Year of the Nurse

 

In 1993, the American Nurses Association (ANA) declared May 6 as the start of National Nurses Week. The annual celebration usually culminates on May 12, Florence Nightingale's birthday.

Last year, the World Health Assembly, the governing body of WHO, designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife -- and the ANA followed WHO’s lead by declaring a U.S. extension of the Year of the Nurse into 2021.

Nurses have always gone above and beyond to serve our communities, but since the pandemic started over a year ago, we've all seen the impact that nurses make every day. That's why ANA chose the theme "Nurses Make a Difference" to recognize the contribution of nurses during the month of May.

At the Vein Healthcare Center, we know how hard nurses work, and we're well aware that venous disease can be a real occupational hazard for nurses who are often on their feet for hours at a time. Here are just a few tips for how nurses can take care of themselves by taking care of their legs and feet. ANA is also providing videos and other resources to help nurses celebrate and participate.

Happy National Nurses Week, Month, and Year to all of the nurses out there. Thank you for everything you do!



Visit the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Maine to learn more about the symptoms of vein disease and how to treat it.

To stand or not to stand?

Standing desks are all the rage at workplaces now. But are they actually good for your health?

Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen says that specific to vein health, the short answer is: maybe.

In 2015, a meta-analysis in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that “prolonged sedentary time was independently associated with deleterious health outcomes regardless of physical activity." 

The studies showed that physical inactivity (the fourth-leading risk factor for death for people all around the world, according to the World Health Organization) can lead to premature death from cardiovascular issues and cancer, as well as cause chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes.

Too much sitting can also increase the risk of getting varicose veins. If you already have vein issues, you may notice that symptoms get worse after sitting for prolonged periods of time.

So is standing any better? Compared with the research on prolonged sitting, relatively little research has been done to study the health effects of prolonged occupational standing. The few studies that do exist have demonstrated a relationship between prolonged standing at work and various health outcomes such as elevated risk of heart disease and musculoskeletal pain. 

We covered this subject in a previous issue of Vein Health News. In the article “Standing on the job: How at-risk occupations put a strain on veins,” we discussed the risks of people with jobs that keep them on their feet all day, such as teachers, hair dressers, medical professionals, and many others. We can add to that list people who work at a standing desk all day.

From a venous standpoint (so to speak), remaining in the same position too long – whether you’re sitting or standing – leads to poor blood circulation (hydrostatic venous pressure) and blood pooling in the lower limbs, which can lead to varicose veins over time.

If you do opt for a standing desk, consider using a balance board to keep you continuously contracting and relaxing your calf muscles, not to mention strengthening your core muscles. (Whether this helps with work productivity depends on the individual!)


If you choose to stick with a traditional sitting desk, an exercise ball chair, motion stool, or “wobble chair,” can provide you with the same kind of calf muscle readjustments throughout the day.

There are also adjustable desks that allow you to switch between sitting and standing positions throughout the day.

In conclusion, if you find standing desks more comfortable or effective, then by all means, use one. 

Regardless of the kind of desk you use, take regular breaks from standing or sitting for extended periods of time. Set your alarm to remind you to take a brief walk, or simply do some deep knee bends, or other stretching exercises. 

Perhaps the simplest circulation-promoting exercise is the calf pump. In this simple toe-tap exercise, you tap both of your feet for a minute or two, going back and forth between heels and toes. This squeezes the deep veins in the legs and forces the blood to circulate through the leg. It feels great whether you’ve been sitting or standing for a long period of time. 

To learn more about venous health and treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, and related issues, contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center.

What is Pelvic Venous Congestion Syndrome?

Veins have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing toward the heart. If the valves are weak or damaged, blood can flow in the wrong direction in the veins in the legs and feet, often causing them to swell. When this happens near the pelvis, it is called pelvic venous congestion syndrome. Simply put, varicose can also develop internally, in the pelvis, uterus and ovaries. 

