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.