Vein Care Archives Page 4 of 6

The Importance of Screening for Reflux with Varicose Veins

Posted on September 9, 2015September 21, 2021 by floridav

In today’s fast-paced world, patients have come to realize the importance of making the time to have routine screenings for a variety of health issues. The importance of regularly scheduled health testing has proven to be instrumental in early detection and successful treatment implementation for many diseases.

A routine screening at a vein clinic in Orlando should be equally important when it comes to your vein health. If you have received treatment for spider veins or varicose veins and they have reappeared, it’s almost guaranteed that you are experiencing the effects of reflux. A venous Doppler or a Doppler exam is a non-invasive test that is performed with an ultrasound machine to determine whether or not you have reflux in your vein walls.

Reflux occurs when there is damage to the valves within the veins. When the valves don’t function properly, the blood being circulated is not sufficiently propelled to the heart and lungs for re-oxygenation. It begins to pool and results in spider and/or varicose veins as the walls of the vessel try to adapt to contain the blood causing them to expand. This swelling can cause the following symptoms: itchiness, skin discoloration, bulging, achiness, and pain. The pooling of the blood resulting from reflux puts patients at higher risk for developing deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots in the veins.

The venous Doppler exam is not painful and is performed by a highly trained specialist in the offices of Florida Vein Care Center. Using reflected sound waves transmitted through the body, images appear on the screen indicating the anatomy of the veins and valves and can diagnose formations of blood clots (thrombus formations). The technician will enable audible sound periodically to further study the effects of mild compression to certain key areas of the body being tested. If you have ever had an ultrasound for any other diagnostic workup, then you know it is painless and takes about 30 minutes.

Here at Florida Vein Care, we believe that it is in your best interest if we first determine the cause of varicose and spider veins. Reflux issues must be treated successfully before we can move forward. We recognized that not all varicose and spider veins are caused by reflux and, if treated early, the odds are likely that they will not return. If they are caused by reflux, it just makes good sense to treat that effectively first. Don’t put off scheduling an appointment at our vein clinic in Orlando because you are concerned about having a Doppler; it’s painless, takes little time out of your busy schedule and we will quickly and accurately diagnose your vein health. Aren’t you worth it?

Weight Gain and Vein Disease

Posted on September 2, 2015August 20, 2015 by floridav

It should come as no surprise to anyone living in America that, despite our best efforts, many of us are packing on the pounds. The evidence really is indisputable and, for some, the battle is much harder than it is for others. Maintaining that “healthy” weight can be considered an unattainable goal.

Some immediately feel the impact of gaining a few pounds. They feel sluggish and notice that their clothes aren’t fitting quite right. These folks can usually pump up the exercise routine and reconfigure their diet, resulting in an easy shedding of the minor weight increase.

For others, gaining a few pounds may go unnoticed until they are 10-20 pounds or more above their ideal weight. Not only do they notice tighter clothing, but they may begin experiencing fatigue. Being overweight can begin a domino effect which can result in significant health issues at any age. Carrying extra poundage can increase cholesterol levels, which can cause heart disease and a higher risk of stroke. Obesity can also be a source of high blood pressure which is another contributing factor to stroke and heart disease. Diabetes is another complication of carrying additional weight.

The staff at Orlando vein center, Florida Vein Care, realizes what many folks don’t. Obesity and morbid obesity can be the foundation for serious circulation issues and organ health throughout the body. The extra weight being supported on your frame causes damage to the valves in the vein walls which can result in venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and blood clots. Reflux is the term used to define the backflow of blood through leaky veins.

Vein disease is nothing to take lightly. Symptoms of varicose veins include swelling, itchiness, achiness, fatigue, skin ulcerations, and pain. As a consequence of varicose veins, people afflicted with them tend to avoid exercise and walking at all costs because of the pain experienced. It becomes quite a vicious circle. Diet alone will not help the weight come off.

When varicose veins are properly treated, the symptoms experienced can virtually disappear and the impetus to exercise should increase with the reduction in pain and swelling. A return to even moderate exercise will help to promote weight loss and increase your overall health. Please contact Orlando vein center, Florida Vein Care, at 407-805-8989 if you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of venous disease. Dr. Bragg and his staff are here to guide you on the road to better vein health.