Those internal varicose veins can cause symptoms similar to those in the legs. Patients will often have visible varicose veins on their upper legs or labia, but not always. The main symptom is pelvic pain that lasts for six months or more. 

Patients with PVCS report a prolonged deep and dull ache, often associated with movement, posture, and activities that increase abdominal pressure. Like varicose veins in the leg, the achiness that increases with prolonged standing can often be relieved by lying flat or elevating the legs.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) occurs below the belly button in the pelvis. The pain may be unilateral or bilateral – meaning on one side of the pelvis or both – and is often more pronounced on one side than the other. The pain is chronic and appears to have no obvious source. Symptoms may also include rectal discomfort or increased urinary frequency, bloating or gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

According to some studies, more than 26% of women suffer from CPP, but data about its prevalence is incomplete. When taking into account the number of factors that could also cause chronic pelvic pain, one can see how misdiagnosis by medical professionals might occur. 

Conditions range from problems in the gastrointestinal tract to gynecologic diseases and urologic abnormalities. While some of these conditions are easily diagnosed, other causes of chronic pelvic pain are extremely difficult to recognize and have often been underdiagnosed or overlooked– even though studies show that PVCS occurs in up to 30 percent of patients who have chronic pelvic pain. 

Pelvic venous congestion syndrome, or PVCS, although easy to describe can be challenging to diagnose. In fact, PVCS is often misdiagnosed or never diagnosed at all. 

To learn more about PVCS and how it is diagnosed and treated, read the latest issue of Vein Health News. If you think your pelvic pain may be related to your venous health, feel free to contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center.

One patient's perspective: coast-to-coast commute

One of Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen's patients is a 55-year-old nurse with quite a work commute. Beth lives in Ogunquit, Maine, but she works in California. 

Beth works for a national company that provides healthcare and rehabilitation in homes and hospitals. As a district director, she oversees the clinical operations for five long-term care facilities in the East Bay. She flies from Maine to California every Monday and then flies home on Friday. It takes all day to get from one coast to the other; when she’s at work, she’s on her feet for most of the day; and she’s had vein problems most of her life – a triple whammy in terms of venous health.

Like many people, Beth inherited “bad veins.” Her mother had varicose veins, and all but one of her six siblings have “pretty significant” varicose veins. Beth also has a 35-year-old son with extreme varicosities.

Over time she has experienced more and more problems with varicosities. After the birth of her second child, she had a vein stripping done and then another one in the mid 1990s. In addition, up until the last ten years, Beth has suffered from obesity. She believes that the extra weight combined with the venous insufficiency also caused edema in her legs that’s been difficult to keep in check.

“It feels like I’ve been managing this for more than 30 years,” said Beth. “And my legs are still a hot mess despite everything that’s been done to them.” 

Her occupation has exacerbated her issues, as she spends 10-12 hours on her feet during the week, paired with a commute that requires traveling for hours in a plane twice a week. Despite reducing her weight significantly and wearing compression socks daily, Beth was struggling again with achiness in her legs. By mid-afternoon the pain would be so great she’d have to “pop an ibuprofen” to get through the day.

After going to a board-certified phlebologist for an evaluation, Beth learned about the advances in vein care since the days of vein stripping – and the importance of locating, and treating, the “leaky” vein valve at the source.

After initial endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), Beth is no longer feeling any discomfort in her legs, however her ultrasound evaluation showed that “there was a lot of work to be done.” She has begun to wear full-length compression stockings on flights and at work, and she plans to finish her recommended treatment plan, which will include several sessions of sclerotherapy.

As Beth continues the process, she has this advice for people with similar problems: “The treatment modality is basically painless and simple. If you can get rid of the pain and edema – and the harm that the long-term edema causes – you’d be a fool not to do it.” 

To read more stories of real-life patient experiences, click here. If you're looking for relief from leg pain, varicose veins, or other venous issues, contact the Vein Healthcare Center to make an appointment for a thorough exam. 

Are varicose veins a cosmetic issue or a medical issue?

