Can Your Varicose Veins be Treated Without Heat?

Posted on July 6, 2016June 28, 2016 by floridav

For many patients who have been diagnosed with varicose veins, the consideration of treatment options can be an overwhelming process. Dr. Richard Bragg of Orlando vein center, Florida Vein Center, will personally consult with you to verify your diagnosis and walk you through the available treatment options that will suit your specific needs. You may be pleasantly surprised to know that not all varicose vein treatments require the use of heat.

One of the biggest concerns that patients seem to have is the use of lasers and other heat-related therapies. This concern stems from the use of general or local anesthesia with even more apprehension being expressed about heat disrupting the tissues around the varicosities. Anxiety about either of these may deter the patient from seeking treatments that are necessary to restoring vein health.

Heat-related therapies include a minimally-invasive treatment option where radio waves or radio frequencies are introduced to the diseased vein, and an ablation of the superficial vein is performed. Guided through a small catheter, the radio-wave energy is introduced through a small incision in the affected vein, resulting in the vein being sealed off through the heat generated. Endovenous laser therapy is also a form of ablation. However, as its name suggests, a laser pulse is used to generate the heat required to seal off the damaged vein. In both cases, the diseased veins are eventually reabsorbed into the body.

There is no general anesthesia required for these procedures other than a minor injection of a numbing agent, usually lidocaine, at the procedure site or sites. Depending on the severity, a mild sedative might be prescribed. Patients can usually return to normal activity immediately after any of the above minimally-invasive procedures. Some patients, though rare, have reported experiencing minimal bruising, swelling, or scarring.

A non-heat related therapy, sclerotherapy is a treatment that doesn’t use any laser or energy sourced heat. It combines ultrasound guidance to the superficial diseased veins that are then typically injected with a liquid or foam that promotes the collapse of the veins, which are ultimately reabsorbed by the body. Local anesthesia is typically all that is required for sclerotherapy.

Another non-heat sourced treatment for some patients is wearing physician-prescribed compression hosiery. These stockings are available in a range of compression strengths based on the severity of the varicosities and size of the patients. Compression hose often alleviate the symptoms attributed to varicose veins, and, for some patients, no other treatment is necessary unless the condition worsens.

If you’ve been diagnosed with varicose veins, or suspect that you have them, contact Dr. Bragg and the outstanding Orlando vein center staff at Florida Vein Care. We are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins, and you deserve to know the details of all of the available treatment options. Contact us at (407) 805-8989 today for an appointment. Don’t put it off any longer. Your vein health is too important.

7 Myths About Venous Disease You May Not Know

Posted on June 7, 2016July 24, 2018 by floridav

7 Myths about Venous Disease

It seems that with every new medical study released these days, there are conflicting reports about what’s good for us and what isn’t, what treatments work or don’t work. It’s difficult to know what choices to make when making decisions about your general health. The same challenges apply when seeking advice about your vascular health. Our vein clinic in Orlando is here to help you unravel the myths about venous disease. Here are the most common myths about venous disease that you may not know:

You can always see varicose veins. While varicose veins in the legs and arms can appear to be very obvious because they seem to bulge from the surface of the skin, they can occur deeper within the body and in places that you don’t often see.

Varicose veins are strictly a cosmetic problem. Without sounding like the harbinger of doom, it is important to remember that your veins shouldn’t bulge, appear bluish, or cause pain. If this is occurring, it is much more than just unsightly. Varicose veins result from the malfunction of valves in your veins. This malfunction can cause more serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

Spending all day on your feet may cause varicose veins. While individuals who have careers that require them to spend copious amounts of time on their feet have been known to experience more severe symptoms of varicose veins, no one can state for certain that standing for extended periods of time actually causes them. The same holds true for people who spend the majority of their day sitting.

The only way to treat varicose veins is by having surgery. Once upon a time, vein stripping was indeed the only option for patients suffering from varicose veins. The surgery consisted of having the vein removed from the affected area. Advancements in technology have expanded the options available for the treatment of varicose veins. Click here to learn more about today’s options.

Only women get varicose veins. Varicose veins may occur more frequently in women, but men get them, too. Family history, obesity, and other contributing factors result in 25% of the male population being diagnosed with varicose veins.

Aging is responsible for the appearance of varicose veins. While varicosities certainly seem to become more problematic with age, the truth is that young people can be diagnosed with varicose veins as well. Family history is a large component in the development of varicose veins as are hormone levels. As a result, young people, young women, and pregnant women can be bothered by varicose veins.

