause physical discomfort and be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness, especially during the summer season.

If you have spider veins, some simple tips can help you feel better and help stop their progression.

4 Quick Tips for Coping with Spider Veins

1. Elevate your legs above your heart as often as possible— for as long as 30 minutes or as briefly as three minutes. The ideal time is after you have been standing for a long period or after a hot shower.

2. Sit properly. Focus on good posture and avoid crossing your legs, or sitting in ways that can compress veins for prolonged periods.

        

3. Walk. Walking causes the rhythmic contraction of calf muscles and helps promote blood flow to the heart. Just 30 minutes every day—all at once, or in shorter increments.

    

4. Contact a board certified phlebologist for an evaluation. In the past, treatment for spider veins has been considered merely cosmetic, but they can be the tip of the iceberg.

Coping with spider veins? 
You've got options. Find out more about venous disease and its treatment, or contact the Vein Healthcare Center to schedule an appointment to get started with your vein care.