This is a question we get at the Vein Healthcare Center all the time. Most healthcare providers would agree that if a patient is having pain and is unable to perform his or her work due to varicose veins, then it is medically necessary.

But all factors must be weighed when drawing a line between medical and “simply cosmetic,” not the least of which is restoring patients’ confidence and overall well-being. Even if a patient isn’t experiencing physical pain – but won’t swim in a pool or wear shorts to the beach because she’s ashamed of varicose veins – her quality of life is markedly diminished.

Additionally, it is common for venous disorders to be undiagnosed or undertreated. It’s important to remember that varicose veins are a symptom of early stage venous disease, and if left untreated could lead to larger medical issues.

From the perspective of insurance companies the difference between “cosmetic” and “medical” may be whether or not a vein has a connection to the deep system; if it does and the connection is leaking, then they consider treatment medical necessary. That said, there are many vein procedures that are covered by insurance, and one should not assume that treatment won’t be covered. Feel free to contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center to discuss the details of your coverage.

At the Vein Healthcare Center, our basic philosophy is that treating problematic veins isn’t about vanity – it’s about health and quality of life.

If you’re not sure whether or not you have vein disease, click here to find out more, or schedule an appointment for a full evaluation of your vein health.

Making vein health and treatment easy to understand

Earlier this spring, Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen spoke with the Portland Press Herald about what causes varicose veins, who is at the most risk for getting them, and ways to prevent vein problems from getting worse.

Click here to read the Press Herald story.

Dr. Asbjornsen also explained some options for treatment that is less invasive and less painful. Click here to read more.

The article also gives readers a chance to know Dr. Asbjornsen a little bit better, such as her passion for education and for treating people with vein issues:

Although she rarely deals with life-or-death maladies, Asbjornsen takes pride and satisfaction in helping patients take simple steps that can give them back their lives.

‘Really, treating veins is all about quality of life,’ Asbjornsen said.

Learn more about Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen, or visit the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Maine for a complete vein health evaluation.

Happy National Nurses Week!

May 6-12 is National Nurses Week, sponsored by the American Nurses Foundation. This

year's theme is "Year of the Healthy Nurse."

To celebrate and support nurses everywhere, we offer some healthy leg tips for nurses who are on their feet all day.

Did you know that varicose veins can be an occupational hazard for nurses? One tried and true way to reduce the effects of vein disease -- and in some cases, prevent symptoms -- is graduated compression. 

Please note that so-called "support hose" does not have to be ugly! Not today, with the many styles and colors that are available. 

Another remedy for aching legs is to elevate them periodically and at the end of the day. This post explains how to properly elevate legs. Lastly, nurses should remember to care for their feet. Here are some tips from the blog RN Central.

Happy National Nurses Week to all of the nurses out there. Thank you for all you do!

Visit the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Maine, or learn more about Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen.

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.

Hidden signs of vein disease

Sometimes vein disease is unmistakable. Large, bulging varicose veins are a sure sign, as are bluish spider veins. But sometimes vein issues are harder to detect.

The 65-year-old woman in the picture to the right sought help because of veins in her right leg, but in her initial evaluation it became apparent through skilled ultrasound mapping that both legs were affected. Even she didn’t realize the disease was actually worse in her left leg than her right.

Other symptoms that may indicate vein problems are heaviness or aching in the legs. Swelling, throbbing, cramping, or burning sensations in the leg are other signs, as are restless legs. If you think you might be suffering from one or more symptoms of vein disease, ask yourself these 12 questions to find out more.

As for the patient in the picture, she had EVLA treatment on both legs, followed by ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. Both of her legs – and her quality of life – have distinctly improved.

Are varicose veins a cosmetic issue or a medical issue?

This is a question we get at the Vein Healthcare Center all the time.  Most healthcare providers would agree that if a patient is having pain and is unable to perform his or her work due to varicose veins, then it is medically necessary.