There is nothing I can do to prevent me from getting varicose veins. Genetics can take the rap for a portion of the development of varicose veins, but your own lifestyle can be a contributing factor. Maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and not smoking are just a few ways that can help to prevent developing varicose veins.

Our vein clinic in Orlando, Florida Vein Care, is here to help you learn everything you need to know about varicose veins. Dr. Bragg and his staff are 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 a healthy vascular system. Call 407-805-8989 to schedule your consultation.

Can The Florida Heat Cause Varicose Veins?

Posted on May 12, 2016June 7, 2016 by floridav

To understand whether or not the Florida heat can cause varicose veins, Dr. Bragg and the staff at Orlando vein center, Florida Vein Care, want you to know a bit about what varicose veins are. Arteries pump oxygenated blood from the heart and distribute it throughout the body. The veins are responsible for returning the blood back to the heart to be re-oxygenated. This intricate system comprised of the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins is called the circulatory system.

There is a network of superficial veins that lay just underneath the surface of the skin. There is also a grid of deep veins, which are the heavy lifters, carrying the majority of the returning blood flow. All veins contain one-way valves which regulate the return of blood to the heart. The valves work as a stop-gap to keep gravity from pulling the blood flow backwards, and, as a result, our blood supply is regulated to ensure proper functioning of the circulatory system.

When the valve(s) in one or more of the superficial veins fail to work incorrectly, the blood flow returning to the heart is disturbed, and blood begins to pool within the vein. This is sometimes called a leaky valve. This pooling results in enlargement and distortion of the vein leading to swelling in the legs or arms, achiness, and discoloration of the skin. Left untreated, the vein can become extremely distended, thick, and almost knotty-like in appearance. This is a varicose vein.

There are many reasons that people develop varicose veins, (click here to read about the top four causes), and they do occur more frequently in women than in men. They may appear not only on the legs and ankles, but on the arms, on the face, etc. Those who enjoy active lifestyles and eat a well-balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight can still develop varicose veins. But does the Florida heat cause varicose veins? There is no direct correlation between heat and the development of varicose veins.

That being said, there is a direct correlation between the effects of heat on veins that are already damaged. Higher temperatures cause the veins to dilate and enlarge, which results in a larger volume of blood within their walls. While your body tries to get the blood flow closer to the skin’s surface to help cool you down, these varicose veins will appear larger and become more symptomatic. That’s why many people believe that the Florida heat “causes” varicose veins and seek treatment during the hot summer months.

Dr. Bragg and the medical team at Orlando vein care clinic, Florida Vein Care, are Central Florida’s leading specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Don’t wait until your symptoms get worse or for summer to kick into full force. Call us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards better vein health at 407-805-8989.

Dr. Bragg Discusses Removal of Veins & the Effect on Your Circulation

Posted on May 1, 2016June 7, 2016 by floridav

Before treatment for varicose veins in Orlando can be addressed, Dr. Bragg wants you to know the reason behind requiring treatment. If you remember back to your elementary school science class, our circulatory system is a complicated network comprised of the heart, veins, and arteries carrying blood to and from the heart. Arteries pump oxygenated blood throughout the body, and veins return blood back to the heart. Valves work within the vessels to control blood flow and, in essence, help to maintain steady pressure.

When the valves stop working properly, whether as a result of genetics, age, pregnancy, immobility, or obesity, etc., the blood begins to pool behind the valve. The pooling causes the veins to swell, and, eventually, bulge towards the skin’s surface. Appropriate circulation is diminished and the symptoms of varicose veins become apparent. In addition to swelling, patients complain of achiness and fatigue in the affected limb, itchiness, cramping, and discoloration of the skin.

Surgical removal of the vein, also called vein stripping, is when the diseased vein is tied off and removed from the leg either through an incision in the groin or behind the knee, or both. This treatment requires general anesthesia and is now only performed in certain cases.

Sclerotherapy combines ultrasound guidance with injections of liquid or foam into the diseased vein. The injections promote the collapse of the veins, which are ultimately reabsorbed by the body. In essence, they are removed.

Another minimally-invasive treatment includes radio-wave or radio-frequency ablation of the superficial vein. Guided through a small catheter, the radio-wave energy is introduced through a small incision in the affected vein, resulting in the vein being sealed off through the heat generated. Endovenous laser therapy is also a form of ablation. However, as its name suggests, a laser pulse is used to generate the heat required to seal off the damaged vein. In all cases, when the vein is closed off, the body adjusts and reroutes the blood supply to nearby vessels.

