Veins

Veins, arteries and capillaries are the vessels that carry life-giving blood throughout your body. Your health and longevity depend on keeping your veins clear and free-flowing. The average adult contains about 100,000 miles of blood vessels. Most are tinier than a strand of hair, but others, such as the aorta, can be as wide as three centimeters. Learn preventive measures to maintain healthy blood vessels from expert team at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Call today.

Veins form the system that carries blood from the tissues throughout your body back to the heart. There, they receive fresh oxygen and move back through your body via the arteries. In most of your body, veins work against the pull of gravity. That’s why so many vein problems happen in the feet and legs.

The valves in the veins that keep your blood moving forward must stay healthy to allow smooth, uninterrupted blood flow. When valves don’t operate properly, you may develop conditions such as:

• Varicose veins
• Spider veins
• Venous insufficiency
• Venous stasis ulcers

At the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center we have the technology and the experience to prevent vein issues and ensure you maintain a healthy blood flow. They quickly diagnose and appropriately treat you when you develop signs of abnormal vein conditions.

Cosmetic vs. Medical Conditions

Often, conditions such as spider veins don’t pose any health risks. Spider veins are caused by small blood vessels that burst. While they’re rarely painful, they’re located in places — like your face and arms — where they can cause you embarrassment and affect your self-esteem.

Varicose veins, on the other hand, cause circulation problems. They can even lead to life-threatening blood clots. They often come with a slew of symptoms, including:

• Itching
• Pain
• Burning
• Swelling
• Bleeding

Prevention

Follow the guidance from your Medex team to adopt some healthful lifestyle changes. Giving up unhealthy habits makes a significant difference in preventing vein problems. There are, however, some risk factors you can’t avoid, including:

• Pregnancy
• A family history of vein issues
• Aging
• Gender, as women have a higher tendency to develop vein problems
• Previous experience with blood clots

Avoidable risk factors that increase your odds of developing varicose and spider veins include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Taking hormone supplements
• Putting pressure on your face by frequently coughing, vomiting or sneezing forcefully
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time
• Spending hours in the sun without sunscreen
• Smoking
• Abusing alcohol and drugs
• Being sedentary

How to Reduce Your Risks

Your physician describes behavioral changes to make to reduce your risks. Since the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center is a multi-specialty practice, you have access to appropriate experts to help you reach the health goals you agree upon.

It’s estimated that as many as 90 percent of people who develop spider veins have a family history of the condition. To avoid developing the unsightly purple veins and more serious vein problems, consider:

• Wearing over-the-counter or prescription compression stockings
• Taking regular breaks when your job demands lengthy standing or sitting
• Elevating your feet whenever possible
• Seeking medical treatment at the very first sign of a problem

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

When lifestyle changes don’t provide sufficient relief, non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments are the next line of defense against worsening vein problems. Depending on the severity of your vein issue, we may recommend:

• Endovenous laser ablation
• Endovenous radiofrequency ablation
• Venaseal
• Sclerotherapy for spider veins
• Sclerotherapy for varicose veins
• Laser therapy for spider veins
• Ulcer treatment
• Ambulatory phlebectomy

Surgical Options Are Also Available

Only about 10 percent of people with serious vein complications require surgery. As a last resort, we may recommend:

• Vein bypass. Similar to a heart bypass procedure, a vein bypass usually is reserved for vein problems in your upper thigh. The surgeon replaces damaged veins with healthy veins taken from somewhere else in your body. While you’ll find you can walk without pain, you’ll need about six to eight weeks to fully recover.
• Vein stripping. This minimally invasive surgery involves removing a large damaged vein through a few small openings. You’ll be bruised for a while after a vein stripping, and you’ll need about 10 days for a full recovery.
• Vein ligation. This procedure is the least invasive type of surgery. It’s performed through small incisions. Your physician ties off the errant vein, but leaves it in your body to be reabsorbed. You can resume normal activities within a couple days.