But all factors must be weighed when drawing a line between medical and “simply cosmetic,” not the least of which is restoring patients’ confidence and overall well-being. Even if a patient isn’t experiencing physical pain – but won’t swim in a pool or wear shorts to the beach because he’s ashamed of varicose veins – her quality of life is markedly diminished.

Additionally, it is common for venous disorders to be undiagnosed or undertreated. It’s important to remember that varicose veins are a symptom of early stage venous disease, and if left untreated could lead to larger medical issues.

From the perspective of insurance companies the difference between “cosmetic” and “medical” may be whether or not a vein has a connection to the deep system; if it does and the connection is leaking, then they consider treatment medical necessary. That said, there are many vein procedures that are covered by insurance, and one should not assume that treatment won’t be covered. Feel free to contact us at VHC to discuss the details of your coverage.

At VHC, our basic philosophy is that treating problematic veins isn’t about vanity – it’s about health and quality of life.

If you’re not sure whether or not you have vein disease, click here to find out more.

Environmental risks for vein disease

There are a number of risk factors for vein problems. Aging is one of the leading risk factors for the development of vein issues. Heredity is another. (If one parent has vein disease you have about a 33% chance of also developing vein problems. If both of your parents have vein issues, then your chances go up to 90 percent.)

While aging and family history are risk factors that can’t be controlled (try as we might), venous disease can be aggravated by environmental risks. It is much more common in “industrial countries” like the U.S., where riding in cars and sitting in front of a computer or television seem like a way of life.

             

We explored the risks involved in sitting in a previous post, but standing for long periods (with or without high heels) is also a risk factor. Research has shown that the more hours one stands, the more likely it is that a vein issue will develop. Likewise, lying in one position for too long can cause serious vein problems. Patients in the hospital or on bed rest, for example, may experience a slowdown in blood flow that can lead to blood pooling in the extremities.

As Dr. Asbjornsen explained in her chapter “Risk Factors and Other Causes for Vein Problems” in the book Healthy Veins…Healthy Legs, it is possible to reduce some risk factors for vein disease.

There are many treatment options today that are minimally invasive and highly successful, but education and prevention are the most important keys to vein health. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, a venous screening can evaluate the condition of your venous system, help you avoid blood clots, and help you begin lifestyle changes that can prevent symptoms from occurring. 

The risks of…sitting?

Are you sitting down? Chances are, you are! It seems like our whole world was designed to keep us in a seated position, usually in front of a screen, whether during work or leisure time.

Earlier this year, a recent article found that this overwhelmingly sedentary behavior increases our risk of getting preventable conditions, even if we exercise. The studies showed that physical inactivity (the fourth-leading risk factor for death for people all around the world, according to the World Health Organization) can lead to premature death from cardiovascular issues and cancer, as well as cause chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes.

Too much sitting can also increase the risk of getting varicose veins—and if you already have vein issues, you may notice that symptoms get worse after sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Why? The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body through the arteries. Veins then carry blood from all the extremities back up to the heart. The blood in the legs travels up against gravity, so when the valves in the veins become damaged, blood flows back into the legs which leads to a “pooling” of blood in the veins that can manifest as varicose veins or spider veins. 

When you sit (or stand) in the same position for a long time, the blood doesn’t circulate properly and, over time, this can lead to varicose veins.

There are a several ways to help reduce the risk of getting varicose veins from sitting for too long:

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

• Elevate. Occasionally, rest your legs above your heart – for as long as 30 minutes or as briefly as three minutes. (For more tips on elevation, click here.)

• Take a break. Take frequent walking breaks to avoid sitting or standing for periods of more than two hours.

• Pump it. If you can’t move around that often – or are flying on an airplane – try flexing and pointing your foot to get the blood moving in your legs. (Click here to learn more about “the foot pump.”)

Of course, the best way to reduce your risk of getting varicose veins from sitting all day is to move around more – and be aware of just how much time you spend sitting down.