Dr. Bragg states “The most frequently asked question by patients is ‘If you take out the veins, or shut them down to be reabsorbed into my body, will my circulation get worse?’” He explains that “Circulation will actually improve because only the damaged veins with the leaky valves are removed. Compare it to having a leaky pipe in your home that just can’t be repaired. When you turn off the water to that area, the water pressure throughout the house improves.”

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of varicose veins please, don’t wait to seek medical advice. There are several treatment options for varicose veins in Orlando. Call us at 407-805-8989 schedule an appointment to come in for a consultation. Dr. Bragg and his staff want to help restore your vein health to function at its best. Live the life you want to live!

Why Athletes Can Have Varicose Veins

Posted on April 10, 2016June 7, 2016 by floridav

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.

Iron’s Role in Venous Health

Posted on March 2, 2016February 24, 2016 by floridav

Most of us grew up listening to the chiding of our parents to eat our spinach, collards, or other green leafy vegetables. While most humans are carnivores, the balance required for staying healthy includes consumption of fruits and vegetables that contain the necessary vitamins and minerals. The experts at Orlando vein center, Florida Vein Care, explain why nutrition is so important to maintaining your vein health.

Many people are unaware on how important eating a well-balanced diet is to keeping their circulatory system working in tip-top shape. Dark green leafy vegetables contain high quantities of iron and vitamin K. Both are important factors to maintaining a healthy circulatory system. Turns out our parents were right.

Without subjecting you to a boring chemistry lesson, it is suffice it to say that hemoglobin is a protein in our red blood cells comprised of several components (globulin chains), but one of the most important elements within is the iron atom. The chemical composition of iron gives it the distinct ability to transport oxygen and deliver it to the cells, tissues, etc. as needed. Without oxygen, the cells cannot produce the energy required for us to live. Conversely, iron also has the ability to help with the removal of carbon dioxide and other waste produced in the cells. It’s quite a versatile element.

Anemia can result if iron levels in the blood dip down too low. You do not have to be diagnosed with anemia to experience issues with your circulatory system. If your iron level is not appropriate, the odds are that your blood it isn’t circulating properly because the cell’s production of energy is reduced due to a sluggish oxygen delivery system. Improper circulation weakens the valves in the vein walls and spider and varicose veins can develop. Low iron levels and anemia can have detrimental effects on all aspects of body function, including cognitive function.

So, what causes us to lose iron in our blood? Our red blood cells usually live for two to three months. When they die, our liver and spleen retrieve the iron released and send it to the bone marrow where it is stored and released later back into the blood by the liver. A small portion of iron is lost in this normal process. Bleeding causes the largest loss of iron and women of reproductive years lose more than women older or younger. This factor, once again, lends credence to varicose veins occurring more often in women than in men.

Regular check-ups and blood work can help identify iron deficiency before it affects your circulatory system. The entire staff at our Orlando vein center is here to answer any questions you may have about vein health or symptoms you may be experiencing. Call Florida Vein Care today at 407-805-5959, or complete our online contact form.

The Top 4 Causes of Varicose Veins

Posted on February 24, 2016 by floridav

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.

Does This Florida Cold Affect Vein Health?

Posted on February 16, 2016 by floridav

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.

Modern Technology Helps to Relieve Patients of Varicose Vein Pain

Posted on February 5, 2016September 6, 2016 by floridav

For many patients afflicted by varicose veins, the thought of seeking treatment is a scary proposition. The stories shared by older relatives and friends of varicose vein treatments in the past were very painful and required lengthy periods of recuperation, which prevented them from seeking relief from the symptoms they experienced. The process of surgical removal of the vein, “vein stripping”, or “phlebectomy” was a very common and invasive procedure used in the not too distant past. During the procedure, the diseased vein was tied off and removed from the leg, either through an incision in the groin or behind the knee, or both. This treatment required general anesthesia and is very rarely performed nowadays. The good news is that modern technology has advanced the development of treatments in the last few years, as explained by Orlando vein center.

Most non-invasive courses of intervention included the wearing of compression stockings combined with frequent elevation of the legs to reduce symptoms. Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs are still sometimes prescribed to ease symptoms.

Sclerotherapy, another treatment option, combines ultrasound guidance to the superficial diseased veins that are then typically injected with a liquid or foam that promotes the collapse of the veins, which are ultimately reabsorbed by the body.

