Month: August 2010

How do you determine which veins to treat?

In addition to obtaining a detailed medical history and physical examination, we perform a comprehensive ultrasound evaluation that will help identify the sources of venous disease. The comprehensive ultrasound will be very detailed and will evaluate the deep system for any blood clots or other problems, and the superficial system for blood clots and venous disease.

The veins that can be treated have reflux or blood that is allowed to flow backwards. There are small one way valves in the venous system that stop the blood from flowing down the vein rather than up towards the heart. When these valves are not working you are diagnosed with varicose veins. Varicose veins or veins with reflux are ones that can be treated.

Am I a candidate for varicose vein treatment?

If you have pain, swelling, heaviness or achiness in your legs, ankles, or pelvis you may have varicose veins (venous insufficiency). Typically, those with varicose veins also suffer from pain and achiness while sitting, standing or walking for long periods of time. You may experience the achiness and pain in the evening or when you are laying down in bed for the night.

The pain and achiness may be something that you experience occasionally or on a daily basis. The use of Ibuprofen and Tylenol may give you some relief of the pain and achiness. Venous insufficiency is a disease and should be treated by professionals who specialize in comprehensive varicose vein management including diagnosis and treatment.