Put Spring in your step!

For most of our patients, their main goal is to make their legs feel better -- but after vein treatment, we’ve heard many folks say that their legs look better too.

As summer approaches (a.k.a. shorts and skirts season) it can be emotionally difficult for those with visible veins on their legs to enjoy their time out and about. At the Vein Healthcare Center, our philosophy is that patients who want to treat their problematic veins aren't being vain; they want to improve their health and quality of life. 

While the appearance of spider veins and varicose veins is a common concern, the physical symptoms often take the biggest toll. If you suffer from vein disease, you may already know the familiar aching, throbbing, heaviness, and swelling that can affect your legs by the end of the day. What you might not realize is that the summer heat can actually exacerbate these physical symptoms. As temperatures rise, our veins naturally dilate to help cool the body down. For compromised veins, this extra dilation leads to increased pooling of blood, making that heavy, achy feeling even more pronounced during the warmer months.

This is why addressing your venous health before the peak of summer can be beneficial. Timing your treatment in the spring offers a few advantages:

• Comfort During Recovery: Following most vein procedures, patients are advised to wear prescription compression stockings for a short period to aid in healing and healthy blood flow. That can be a bit more comfortable in the spring -- especially spring in Maine!
• Time for Results to Show: While today's minimally invasive treatments require virtually no downtime, it takes some time for minor bruising to fade. 
• A More Active Summer: By treating the root cause of your discomfort now, you can jump back into hiking, walking the beach, and traveling with renewed energy.

You don’t have to spend another summer hiding behind long pants, making excuses to stay out of the water, or skipping out on the activities you love. Modern vein treatments are safe and effective. All procedures are performed right in our office and allow you to return to your normal routine almost immediately.

Take the first step toward healthier, happier legs. Contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center today to schedule an evaluation, and let us help you step into summer with confidence!

Vein tips for hot days

Heat dilates veins. That means that varicose veins (or "leaky" veins) and other symptoms can worsen in warmer weather. 

Here are some quick tips for vein relief:

• Stay as cool as possible. 
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
• Take a walk. If the temperature outside is too hot, try a stroll through the mall or another climate-controlled building.
• Go for a swim. Like walking, swimming pumps the calf muscles and improves circulation. Plus, a swim can cool you off!
• Elevate the legs whenever possible.
• Schedule an evaluation with a Board certified phlebologist.

Click here for additional ways to ease symptoms of vein disease. Click here to schedule an appointment for a complete evaluation of your vein health so you can treat the problem at its source.

Dealing with veins in the summer

Although the first day of summer is technically June 21, many New Englanders consider Memorial Day to be the unofficial start of the summer. 

’Tis the season for people to dust off their BBQ grills and motorcycles— and shorts, swimsuits, and sandals. This time of year brings joy to most, but for those dealing with vein issues, it can produce discomfort and anxiety.

If you suffer from symptoms of vein disease, shorts season can be a tough time. Here are a few @VHC blog posts that can help:

• Don’t let varicose veins ruin your summer. Click here to read.
• Vein treatments in the summer, Part 1. Click here to read.
• Vein treatments in the summer, Part 2: Click here to read.

To find out more about how to treat vein issues, contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center. We will evaluate your vein health — including spider veins, varicose veins, and leg ulcers — and recommend the best treatment for your individual condition and health goals. Schedule your appointment today.

It’s almost shorts season

"I just wanted to be able to look at my legs and not feel awful. For the first summer in 25 years, I wore shorts and did not feel embarrassed." - Shaye R. 

"I wore a skirt for the first time in decades." - Jane S.

"Even though I'm only 30, I gave up caring what my legs looked like, but now you can see the shape of my legs again!” - Lisa F.

For these former patients of the Vein Healthcare Center, their main goal was to make their legs feel better. But after vein treatment, they were delighted to find that their legs also look better.

As summer approaches -- shorts and skirts weather -- it can be emotionally difficult for those with visible vein disease to enjoy their time out and about. At the Vein Healthcare Center, our philosophy is that patients who want to treat their problematic veins aren't being vain, they want to improve their health and quality of life. Being comfortable with their legs in public is part of that quality of life.

To hear more about patient experiences at the Vein Healthcare Center before and after venous treatment, check out Perspectives, a resource you can download and share.

Education is an important first step toward better vein health. The next step is to receive a complete evaluation. To schedule a new patient visit, call us at (207) 221-7799 or request an appointment online. 

Summer and veins

After a long and especially frigid New England winter, it will officially be summer in just a few weeks. What does that mean for those who suffer from vein disease symptoms, such as throbbing, aching legs, legs that tire easily…or having to wear shorts?

We’ve compiled a few @VHC blog posts to help you navigate vein issues (and treatment) during the summer months:

• Don’t let varicose veins ruin your summer. Click here to read.
• Vein treatments in the summer, Part 1. Click here to read.
• Vein treatments in the summer, Part 2: Click here to read.

And for those who are traveling this summer, prevent blood clots on long trips by plane, train or automobile. Click here to read.

If you have any questions about vein health, whatever the season, you’re welcome to contact the Vein Healthcare Center. And happy almost summer!