Improve Appearance AND Health with Varicose Vein Treatments

Posted on August 26, 2015August 10, 2015 by floridav

Our bodies have a distinctive way of letting us know when something is wrong. We run a fever when fighting an infection. We get earaches, sore throats, headaches, which are all effective ways that get our attention to a problem brewing somewhere. The key is to tune into the signals you can see and feel, and then make a plan to get a diagnosis and work with your health care professionals to get healthy!

It’s especially important not to ignore one of the most visually obvious signals of poor vascular health, which can also be a source of great embarrassment to many folks. The appearance of spider veins, or even worse, the manifestation of thick, bluish, gnarled veins beneath the surface of the skin are warnings you should not ignore. The dreaded varicose vein has reared its ugly head. To some, these unsightly and often painful indicators may be considered a minor irritation and an expected part of the aging process. For others, it’s a reason to never wear shorts or dresses or skirts again! Truth be told, the appearance of these alien-looking ropes are a warning sign that your vascular health is not as good as you think it is.

Varicosities are the result of poor blood flow in the veins. The valves within the vein walls that are supposed to regulate circulation are no longer working properly. Blood begins to pool which causes the outward signs of skin discoloration and swelling. Itchiness, pain, heaviness in the leg, and fatigue are usually soon to follow. If left untreated, blood clots can form which expands the risk of further complications. It’s not bad enough that they make you self-conscious about your looks, but they make you ache and itch.

Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins is just a phone call away. Dr. Bragg and his team of varicose vein removal in Orlando specialists at Florida Vein Care Center are here to help determine the health of your vascular system and work with you to determine the minimally invasive treatment options that are best for you. Call 407-805-8989 now to schedule an appointment and put your vein health in our hands!

5 Ways to Improve Your Vascular Health

Posted on August 19, 2015August 10, 2015 by floridav

Are your unsightly varicose veins a cause of embarrassment? Do they cause your legs to swell adding additional shame? Orlando Vein Center, Florida Vein Care, offers 5 ways that you can improve the appearance and health of your legs.

The First Step – Relax! Bet you didn’t expect this one to be at the top of the list. Being stressed is completely detrimental to your physical well-being. When you are stressed, your muscles tense and your blood pressure increases. Your heart works inefficiently and can weaken, wreaking havoc on your entire vascular system. If you find that stress is creeping into your day, make the time to breathe a few slow, deep breaths; step back from what is causing the stress and mentally refocus.
The Second Step – Eat Better! It’s really not new. You’ve heard it a million times. Eat smart. From adding fruits and vegetables for their vitamins, folic acid, and powerful antioxidants, to reducing your salt intake to maintain a healthy blood pressure, you know you need to eat a well-balanced diet to stay fit and trim. Lowering your salt intake will also help to alleviate swelling of the legs and ankles. Cut out fried foods and keep your cholesterol low. It’s also important to regulate your blood sugar.
The Third Step – Get More Exercise! Humans are mobile creatures. Our ancestors walked everywhere, foraged and then hunted for food. As the species evolved, we seem to have found ways to avoid exercising. Our cardiovascular systems were designed to work optimally with regular exercise to help our hearts grow and stay strong. Never start an exercise program without speaking with your doctor first, but it’s time to get off the couch and get moving. It’s proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and you will feel better!
The Fourth Step – Sleep! Get a good night’s sleep every night. Yes, those 8 hours a night really are important for adults. Studies have shown that the walls of your arteries accumulate excess calcium without consistently experiencing a true, restorative sleep. Calcium build up is a contributing factor to developing cardiovascular disease. If you experience frequent trouble getting to, or staying asleep, you should discuss it with your doctor. Some experts recommend that you not watch TV or use electronic devises right before bedtime. Find a routine that works for you and stick to it.
The Fifth Step – Quit Smoking! This step only applies to you if you smoke, and there are many of you who still do despite the warnings. Tar and nicotine do indeed build up in the lungs, throat, and mouth, in addition to hardening the walls of your veins. This puts you at a high risk for developing varicose veins and blood clots. Blood clots can lead to pulmonary embolism which can result in death. Is it worth it to keep smoking? Speak with your doctor to find a method to help you quit permanently.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, and staying stress-free will help to keep your cardiovascular health in check. You know you need to quit smoking; enough said. If you have any questions or concerns about your vascular health, schedule an Orlando vein center appointment with Dr. Bragg and his staff at the Florida Vein Care Center. Don’t put off what you should do today! Call us at 407-805-8989.