All in the family

Like the color of your eyes, varicose veins are a trait that runs in the family. Since venous disease does have a strong genetic component, it’s important for people to be aware of venous disease and its symptoms and, as with any illness, to know the family history.

If someone in your family has experienced vein disorders or has visible veins on their legs, your risk of the disease is much higher. For example, someone with first-degree family members with vein issues will find the risk is significantly increased.

But just because you watched your mother and your mother’s mother (and so on) suffer from painful and unsightly veins, that doesn’t mean you’re destined to the same fate. Even if you are not currently experiencing symptoms, an evaluation with an experienced phlebologist (vein specialist) can tell you the condition of your venous system, as well as possible interventions and prevention. Modern vein treatments, such as endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy, are minimally invasive and extremely effective.

A Patient Testimonial

We're ending the year on a positive note, with this testimonial of a patient whose health--and quality of life--has improved since seeking treatment for her vein problems.

“My legs were a mess. I had varicose veins on the front of my left leg that started in the back, upper part of my thigh and wound around toward my shin. My lower legs often felt heavy and sore. Dr. Asbjornsen evaluated my legs and recommended a treatment plan. Now my legs look great, and I don’t have any more achiness, throbbing, or tightness.  

I chose Dr. Asbjornsen because she listened to what I wanted and gave me other options like compression stockings and tips to alleviate my discomfort. I felt like she was looking out for me, not just pushing to have a procedure done. I thought everyone at Vein Healthcare Center was exceptional. Every time I called the office with a question, they knew who I was and made me feel like I was important.”– Christina J., 40, Lisbon Falls, ME

Read more patient testimonials. See if you may have symptoms of venous disease. Consider making an appointment with Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen, a board certified vein specialist.

And, of course, have a healthy, happy and peaceful holiday season!

Veins and Feet

When people think about varicose veins, they usually think about the veins in the leg— but that’s only part of the picture. Lots of patients experience aching, heaviness, or even bulging veins in their feet. Below is just one example of a patient who found great relief after visiting Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen at the Vein Healthcare Center.

 Here’s an explanation of the process in Dr. Asbjornsen’s own words:

This 45 year-old patient came to see me complaining of aching, cramping, pain, heaviness and numbness in her legs on both sides. All of her symptoms worsened with prolonged standing, and she felt self-conscious about wearing clothes that showed her legs. She would often have difficulty falling asleep because her legs bothered her so much.

The onset of her vein issues was about 23 years ago when she was pregnant with her son. After an initial exam, including ultrasound mapping, I diagnosed her with insufficiency of the great saphenous veins bilaterally (on both sides).

I treated her with several bilateral endovenous laser ablations (EVLA) to her great saphenous veins, as well as multiple sessions of sclerotherapy to clean up the surrounding veins.

           

As you can see by the picture, the outcome for this patient was a full resolution for all her symptoms, including the bulging veins. And she enjoyed wearing shorts and skirts this summer.

To learn more about the close connection between veins and feet, read the cover story about it in Vein Health News. Just click here to read the story.

Happy veins, happy hearts

During the month of February, Americans tend to think a little more about their hearts, especially about what they can do to keep their arteries healthy. But arteries are just half of the story. 

Veins also need to be healthy to do their work optimally. (For a brief review of the circulatory system, check out our last post.)

While vein treatments today are outpatient procedures, minimally invasive and virtually pain-free, there ARE things one can do before seeing a doctor. 

Here are 3 ways to alleviate venous discomfort and help prevent the progression of symptoms:

• 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.

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

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

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

Happy Valentine’s Day, and as always, feel free to give us a call at the Vein Healthcare Center with any vein-related questions you may have.

Is it time to get a second opinion?

One way to take control of your own vein health (and overall health) is to seek a second opinion.

Second opinions are common in the field of medicine, including the area of vein health. In fact, second opinions are an essential part of effective diagnosis and treatment of venous disease.

In recent years, there have been many new developments in the treatment of varicose veins and other vein problems, and some doctors may not be familiar with minimally invasive treatment options, such as ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA).

