Compression After Laser Treatment

In our last post we discussed the value of graduated compression stockings before an EVLA procedure. Now we turn to the use of compression after vein treatment. 

Graduated compression after EVLA has been proven to decrease swelling, a common outcome associated with the procedure. Additional benefits for the patient are decreased discomfort, potentially decreased risk of blood clots, and potentially decreased risk of pigmentation, or staining of the skin.

Immediately following an EVLA procedure, patients are asked to put on their compression stockings. Vein specialists will ask patients to wear compression stockings for the first two weeks following EVLA treatment, any time the patient is on her or his feet. (Compression stockings are also prescribed following sclerotherapy treatment, usually for between five days and two weeks.) Graduated compression stockings should never be worn to bed.

Compression is critical for the most efficient and effective healing process.

Compression Before Laser Treatment

For years, patients suffering from varicose veins and other vein conditions had few options for treatment. Now, endovenous ablation, or EVLA for short, is considered the gold standard in vein treatment. EVLA is minimally invasive procedure that is done on an outpatient basis, and recovery time for most people is very quick.

Graduated compression stockings play an essential role before and after vein treatments, including EVLA. Anyone that undergoes EVLA, sclerotherapy or other treatments for venous insufficiency must wear graduated compression stockings immediately following the procedure and during the recovery period. What some may not realize is that there are reasons to wear compression before treatment too.

Before a vein procedure, wearing compression stockings gives a person a snapshot of what vein health feels like. Since compression alleviates symptoms, it becomes easier for a phlebologist (vein specialist) to tease out, or confirm whether the leg pain is due to muscular-skeletal issues, the nervous system, or venous disease. Another benefit to wearing compression prior to treatment is that it’s good to confirm that the patient can tolerate stockings, and/or that the stockings fit properly. (After the procedure is the worst time to discover that the stockings don’t fit!)

Alternatively, many who think that they could never tolerate compression stockings try on a modern stocking and find them quite bearable. Since compression prevents the progression of vein disease and controls symptoms, some people may even decide to take a more conservative approach, rather than proceed with definitive treatment.

Vein disease isn’t always obvious

Vein disease isn’t always obvious. 

The 65-year-old woman in the picture to the right sought treatment because of the bulging veins in her right leg, but at her initial evaluation it became apparent that both legs were affected. Even more surprising, the vein problem was worse on her left leg than her right.

The patient had EVLA treatment on both legs, followed by ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, and now enjoys healthy-looking legs that no longer ache.

If you have symptoms that you think may be related to venous insufficiency, read our previous blog post “How to tell if you have venous disease,” or click here to learn more. Even if you are experiencing only mild symptoms of venous (vein) disease, as the disease progresses it can lead to chronic venous insufficiency and result in serious medical complications.

How to tell if you have venous disease

Have you ever thought that the spider veins behind your knees have gotten bigger as you’ve gotten older? Or have you wondered why your legs feel so tired at the end of the day?

The American College of Phlebology (ACP) now offers a free, online vein self-assessment resource, which includes a questionnaire with eight simple questions to help determine if someone is at risk for vein issues.

Throughout the assessment, you’ll learn facts about vein issues to help you gain a better understanding of your own possible vein condition. Of course, an excellent way to find out if you do or do not have a vein disorder is to be evaluated by a Board-certified vein specialist.

To take the assessment screening, visit www.phlebology.org/VeinAssessment

Happy and healthy

In 2014, our year-end blog post was the testimonial of a happy patient whose quality of life was markedly improved by venous treatment. It was such a nice way to end the year that we’re doing it again!

“I am a freelance creative professional, so I’m always on my feet, and as an active person I’m always on the go. Before I went to Dr. Cindy, I had a vein on my leg that was so gnarly and huge that it looked like a topographical map on my leg. I sought treatment because I was also experiencing cramping in my calves that was so severe I couldn’t run or swim nearly as much as I used to.

After I got an ablation on both legs, I started to see improvements in symptoms that I never even knew were related to my vein problems. Not only did my leg cramps go away, my feet stopped hurting and swelling up like balloons. My shoe size went down half a size—and I have ankles again! I have new legs as far as I’m concerned. I don’t tire as quickly, I have more endurance, and I have more cardio, which is surprising to me. I didn’t know how much better I could feel.” – Nathan E., 41, Portland, ME

To read more stories about satisfied patients, click here to read “Perspectives: Real Cases of Vein Treatment.”  Dr. Asbjornsen and all of us at the Vein Healthcare Center wish you a healthy holiday and a brilliant new year. See you in 2016!

High heels and crossed legs

High-heeled shoes are often associated with bad veins, but have you ever wondered why? It’s all about the ability to move the ankle, also known as ankle motility. The calf muscle acts as a pump to push blood against gravity from the feet and legs, back up to the heart.

If the ankle does not have full range of motion, it is considered an independent risk factor for venous disease. When one is wearing high heels, the calf muscle cannot be fully extended, which decreases its power within the pumping mechanism. 

In a similar vein (sorry!) many patients at the Vein Healthcare Center have asked if crossing their legs causes varicose veins. The answer is: we don’t currently know. There is no research supporting this claim, but anecdotally, Dr. Asbjornsen will occasionally see a patient who crosses one leg over the other and experiences issues with her or his small saphenous, a vein that begins at the back of the knee and extends down the backside of the leg. Continuous pressure on this vein may damage the valves, or at least impede flow, which could create permanent damage. 

To learn more about risk factors for vein disease, including environmental risks, feel free to explore the Vein Healthcare Center’s website, or request an appointment online. Or if you’d like to talk with someone in person, call us at 207-221-7799. We look forward to hearing from you!

Educational video about veins

We’re going to continue sharing multimedia resources for learning more about veins.

Several years ago, the American College of Phlebology (ACP), in partnership with KAET-TV in Phoenix, AZ, produced a video called "Vein Health: Discoveries, New Technologies & Breakthroughs." The hour-long program leads viewers through the basics of vein disease, and then addresses specific treatment options, misconceptions, and questions from the studio audience with two physician panels.

“Vein Health: Discoveries, New Technologies & Breakthroughs" is hosted by Dr. Helane Fronek, a true pioneer in the field of phlebology. We hope you’ll learn a lot as you watch this video. If you have any additional questions about vein disease or treatment, give us a call or send us an email at the Vein Healthcare Center.