Category: Vein Care

For Orlando vein treatment centers, understanding the difference between patients suffering from varicose veins versus patients diagnosed with venous insufficiency is solely based on our knowledge of the functional anatomy of the venous systems in our bodies. Here, we share our knowledge with you:

• The Function of the Vein: Arteries pump oxygenated blood away from the heart to all of the organs and limbs of the body. The veins return blood back to the heart to be re-oxygenated. There is a system of superficial veins that lay close to the surface of the skin, and there is a system of deep veins which act as the workhorses for the majority of the returning blood flow. All veins contain one-way valves, which regulate the return of blood to the heart. In essence, the valves run interference with gravity so that blood can reach its intended target and not flow back to our feet, which would be gravity’s first choice and not very helpful to our general well-being.

• Varicose Vein Occurrence: When the valve(s) in a superficial vein fail to work correctly, the blood return to the heart is interrupted, and it begins to pool within the vein (sometimes referred to as a leaky valve). This pooling results in enlargement and distortion of the vein. It can cause swelling in the legs or arms, achiness, and discoloration of the skin. The veins can become extremely distended and curly, almost knotty-like in appearance, which causes the valves to work even less efficiently. These are varicose veins, and they require the diagnosis and care of a vein specialist.

• Venous Insufficiency Occurrence: Venous insufficiency occurs in any type of vein, usually in the legs, but it can also occur in the arms. Once again, the reason for the disturbance of the blood flow is most often faulty valves. The pooling of blood in these veins can result in blood clots which is a very serious condition, also known as deep vein thrombosis. Blood clots can break loose and travel to the heart and into the lungs, which is known as a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolisms have the potential to be fatal if not treated immediately. Treatment for venous insufficiency is serious business and care needs to be taken to avoid the formation of clots.

Don’t wait to see what might be developing. If you are beginning to see varicose veins, experience swelling, pain, discoloration or muscle cramps in your calf or thighs, please make an appointment right away. Orlando vein treatment center’s Dr. Bragg and the staff at Florida Vein Care are here to help. Call us at (407) 805-8989.

After helping many people finally rid themselves of painful and unattractive varicose and spider veins at our Orlando vein treatment center, we have heard our share of false assumptions about varicose veins. Here are the top myths about varicose veins:

• Varicose Veins Only Occur in Women. This statement is false. While women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men, it is estimated that 25% of the patient population diagnosed with varicose veins are male.

• Varicose Veins are Nothing More Than a Cosmetic Nuisance. Nothing could be further from the truth. Varicose veins are caused by the medical condition called venous insufficiency, which may be caused by a host of reasons such as family history, obesity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, or injury. They can cause a heavy feeling in your legs and cause them to feel fatigued, achy, and restless or itchy. The veins become swollen and twisted looking due to the pooling of blood that isn’t being circulated properly. This causes discoloration of the skin. If left alone, clots may form, called phlebitis. The clots might grow and travel into larger and deeper veins, resulting in deep vein thrombosis. The veins may also rupture and bleed. Varicose veins are definitely more than a cosmetic nuisance and can become a very serious and life threatening condition.

• Varicose Veins Only Occur in the Legs. Both spider veins and varicose veins can and do often occur in the arms, on the face, hands or chest.  Believe it or not, hemorrhoids are also varicose veins, a result of consistent straining to evacuate the bowels.

• The Crossing of Legs Will Increase the Chances of Developing Varicose Veins.  There is no scientific documentation supporting this statement. Chalk this one up to an old wives’ tale.

• Treating Varicose Veins Will Result in a Long Period of Recuperation. Years ago, the main treatment for varicose veins was stripping, or removal of the damaged veins through incisions in the skin at either end of the diseased vein. This procedure required on average a two- to four-week healing period where the patient was restricted to bed rest for the first several days, followed by limited time on their feet with long periods of leg elevation. Procedural advancements in vein treatments have evolved significantly, and many current techniques will have patients resuming normal activity immediately following a procedure.

• Treatment of Varicose Veins is Very Painful. With modern advancements in treatment options, most procedures require only a local anesthetic to keep discomfort to a minimum. While the vein stripping method necessitated general anesthesia, today’s ultra-sound guided foam sclerotherapy, or radio-frequency ablations, are far less painful, and allow for same day resumption of driving and normal activity.

• Once Diagnosed with Varicose Veins, One Will Have to Wear Compression Hose Forever. While those lovely white compression socks do indeed serve a valuable purpose in preventative treatment, and in the management of pain and swelling associated with varicose veins, after your veins have been treated, you will probably not have to wear them any longer.

The only way to determine the severity of your spider or varicose veins and determine which treatment option is right for you is to visit an Orlando vein treatment center, and speak to an expert. Don’t wait for a serious medical emergency. Call Florida Vein Care at (407) 805-8989, and make an appointment today with Florida Vein Care and Cosmetic Center.