Florida Vein Care Announces New Location in East Orlando

Posted on August 18, 2015September 21, 2021 by floridav

Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center, headed by board-certified MD Dr. Richard S. Bragg, has announced the opening of their newest location in East Orlando. The new location’s address is 10902 Dylan Loren Circle Orlando, Florida 32825. The opening of this new location was decided to accommodate those suffering with venous insufficiency that don’t want to travel to their Dr. Phillips or Lake Mary office.

Dr. Bragg and his team at Florida Vein Care currently specialize in treating varicose and spider veins with a variety of treatment options available at the new location including sclerotherapy, EVLT, vein microsurgery, laser treatments, and ambulatory phlebectemy. In addition to the vein treatments, the East Orlando location will also provide cosmetic procedures such as Botox treatment and other skin care treatments using the latest technology.

“We are excited to continue to provide our patients with the highest quality of care at this new location in East Orlando,” said Dr. Richard Bragg of Florida Vein Care. “We hope this location will be an added convenience to our patients who live on this side of town.”

The staff at Florida Vein Care urges new and existing patients to come visit the East Orlando location and receive a consultation for venous insufficiency. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment at the new East Orlando location should call 407-805-8989.

About Florida Vein Care

Directed by Richard S. Bragg, M.D., a board-certified physician who specializes in varicose veins, Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center combines state-of-the-art equipment with the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques. Dr. Bragg’s interest in aesthetic medicine began in medical school when his wife became troubled over tiny spider veins on her legs. As he researched ways to treat her condition, his passion for making people feel better about their appearance grew. Today, thanks to numerous referrals and “word-of-mouth” advertising, Florida Vein Care & Cosmetic Center has become one of Central Florida’s preferred providers, offering the most advanced and effective vein and cosmetic treatments available.

What You Need to Know About Varicose Veins and Traveling

Posted on August 5, 2015July 29, 2015 by floridav

Our vein clinic in Orlando, Florida Vein Care, is here to educate you about varicose veins, and one thing to take into consideration is the very real and present danger of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if you spend long periods of time flying, driving, or even travelling by train.

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 with the vessels to control flow, and in essence, help maintain pressure. A mobile creature by design, the human body requires us to be active in order to maintain the delicate balance within our circulatory system and promote its optimal performance.

When we travel, our bodies are, for the most part, immobile. Just think about how cramped you felt the last time you flew or drove in a compact car. The longer we remain stationery, the greater the chance that the blood-flow in our legs becomes diminished, which in turn increases the chances of developing blood clots. Clots can develop even in the healthiest of people when they have experienced long periods of stasis. If you are a person who already has varicose veins, who smokes, who is pregnant, who takes birth control pills, or has a family history of blood clots, the risk is even greater that you will develop blood clots while travelling for extended periods of time.

Blood clots can easily loosen and detach from the area of formation and move through the bloodstream eventually landing in the lungs. If the clot blocks a blood vessel in the lung, it is called a pulmonary embolism (PE) which can be fatal. In fact, there is a 50/50 survival rate for those who experience a pulmonary embolism. It is estimated that approximately 100,000 people in the United States die from PE annually.

There are a few simple measures you can take to help prevent DVT’s from developing:

Move your feet frequently while traveling.
Push your heels down and move your toes upward as this will help exercise your calf muscles.
When appropriate, try to stand and stretch your legs.
Wear support or compression hose.

If you should experience sudden and severe cramping in your legs, swelling, pain, achy or a heavy feeling in your legs, or shortness of breath while traveling, you should immediately get to the nearest medical facility for diagnosis and treatment!

