Joseph Magnant

Venous insufficiency is a condition of leaky valves inside the veins. There are a few factors that can cause varicose veins to appear or worsen. During pregnancy, blood volume increases causing the veins to become enlarged and the valves to become weakened. Hormones that are secreted to allow the body to grow and expand also cause the walls of the veins to become dilated. Increased abdominal weight from the baby causes increased pressure within the veins. All of these factors resolve after pregnancy and sometimes symptoms improve. Compression stockings and elevation of the legs are recommended during pregnancy to reduce the pressure in the veins. If symptoms persist after pregnancy, an ultrasound by a Registered Vascular Technologist is recommended to evaluate the function of the valves within the veins to determine if further treatment is necessary. You may visit our website, WeKnowVeins.com to learn more information about Varicose Veins during pregnancy.

Venous insufficiency is a condition of leaky valves inside the veins. There are a few factors that can cause varicose veins to appear or worsen. During pregnancy, blood volume increases causing the veins to become enlarged and the valves to become weakened. Hormones that are secreted to allow the body to grow and expand also cause the walls of the veins to become dilated. Increased abdominal weight from the baby causes increased pressure within the veins. All of these factors resolve after pregnancy and sometimes symptoms improve. Compression stockings and elevation of the legs are recommended during pregnancy to reduce the pressure in the veins. If symptoms persist after pregnancy, an ultrasound by a Registered Vascular Technologist is recommended to evaluate the function of the valves within the veins to determine if further treatment is necessary. You may visit our website, WeKnowVeins.com to learn more information about Varicose Veins during pregnancy.

There are many vascular surgeries including artery and vein procedures. Each surgery comes with it's own risks. It is difficult to know what type of surgery your mother's physician has recommended for her. I would advise her to call her surgeon to inquire about the risks specifically associated with her surgery.

Venous surgery does not typically affect blood pressure as there are many veins throughout the legs and the pressure in the veins is low. If you have had an elevated blood pressure for the last 3 months, I would recommend contacting your vascular surgeon as well as your primary care physician for further evaluation.

Common signs and symptoms of blood clots include calf pain, swelling, redness or inflammation, tender varicose veins, low grade fever, and shortness of breath. If you think you may have a blood clot, it is best to be ruled out by an ultrasound exam of your legs by a Registered Vascular Technologist.

Blood clots can be diagnosed by a Duplex Ultrasound exam performed by a Registered Vascular Technologist. A Duplex Ultrasound is a very accurate and painless test used to rule out presence of a life threatening deep vein thrombosis.

Varicose veins are due to "leaky" valves within our veins. Wearing compression hose, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can assist with preventing further vein disease, however, many times this is hereditary. An ultrasound called an insufficiency study can help to determine which veins are leaking.

Varicose veins develop from leaking valves inside the veins. During pregnancy, the valves become strained or weakened. After delivery, the pressure inside the veins is reduced but the damage to the valves remains. Treatment of the veins requires an ultrasound to identify which veins have leaky valves. Based on ultrasound results, a provider can then determine if the damaged veins should be closed or removed. We recommend a consultation with a dedicated vein specialist for further evaluation and recommendations for treatment.

Varicose veins are caused by valves that are not working properly, therefore, allowing blood to pool within the vein. As blood pools it causes the vein to bulge. The most common causes of varicose veins are; pregnancy, obesity, standing for long periods, injury, and genetics.

Yes, varicose veins can be treated. It is best to have an ultrasound of the legs called an insufficiency study to further evaluate your veins and then treatment options can be discussed with a vascular surgeon.

The causes of venous insufficiency are genetics, gender, pregnancy, trauma, history of DVT (blood clot), gaining extra weight, sedentary jobs. Venous insufficiency is a disease where the valves in the veins do not close properly and blood has a more difficult time fighting gravity to travel from the feet back towards the heart and lungs.

Spider veins are small, superficial branches that become dilated due to increased venous pressure. If there is venous insufficiency in the larger veins under the skin, the pressure can cause the smaller surface veins to get larger and more noticeable. These veins can worsen over time if the underlying insufficiency is not treated. Spider veins can become raised and puffy but do not become large varicose veins. Injection sclerotherapy is often recommended for spider veins although a thorough evaluation should be completed before treatment is determined.

Claudication is pain that is caused by decreased blood flow through the arteries. This pain is typically induced by increased physical activity. With exercise, the muscles require increased oxygen that is delivered by the arteries. If there is decreased arterial blood flow to the muscles, pain will develop. This is a sign of peripheral artery disease. Claudication is pain that is caused by decreased blood flow through the arteries. This pain is typically induced by increased physical activity. With exercise, the muscles require increased oxygen that is delivered by the arteries. If there is decreased arterial blood flow to the muscles, pain will develop. This is a sign of peripheral artery disease.

Endovenous laser ablation provides permanent closure of the insufficient vein being treated. Varicose veins could be present that branch off the vein to be ablated. These veins may decompress or shrink after the closure but sometimes need to be removed surgically. There are many other veins throughout the leg that could develop leaky valves over time. Your recent ultrasound likely shows only one vein that needs treatment at this time.

Knee high compression stockings help to reduce the pressure within the veins of the lower legs. The pressure is highest in the lower legs due to gravity. Compression from the foot to the upper thigh is ideal but not practical. For daily use, knee high compression is recommended. If you have varicose veins in the upper legs, thigh high or full length compression is appropriate. Compression stockings reduce the pressure within the veins which reduces pain, swelling and varicose veins. If you have any of these symptoms, an ultrasound of the legs is recommended.

Varicose veins are a visible SIGN of venous insufficiency as is swelling.

Venous insufficiency is a treatable disease where blood does not flow properly back from the feet to the heart and lungs. This can present as visible signs such as spider veins or varicose veins. It can also present as symptoms including heaviness or fatigue in the legs at the end of the day, nighttime urination, nighttime leg cramps or even restless legs.

Blood is mainly water and when blood pools in the legs, this extra water can lead to swelling.