Minimally-invasive treatment options also include radio-wave or radio-frequency ablation of the superficial vein. Guided through a small catheter, the radio-wave energy is introduced through a small incision in the affected vein, resulting in the vein being sealed off through the heat generated. Endovenous laser therapy is also a form of ablation. However, as its name suggests, a laser pulse is used to generate the heat required to seal off the damaged vein.

With sclerotherapy, radio-frequency, and endovenous laser therapy, the vein is closed off then the body adjusts and reroutes the blood supply to nearby vessels. There is no anesthesia required for these procedures other than a minor injection of a numbing agent, usually lidocaine, at the procedure site or sites. Depending on the severity, a mild sedative might be prescribed. Patients can usually return to normal activity immediately after any of the above minimally invasive procedures. Some patients, though rare, have reported experiencing minimal bruising, swelling, or scarring.

Patients are encouraged to discuss varicose vein treatment options with their physician at an Orlando vein care center to determine the right option for them. Please contact the expert staff at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center at (407) 805-8989, and allow us to help you make an informed decision when selecting the varicose vein treatment that is right for you. You deserve to live symptom-free and to have health and beauty restored to your legs.

Just How Important is the Sclerosing Agent Anyway?

Posted on February 2, 2016 by floridav

It’s common for the staff at our Orlando vein center to hear people ask “Do you still do those saline injections for spider veins?” Typically, this question is followed by comments about how painful the saline injections are and how they had to lay down for days after the treatment to ensure proper results. One of the reasons Florida Vein Care participates in health fairs, physician-led community lectures, and trade shows is to educate the public on contemporary vein treatments available today. The next physician-led community lecture is Wed. Feb. 17th at the Marks St. Senior Center, led by Dr. Bragg.

Today, we consider saline injections “old school”, although the actual procedure known as sclerotherapy remains the gold standard. Why not saline anymore? It’s simple: technology has provided more effective and advanced sclerosing agents that perform better than saline with little or no discomfort to the patient.

When searching for a vein treatment practice, it’s important to ask: “What solution do you use for sclerotherapy?” If a practice says they use saline, chances are they don’t do a lot of sclerotherapy. Saline is inexpensive and has a long shelf life if preserved, so some practices out there will offer saline sclerotherapy to their clients as a convenience more than a routine procedure.

What sclerosing solution should you look for? At Florida Vein Care & Cosmetic Center, we use Sotradecol & Polidocanol. Both are specifically compounded to act as a vein “sealant” through sclerotherapy injections. Both Sotradecol and Polidocanol provide superior results with sclerotherapy and without the painful burn or sting of saline. Hemosiderin staining, a common side effect of saline injections, is also mitigated with the use of Sotradecol and Polidocanol.

The cost of these agents is much greater than saline as they are limited in shelf life and are custom compounded for sclerotherapy. This is why you will not see Florida Vein Care & Cosmetic Center offering low-cost sclerotherapy sessions like you may find on local coupon service sites. (Buyer beware when a sclerotherapy deal is too good to be true; it usually is!) When shopping for a sclerotherapy provider, it’s important to find out:

Do they screen clients for venous insufficiency? If you are not screened for leaky vein valves, your spider and varicose veins will come right back. Find out if they do a Doppler exam to rule out venous insufficiency first.
What sclerosing agent does the practice use to inject your veins? Look for superior agents such as Polidocanol and Sotradecol for all the reasons stated above.
Who is performing the sclerotherapy & what certifications do they have? Sclerotherapy should always be performed by an MD, P.A.-C, or an ARNP.
How long have they been practicing in the specialty of phlebology & are the injectors members of the American Academy of Phlebology?
Does the practice prescribe graduated compression therapy after treatment? Any practice who doesn’t send you home in graduated compression stockings cannot be taken seriously as a vein treatment center.

At our Orlando vein center, Medical Director, Richard Bragg, MD, is Central Florida’s own expert on sclerotherapy and venous disease/treatment. Dr. Bragg has been practicing for more than 17 years and trains other physicians on endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), the latest innovation in varicose vein treatment. Madge Geohagen P.A.-C is his assistant, and she has more than 16 years experience as a sclerotherapy injector. “I have been having sclerotherapy treatments for years, and it wasn’t until I found Madge that I started to see real results! I recommend Madge to anyone with spider veins; she’s the best!”-Elizabeth, FVC client.

We welcome you to come to Dr. Bragg’s lecture at Mark’s Street Senior Center on Wednesday, Feb. 17th at 10 a.m. This event is free to the public. RSVP to Judy Vaughan, Florida Vein Care & Cosmetic Center Director: (407)805-8989 or email: [email protected]

7 Myths about Venous Disease

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