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, please contact our vein clinic in Orlando, Florida Vein Care Center, at 407-805-8989. Dr. Bragg and his staff are here to help.

Sclerotherapy the Right Way

Posted on July 16, 2015 by floridav

When considering a procedure for varicose vein relief, patients must do their homework in picking a vein clinic in Orlando. The decision to have sclerotherapy performed on your varicose veins is a serious one that requires you and your doctor to work as a team to help you become fully educated about what the procedure entails, what is required after the procedure, the anticipated results, and the success rate experienced by other patients. A visit to Florida Vein Care is the first step in diagnosing the severity of your vein disease and determining if sclerotherapy is the appropriate treatment for you.

In a nut shell, sclerotherapy is one the most commonly performed procedures to not only relieve, but to eliminate the symptoms that accompany spider and smaller varicose veins. Sclerotherapy means that veins are typically injected with a liquid or foam that irritates the inside of the vein walls and promotes the collapse of the veins. The collapsed veins are then ultimately reabsorbed by the body. It is important to note that Dr. Bragg does NOT use saline to promote the degeneration of the veins. A skilled injector makes certain the correct solution is injected the first time.

Another big difference in the sclerotherapy procedures performed at Florida Vein Care is that screening for reflux is always completed to ensure that the veins will not come back. Dr. Bragg has specialized in this methodology for several years with great success.

A sclerotherapy session usually takes about 30 minutes and, depending on the individual, between 50 and 70 veins can be treated during this one appointment. After the treatment, you will have to wear compression stockings for approximately one week, and then you will be required to come back for a follow-up appointment to check the status of your vein health. You may experience some discomfort, but most patients report it to be more of a minor nuisance. In some cases, larger varicose veins may require a different treatment, which will help to eliminate the deeper varicosities with more accuracy then is required for surface spider veins and smaller varicose veins.

Don’t put off getting your legs healthy again. Call our vein clinic in Orlando, Florida Vein Care, at 407-805-8989 today, and let Dr. Bragg and his staff put you on the correct path to vein health.

Vein Health: No Pain, Plenty to Gain

Posted on July 8, 2015June 11, 2015 by floridav

There is no absolute way to guarantee that you will not experience the pain of varicose veins at some point in your life. If there is family history of varicose veins, then you are unfortunately at high risk for developing them. Pregnancy and age are also contributors. But, don’t despair. There are many things that you can do to either delay or prevent the first appearance of spider and varicose veins and their accompanying pain. Orlando vein center specialists, Florida Vein Care, are experts in helping you sustain your vein health which means little to no pain and plenty to gain.

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating properly, and exercising regularly can all assist with keeping the pain of varicose veins from rearing its purplish-tinged head. When your body is at its optimal weight, your veins should be able to circulate blood as they were designed to. If you pack on the pounds, the additional stress added to your pelvic area and legs cause additional pressure on your vein walls which can result in the valves within the walls not working properly. When the valves don’t function, the blood begins to pool and the vein walls start to bulge. Ultimately, the vein expands to a point where it is followed by discoloration of the skin, and can produce symptoms such as itchy skin, achiness, fatigue, and insufferable pain.

Eating properly is obviously an enormous factor in weight maintenance, but you must combine that with eating healthfully. Certain foods can actually promote good vein health. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts that are rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin K are all intrinsic to keeping your veins healthy. Our skilled professionals at our Orlando vein center will help point you towards the appropriate path that will help you keep your vein health in tip-top shape.

If you are currently experiencing the pain, swelling, and skin discoloration from varicose veins, you are keenly aware that there is no pain quite like the one you are feeling. The Florida Vein Care team at our Orlando vein center understands that deep, gnawing, and ever-present pain. Your legs feel heavy, achy and so tired almost all of the time. Dr. Bragg and his staff are available to diagnose and discuss the various successful treatment options that are right for you. Each treatment option offered is focused on restoring your vein health and getting you back to enjoying your active lifestyle, free from the painful symptoms of varicose veins. Call us today at (407) 805-8989. You have plenty to gain!