If you have been told that there is no treatment for your venous symptoms-- or, if you have been told that your venous condition will resolve itself without any intervention-- you may be a good candidate for a second opinion.

Learn more about second opinions and some of the treatment options available, and take control of your vein health!

Achy, Heavy, Throbbing Legs? TV’s “The Doctors” Weigh in On Symptoms of Varicose Veins

In last week’s USA Weekend, “The Doctors”, known best for dispensing expert advice on their popular daytime TV show, explain why varicose veins are not just cosmetic and what you can do to prevent them.

From What You Can Do About Varicose Veins:

Start with lifestyle changes — exercising, elevating your legs and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting can help ease pain and keep veins from getting worse. In some cases, compression stockings may be needed to help with blood flow. For more severe varicose veins, there are a number of minimally invasive options that can fade or remove the vein; newer treatments use laser or radiofrequency to heat and close off the vein.

Read the full article.

Varicose Veins? Don’t Let Them Ruin Your Summer

Seasonal Tips for Healthy Legs

Summer is the perfect time to make sure you are doing everything you can to relieve symptoms of varicose veins and other vein problems. Varicose veins can worsen during the summer months, so if vein issues are keeping you from enjoying summer activities, making leg vein health a priority can help you take full advantage of the season.

Relief & Prevention Tips for Healthy Veins

• Stay as cool as possible. Heat dilates veins and causes pain and other symptoms to worsen.
• Swim and walk. Both exercises pump the calf muscles and improve circulation. 
• Wear graduated compression stockings. Wearing compression stockings all day will keep the legs feeling as good at the end of the day as in the morning.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
• Elevate the legs whenever possible.
• Schedule an evaluation with a qualified phlebologist.
• Wear graduated compression stockings. Wearing compression stockings all day will keep the legs feeling as good at the end of the day as in the morning.

Don’t Wait Until Summer’s Over to Seek Treatment for Vein Issues

The treatments for venous problems are the same during the summer as the rest of the year.

Find out more about vein treatment options and keeping legs healthy by reading Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen’s Self-conscious About Unsightly Veins? Tips for Relief in the Bangor Daily News and leave concerns about leg vein issues behind this summer!

Keeping Legs Healthy “From Hips to Heels”

Maine Radio Show Addresses Leg Health 

Is it better to run barefoot?

Why are compression stockings a mainstay of care for pregnant women?

What is the source of plantar fasciitis? 

A recent episode of Maine Calling on MPBN focused on these and other questions about our lower half – from varicose veins to the causes of joint pain.

In our lifetime, it’s very likely we’ll be challenged by issues arising from our feet, legs, or hips. This month, Keith Shortall welcomed three physicians that specialize in these regions of the body. Join Keith, Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen, founder of the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Dr. Brian McGrory of Maine Medical Partners Orthopedics, and Dr. Kenny Maisak of Portland Foot & Ankle to get some of the most common questions answered about the parts of the body charged with supporting us from below. Listen to the show.

Inside “Hips to Heels”: Expecting? Early intervention is the Key 

Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen

According to Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen, for women, it’s not the weight of late stage pregnancy that causes symptoms of venous disease – it’s the hormones of early pregnancy that cause damage to the vein walls and lead to venous insufficiency and varicose veins, something that can be treated with prescription compression stockings. Ironically, the first trimester is often when patients aren’t even being treated by a physician. “Prevention can start on day one,” said Dr. Asbjornsen. “Compression stockings are the mainstay of care for pregnant women.”

Dr. Asbjornsen also recommends persistence when it comes to treatment for leg and vein issues – sometimes primary care physicians are not as informed about the changes in the field of phlebology as they could be, nor are they knowledgeable about how straightforward and effective treatments can be. “This is an incredibly new field,” said Dr. Asbjornsen. “It has only come into existence in the last thirty years, and a lot of the modern treatments have only been around since the late 90s. For many physicians it’s hard to stay current.”

Learn more about Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen.