It may seem implausible that an athlete, someone who eats properly, maintains a healthy weight, doesn’t smoke, and exercises regularly, could actually develop varicose veins.  Unfortunately, they can and do. At our Orlando vein center, we know that living a healthy lifestyle and being an athlete, regrettably, will have no impact on a person’s genetic makeup, or, for that matter, against gravity. Life in Florida naturally lends itself to an active lifestyle, and for athletes, it’s a great place to train.

Athletes are just as vulnerable to their genetic composition as non-athletes. It is estimated that if one parent is diagnosed with vein disease, a person will have approximately a 30% chance of developing varicose veins and a 90% risk if both parents have been diagnosed.  Sorry ladies, but female athletes will have an even greater chance of becoming symptomatic if they become pregnant or begin hormone replacement therapy.

The reality is, based on the above factors, that exercise neither causes nor prevents varicose veins from developing. One of the questions asked most frequently at Florida Vein Care is “Will my veins get worse because I exercise?” The answer might surprise you. Exercise doesn’t significantly increase, nor does it decrease, your vulnerability in forming varicose veins. Unfortunately, the aging process is the more definitive contributor, and there’s no getting away from it.

Poor blood flow in the veins result when the valves within the vein walls that are supposed to regulate circulation are no longer working properly. When we walk or run, our calf muscles tighten, which helps the circulatory process work efficiently. When the valves are not functioning correctly, blood begins to pool because there is not enough pressure to fight gravity. This causes the veins to swell and varicosities become apparent.

Athletes often comment that they feel great when they are training, but then notice, after exercising, their legs feel heavy, achy, and sometimes painful. Elevating the legs seems to help. The calf muscles are not supporting appropriate blood flow back to the heart, which is an indication that the veins are in some form of distress. When working out, the muscles demand an increase in oxygen supply and, therefore, an increased volume of blood must be rushed to the muscles. Return of this blood flow is hindered by gravity and veins that are not functioning properly. Typically, varicose veins will not impact athletic performance. However, they are not to be taken lightly.

Dr. Richard Bragg is the premier vein care specialist in Central Florida and will provide a thorough examination and discuss treatment options that are right for you. The staff at our top Orlando vein center is here to help diagnose and explain the options for treatment of varicose veins. Call for a consult today and keep maintaining your athletic lifestyle at 407-805-8989.

Forget all the old wive’s tales you may have heard over the years about what causes varicose veins. The Orlando vein health experts at Florida Vein Care want to share with you the four top causes of varicose veins:

• Genetics. Better thank Mom and Dad. Yes, genetics have a strong role in the development of varicose veins. Studies have indicated that if both of your parents suffer from varicose veins, you have a much higher risk of developing them. Some studies suggest the risk increases to almost 90%. Women have a significantly increased risk over men.

• Pregnancy. The obvious tie to women is that pregnancy can cause varicose veins. The growth of the baby causes an increase in blood volume in the mother, and the position of the baby in the pelvic region can cause narrowing of blood vessels. Add gravity into the mix, and the veins simply can’t keep up with the demand for blood flow, which can cause valves to allow a backflow of blood which results in varicosities.  Many women indicate that they never experienced problems with varicose veins until they became pregnant.

• Profession: The people who stand or walk throughout the day, such as hairdressers, teachers, and nurses are at a greater risk of developing varicose and spider veins. The constant standing causes the blood to pool, increasing the pressure on vein walls, which can damage the valves.

• Lifestyle. This includes not only your occupation, but how much and what kind of exercise you get. There is a delicate balance to be struck in not spending too much time on your feet or exercising to an extreme. Sedentary individuals tend to have more problems with varicose veins. However, people who exercise too hard also run the risk of developing them. If your exercise regime includes standing for long periods of time or pounding against the pavement, you increase the risk of negatively impacting your vein health.

If you think you’ve been noticing any of the symptoms of spider or varicose veins and can relate to one or more of these risk factors above, it’s time to reach out and schedule an appointment to check on your vein health. Orlando vein health is very important to Dr. Bragg and the staff at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center. Call now to schedule an appointment at 407-805-5959, or contact them online.

Let’s face it; the 2016 Florida winter has had longer cold snaps than we’ve experienced in many years. The winds seem to be more blustery and biting, and many of us have no desire to venture outside for long periods of time. There are those who absolutely love this temporary change in the thermometer but don’t understand why they feel different. Many start to notice the appearance of spider or varicose veins at this time of the year. If you fall into this category, then the staff at our Orlando vein clinic has the answers you seek.

Cold weather causes our blood vessels to constrict which reduces blood flow throughout the body and, of course, to the heart. Reduction in blood flow consequently reduces the amount of oxygen circulating through your body and results in the heart having to work harder. The risk of developing spider or varicose veins is increased when these cold weather events occur and the circulatory system is negatively impacted.

Usually compounding the effect of colder weather is accompanying lethargy. Generally, we don’t exercise as much during the winter months. We seem to opt for binge watching television shows, catching up on reading, and enjoying time by the fireplace. Weight gain is more likely to happen during this time of the year and our muscles tend to weaken due as a result of the couch potato status. Those additional pounds, even just a few, add stress to the circulatory system and further increase the risk of developing spider or varicose veins.

There are things that you can do to reduce the possibility of developing spider veins or varicosities during the winter.

• Start your day by doing slow and easy stretches to help your muscles get moving.
• Watch your dietary intake and be sure to eat foods high in fiber to aid in circulation.
• Massage your legs and ankles, or even better, go for regular massages to relax muscles and improve blood flow.
• Whenever possible, elevate your legs above your heart level for 30 minutes or more.
• Reduce stress wherever possible, and employ deep breathing techniques to improve oxygen flow.

If you are worried about the appearance of spider or varicose veins and don’t know what your options are, please contact our Orlando vein clinic and come in for a consult with our expert staff. Your vein health should not be taken for granted. Call Florida Vein Care today at 407-805-8989, or complete a contact form online.

For most people, the discussion of varicose veins in Orlando conjures up a disturbing visual of blue-purplish, gnarled bulges and swelling of the legs. While it’s true that the most severe cases of varicose veins occur in the lower extremities, they can occur in many other locations throughout the body.

Many people have visible varicose veins on their eyes and face. Around the eye area, especially the lower and upper lid, there is little body fat and the veins lie close to the surface. These veins may be large or small and may be dilated more than others in the body. Smaller veins on the face may appear as little wisp-like threads and are purplish, or red (or a combination of both) in color. These surface capillaries may intensify or deepen in color when the person becomes over-heated. Patients displeased with their appearance often seek treatment to improve looks. Laser therapy and electrolysis are two of the most appropriate ways to resolve these issues.

The appearance of varicosities on the hands, arms, or cleavage area is not as uncommon as one would think. The veins lie closer to the surface of the skin in the hands and can become more visible as we age and our skin changes. People who work out or who have low body fat also notice the visibility of varicose veins in their hands and upper arms from strenuous exercise. Women who have undergone breast augmentation procedures have increased their odds in developing varicose veins in the cleavage and breast area. All of these locations where varicose veins can appear are more of a cosmetic nuisance than medically relevant as they very rarely develop into deep vein thrombosis.

Hemorrhoids. Yes, those painful, swollen irritations on the rump are actually varicose veins in and around the anus. Straining, constipation, diarrhea, pregnancy, and obesity are the leading causes of hemorrhoids in patients. It is not uncommon for them to be very painful and for bleeding to occur. There are many over-the-counter treatments that are effective in relieving the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. In extreme cases, hemorrhoids can result in thrombosis that will require medical intervention.

Don’t self-diagnose. If you suspect you suffer from this affliction, seek the advice of a physician who can make an accurate diagnosis and help you determine if treatment is necessary for your varicose veins in Orlando. Dr. Bragg is the best and most experienced vein care doctor in the Central Florida area. Make your appointment today at 407-805-8989, or contact Florida Vein Care online.

Not only do spider and varicose veins mar our bodies with their unsightly redness, swelling, and bluish bulges, but they can, and frequently do, cause an immeasurable amount of discomfort and excruciating pain. Many people we see in our vein clinic in Orlando describe the fatigue, achiness, and pain caused by varicose veins by explaining that it feels like the agony emanates from deep within the body, almost as if generated in their bones.