What to Expect From Your Vein Checkup

Posted on June 24, 2015June 11, 2015 by floridav

A visit to a vein clinic in Orlando is the smartest decision you can make when you are concerned about your vein health. There is absolutely no reason to be anxious about your visit for your vein health checkup. The staff at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center is here to guide you through the process.

You will be asked to submit a family medical history regarding vein health. Dr. Bragg and his staff will need to know if there is a family history of varicose veins, blood clots, etc. Have you ever suffered a serious leg injury? Discuss any symptoms you are experiencing or have recently experienced, such as a heavy feeling in your legs, cramps, swelling, and fatigue, or skin discoloration. Remember to note when these symptoms first began. Share any home remedy you have tried and for how long, and whether or not you felt relief of your symptoms.

The doctor will then examine the affected areas to check for varicose veins. It is important to keep in mind that varicosity can also occur in the arms, or on your face/neck areas in addition to your feet and legs. If varicose veins in the legs are suspected, the doctor will check your pulse in your feet and legs in several places to study blood flow (or similarly on your arms, wrist and hands.) You may be asked to stand, sit and move into other positions to assist in this analysis. The doctor will also check your legs for swelling, ulcerations, painful areas, and skin discoloration.

Typically, a doppler ultrasound is ordered to further assist in studying the circulation in your veins and arteries. A doppler ultrasound is a specialized ultrasound that utilizes very high frequency sound waves which bounce off red blood cells to create pictures of blood circulating through your blood vessels. The technician will gently squeeze key areas along your leg, ankle and foot to be able to track the changes in your circulation. This tool is very useful in determining the presence of blood clots and reflux near the valves in your veins. This is a non-invasive procedure that takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. If more serious deep vein issues might be a consideration, there are other tests that may be ordered.

Dr. Bragg and his outstanding vein clinic in Orlando staff at Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose and spider veins. Contact us at (407) 805-8989 today for an appointment. Don’t put it off any longer. Your legs are too important.

5 Ways You Can Alleviate Pain Caused by Varicose Veins at Home

Posted on June 10, 2015May 13, 2015 by floridav

If you’ve started experiencing signs of varicose veins, you should consult a medical professional at an Orlando vein center such as Florida Vein Care. He or she will help you to determine the best course of treatment to help alleviate symptoms you may be experiencing. Many patients receive relief from following a simple, home regime that is geared towards preventing the progression of pain and other related symptoms of varicose veins. You can implement the following suggestions to see if you can notice the difference in how your legs look and feel.

Elevation: You can begin by elevating your legs as often as you can. Your feet should be angled to a comfortable resting position above your heart. This will help with blood return to the heart. Walking and exercising results in the muscles constricting which helps circulation by compressing the veins and squeezing blood through.

Weight Loss: No one ever likes to hear these words, but they are applicable to the care of varicose veins. Lose weight. Extra weight causes additional pressure on the veins which reduces the flow of blood.

Compression Stockings: Try wearing compression stockings. They are no longer just the white heavy stockings your grandma used to wear; they are now made in a variety of fabrics, weights and in a variety of shades.

Stick to a Plan: Don’t expect overnight relief when you elevate your legs, exercise or wear compression stockings. If what you do at home results in success, it has usually taken anywhere from six months to a year to make a difference. Once you begin experiencing relief, don’t stop. Your valves aren’t suddenly healed. Make sure you contact a medical professional, like Dr. Bragg with Florida Vein Care, to seek professional treatment.

When it’s Not Enough: If you still experience pain or the pain deepens, you don’t like the way your legs look, or you suffer with increased swelling, and/or experience skin ulcerations, it is probably time to consider a more serious treatment. Your doctor at an Orlando vein center center will help you decide when the time is right.

The Orlando vein center medical team at the Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center are top notch specialists who will help you make an informed decision when selecting the varicose vein treatment that is best for you. Sclerotherapy, radio-frequency ablation, and EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) are some of the options that are available to help manage or eliminate varicose veins. They are minimally invasive, and usually require just a local anesthetic. Most patients return to normal daily activity the same day. Call the Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center today and schedule your appointment at 407-805-8989.

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