Friday, January 3, 2014

3 reasons to visit a vein specialist this year


At the start of a new year, many people schedule visits to their family doctor, dentist and other physicians, but who should plan to visit a vein doctor, and why? People often discount their bulging or uncomfortable veins because they’ve been told for years that such issues are merely cosmetic and never covered by insurance. Not true!

Today, venous disease and its accompanying symptoms— including, but not limited to, varicose veins— are recognized for the health issues they truly are. Improving one’s quality of life also shouldn’t be underestimated, so here are just three reasons to consider an evaluation with an experienced, board-certified phlebologist:

1. You’re embarrassed to show your legs – Whether you have thick, ropy varicose veins, or spindly spider veins, there are modern, minimally invasive procedures to treat an array of vein disorders. While varicose veins can hinder confidence and the ability to participate fully in life’s activities, venous disease is never simply cosmetic. It is a progressive disease that can lead to incapacitating symptoms, heightened pain, and intensified health concerns.

2. Your legs often feel tired or heavy – These are two of the most common (and early) symptoms of a vein problem. Intense leg fatigue at the end of the day is a sign. Heaviness is usually a result of mild swelling due to poor venous return (blood flow back up to the heart). These symptoms can be easily treated with compression stockings or other minimally invasive therapies.

3. “Bad veins” run in the family – Approximately 60% of people who have one first-degree relative with venous issues will also have issues. That statistic shoots to almost 90% if someone has two first-degree relatives with vein problems. Many bleeding and blood clotting disorders are also hereditary. If someone has a family history, s/he should be proactive about vein disease prevention and consider going to a vein specialist for a baseline evaluation.

If you have any questions about problem veins, or just don't know where to begin, give us a call at the Vein Healthcare Center. We'll work with you understand venous disease and what your options for treatment may be.

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