It’s no wonder that the pain is described this way. The weakening of the valves that control the flow of blood to the heart are malfunctioning to the extent that some of the blood slides backwards and pools behind the valve. As the pooling continues, the vein stretches to accommodate the buildup. The pooling blood is not reabsorbed and eventually there is a loss in elasticity in the veins. It is at this point that the veins begin to bulge, resulting in the varicose vein. The problem originates deep under the skin’s surface.

There are different schools of thought on what can help alleviate the pain associated with varicosity. Some believe that a holistic approach can be beneficial in reducing the swelling and pain. Witch Hazel is said to have a strengthening effect on blood vessels. When soaked on cotton balls and rubbed over the affected areas several times a day, some patients have reported relief of symptoms.

Many physicians are acknowledging the positive impact that massage therapy has in the management of many health issues; varicose veins are on that list. Massage helps improve circulation which reduces swelling and relieves discomfort. Some patients note improvement in skin appearance when they massage with a mixture of olive oil and Vitamin E. Others believe that in using grape seed oil for massage, its anti-inflammatory properties will help to strengthen blood vessels which should ease the level of pain.

The consumption of apple cider vinegar is said to have restorative properties when diluted in a glass of water. Another trend is to massage it in undiluted form onto the affected areas to alleviate tenderness in the area.

If you seek permanent relief from the swelling, discoloration, and pain of varicose veins, the staff at vein clinic in Orlando, Florida Vein Care, is here to accurately assess and diagnose the status of your vein health. They offer a variety of treatment options and they will help you find the one that is right for you. Get on the path to pain-free living. Call 407-805-8989 to schedule your consultation, or contact them online.

Throughout history, there have been many myths generated about the cause of varicose veins, how one might avoid getting them, and how one should care for them. Despite the best efforts of vascular experts, several of these myths still prevail in society. Orlando vein center, Florida Vein Care, lists the ones you should not believe.

• Myth 1: “Varicose veins run in my family, so I am going to get them as well.”  While varicose veins do seem to be more prevalent in some families than others, the truth is that only about 50 percent of the people who have varicose veins will witness them in other family members.
• Myth 2: “Don’t cross your legs – it cuts off your circulation and you’ll get varicose veins.”  If you don’t yet have spider or varicose veins, crossing your legs will not be the reason you get them. Now, if you are already symptomatic, meaning you are experiencing swelling, pain, achiness, or heavy feeling in your legs or have noticed skin discoloration, crossing your legs may worsen your symptoms. Improper or tight-fitted shoes, and even wearing those skin tight jeans, can further aggravate your veins.
• Myth 3: “You should never get a tattoo anywhere on your legs or upper arms – they can cause varicose veins.”  This statement has not been proven to be true. Varicose veins are the result of poor circulation caused by improperly functioning valves within the vein walls. Blood pools which cause the veins to swell and triggers other symptoms. It’s a little bit of a stretch to think that tattooing would result in varicose veins.
• Myth 4: “If you are still planning to have children, do not seek treatment for your varicose veins until you are done.” If you have been diagnosed with severe varicosities prior to becoming pregnant, you should consider seeking treatment now. In many women, early treatment of existing problems can help ease the development of varicose veins during pregnancy. Seek the advice of a vascular specialist.
• Myth 5: “After I started getting massages, my varicose veins were cured.” Sadly, if anyone has shared this with you, they haven’t told you the truth. While massage certainly feels good and it may help to alleviate the swelling, achiness, and pain experienced with varicose veins, and those results are short-lived. Poor circulation and ineffective valves cannot be remedied by massage.

The staff at Florida Vein Care is here to help diagnose and explain the options available for the treatment of varicose veins. Dr. Bragg is Central Florida’s leading expert in sclerotherapy, EVLT, vein microsurgery, laser treatments, and ambulatory phlebectemy and will help you decide which treatment is best for you. Call for a consult today at 407-805-8989, or fill out an online contact form.