14, 4, 2022

Understanding The Stages of Venous Disease

2022-04-14T10:28:50-07:00

The six stages of Venous Disease include:

  1. Spider Veins
  2. Reticular Varicose Veins
  3. Venous Nodes
  4. Chronic Venous Insufficiency
  5. Trophic Ulcers
  6. Varicose Eczema

La Jolla Vein Care gives patients the tailored treatment plan for whichever stage they come in with. A diagnostic test is run called the Duplex Ultrasound. This displays a deeper look into the patient’s veins.

Venous reflux disease is also known as venous stasis, chronic venous insufficiency, or venous incompetence. Venous disease refers to ‘leaky valves in the veins of the legs. Reflux may occur in the deep and/or superficial leg veins. The deep veins are those within the muscle; they bring at least 80-90% of the blood from the legs back to the heart. The superficial veins are outside of the muscle and under the skin. The main superficial veins are the Great Saphenous Vein that courses up the middle of the thigh and calf and the small saphenous vein, which courses up the back of the calf.

Normally, there are one-way valves within the leg veins, which help blood flow in one direction: toward the heart. This means blood is traveling against gravity. The calf muscle also helps move blood toward the heart. When vein valves are leaky, blood flows backward (reflux) towards the feet. Blood pools in the lower legs, causing bulging veins at the surface. Symptoms of venous disease include leg heaviness, leg fatigue, leg pain, ankle swelling, phlebitis (inflamed and painful veins) , restless legs at night, and night cramps. Venous reflux disease is progressive and worsens over time. Skin changes may also develop, including darkening of the skin around the ankles. The darkening of the skin is sometimes referred to as skin changes. The skin can become dry and itchy (venous eczema). 

venous stage

 

 

Understanding The Stages of Venous Disease2022-04-14T10:28:50-07:00

29, 3, 2022

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

2022-03-29T11:41:41-07:00

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

You probably are familiar with the terms angina and heart attack, which are related to a blockage of blood flow to the heart. That same sort of blockage can occur elsewhere in the body, depriving the limbs (the peripheral parts of the body) of oxygen and nutrients. Left untreated, the disease can lead to amputation.

Healthy peripheral arteries are smooth and unobstructed, allowing blood to freely provide the legs with oxygen, glucose and other nutrients. As we age, peripheral arteries build up plaque, a sticky substance made up mostly of fat and cholesterol. Plaque narrows the passageway within the arteries and causes them to become stiff, which then leads into peripheral arterial disease. 

A moderate blockage in one of arteries in a major leg muscle, such as the calf or thigh, can cause pain when walking.This pain can be temporarily decreased with rest, but will act up again with more walking or activity.

Lower extremity pain, similar to angina, is called claudication by medical providers. The pain itself is not limb-threatening but it is a sign that the person should make lifestyle changes and see a doctor. 

Examples of possible treatments for peripheral arterial disease include: 

  • Smoking cessation 
  • Daily exercise
  • Medical management

If the disease becomes more severe, the limb can be starved of basic nutrients and the patient begins to suffer pain at rest (especially at night). Sores that won’t heal may develop on the feet. This is a very concerning sign for losing toes or even amputation of the leg. An urgent referral to a vascular surgeon is necessary to prevent limb loss in this situation.

Causes and risk factors of Peripheral Arterial Disease:

  • Age
  • Gender—males are more prone to the condition than females
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) 
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Family history of vascular problems

Leg pain does not always indicate PAD, but older patients, especially those who are at risk, should see a physician. A simple, noninvasive ultrasound and leg blood pressure examination can diagnose peripheral arterial disease and determine its severity.

If you experience symptoms of peripheral arterial disease, ask your primary care physician to refer you to a vascular surgeon. Vascular surgeons can perform any necessary treatments, including medication management, minimally invasive endovascular angioplasty and stent procedures, and open bypass surgery.

 

Treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease:

Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medications, minimally invasive angioplasty/stenting, or open bypass surgery.

 

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?2022-03-29T11:41:41-07:00

19, 8, 2010

Beyond Saline

2010-08-19T22:53:15-07:00

If you’re looking to remove spider veins or varicose veins, you may find that saline injections are infrequently used. Why? They’re unnecessary. Today, more effective solutions are available for treating damaged veins. In short, saline injections cause stinging upon injection.  The saline solution mixes with the blood in larger veins, never making contact with the vein wall.  As a result, saline injections are only effective for tiny spider veins.  If sclerotherapy failed to remove your larger veins in the past, this is probably why. The good news? More effective and painless solutions are now available. Ask a board certified vein specialist (Phlebologist) which type of solution you should you use—and see if you’re ready to move beyond saline.

Sincerely,

Executive Team

Beyond Saline2010-08-19T22:53:15-07:00
Go to Top