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.

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.

What women can do about varicose veins (and free eArticle)

It is a common misconception that only women experience troublesome veins. In the U.S. one in three people— including men— has some form of venous disease. Still, gender does make a difference. Why?

A woman has three potential “high risk” times in her life that men do not. Significant hormonal fluctuations typically happen during menarche (menstruation), pregnancy, and menopause. Surges in the hormone progesterone, in particular, can cause veins to stretch, sometimes enough for vein valves to tear and fail to do their job. Women who have venous insufficiency may notice that their symptoms worsen during menstruation.

Even after menopause, when most hormone fluctuations have stopped, a woman’s risk of vein disease continues to increase with age. There is a higher incidence of varicose veins in older women, because as the body ages, it produces less collagen, which causes the veins (and vein valves) to become weaker.

With the right information, women have the ability to reduce their risk of developing venous disease and/or decrease its severity. Preventative measures include: wearing graduated compression stockings; living an active lifestyle; and maintaining a healthy weight.

There are also a number of effective, minimally invasive treatments available for varicose veins and other symptoms of vein disease. If you’d like to learn more about how women can improve their vein health, read our latest eArticle “Women and Vein Treatments.” Click here to download your free copy.

Healthy Veins in the Winter

The winter tends to be a good time for people with vein issues, like varicose veins or venous ulcers. According to Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen of the Vein Healthcare Center, the heat of summer actually causes veins to dilate or stretch, and symptoms often become worse. She finds that people are more likely to pursue vein treatments in the winter months because of the need for compression stockings post treatment.

Compression stockings or socks are therapeutic hosiery designed to increase blood circulation by placing pressure on the lower leg, foot and, in some cases, the thigh. Graduated compression stockings have strong elastics that are tightest at the ankles and then gradually become less constrictive toward the knees and thighs. They can be used after vein treatment or, in some cases, as a supplement to treatment.

During wintertime, patients with vein problems are much more likely to wear their compression stockings, treating them like a welcome layer of insulation, like longjohns. Though compression stockings won't completely cure a vein problem, they can dramatically improve the symptoms and keep an existing issue from escalating.

One drawback of winter is that many people prefer to stay indoors to avoid the cold. But less walking and more sitting is the worst thing one can do to keep legs healthy— or to keep bad legs from getting worse. So what’s the answer?

Walk, even if it’s just around the house. Dr. Asbjornsen has one dedicated patient who walks for two minutes, 15 times a day— by taking a stroll around her house every half-hour! Of course, if you belong to a gym or fitness club, get in there and hop on a treadmill.

Another option is the mall. Walking around inside a mall, or even a grocery store or large department store, can go a long way toward venous disease recovery and prevention. Walking just thirty minutes every day keeps the muscles of the lower legs healthy.

Whatever the season, if you're experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency, the sooner you address it, the better. Left untreated, the problem could get much worse. Treatment can stop the progression of the disease and its complications for those in its early stages, and for those struggling with late-stage symptoms, it can restore health and quality of life.

Books about vein health

More and more, patients are turning to their computers (and mobile devices) to gather information about health-related topics. But don’t forget about “good ol’ fashioned” books! There are a number of publications that can help people make informed decisions about their leg health and overall wellness. Published by the American College of Phlebology (ACP), Healthy Veins…Healthy Legs was written by established vein specialists around the country. The Vein Healthcare Center’s own Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen contributed the chapter about risk factors and other causes for vein problems. The book gives patients a comprehensive look at vein disease, plus practical tips for prevention and management. Many VHC patients turn to Understanding Venous Disease to learn more. The book, written by Dr. Asbjornsen, provides an overview of venous disease, including complications and the latest procedures. It also discusses alternative and conservative treatments.

Another consumer-friendly book is Say Goodbye to Varicose Veins & Spider Veins Now! by Dr. Greg Martin, a board certified phlebologist in Georgia. The book is written in a very accessible style that’s easy to understand. For health professionals, the third (and latest) edition of Fundamentals of Phlebology: Venous Disease for Clinicians is soon to come out. It is considered “the Bible” for phlebologists other allied healthcare professionals who incorporate venous disease treatment in their practices.

Happy reading!

Alternative treatments for vein disease

For many years, most patients solely accepted the traditional Western world approach to medicine and health. A lot has changed in the last two decades. Remedies that many once regarded as “wacky,” such as acupuncture and meditation, are now quite common. Ask any kid and she can show you at least one yoga pose. There are alternatives in vein care, as well.

While there are proven, minimally invastive treatments for venous disease— endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and sclerotherapy, chief among them— there is growing interest in the effectiveness of herbal supplements and alternative medications. 

Butcher’s broom, gotu kola and horse chestnut extract are just a few of the natural, plant-based medicines that are available over the counter. Diosmin, one citrus-based compound, is considered a “medical food” and is available with a doctor’s prescription. (We take a closer look in Vein Health News; just click on the “Women and Veins” issue and turn to page 12.)

Current research on these and other herbs is promising, but it’s important to remember that while herbal treatments may help eliminate symptoms, their benefits are limited to the period of time that the medication is being taken. They do not fix the underlying cause of the symptoms. 

Something else to note: alternative medications are not regulated in the U.S. If you are considering taking them, understand the proper dosage recommendations, risks, and side effects. Some herbal supplements can be toxic if taken improperly. Work with your doctor (ideally, a board-certified phlebologist) and stay safe!

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.