18, 9, 2023

Soothing swelling: A comprehensive guide to understanding and managing lymphedema

2023-08-30T18:27:54-07:00

Soothing swelling: A comprehensive guide to understanding and managing lymphedema

swelling

Swelling, or edema, in the legs can be a concerning symptom with underlying implications. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of swelling, including the distinct condition of lymphedema. We’ll also discuss the importance of seeking medical attention and introduce how La Jolla Vein & Vascular can assist in diagnosing and addressing vascular-related leg swelling.

What Causes Swelling in the Legs?

Swelling in the legs, known as edema, is a result of fluid accumulation in the soft tissues due to malfunctioning valves in the veins. When the valves weaken or fail, blood circulation from the legs becomes compromised. This leads to fluid and blood getting trapped in the legs, causing them to swell. This accumulation of fluid leading to bodily swelling is termed edema.

Understanding Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a distinct form of chronic edema that arises when the lymphatic system fails to function properly. Unlike vein-disease related edema, lymphedema is directly linked to the lymphatic system’s inefficiency. However, it’s important to note that vein disease can progress into a combined venous and lymphatic disorder over time. It’s crucial to involve a healthcare professional early on, as prompt attention can make a significant difference.

Risk Factors for Lymphedema or Swelling

Anyone experiencing swelling in the lower leg should consider it abnormal and consult a physician without delay. It’s important to diagnose and initiate treatment for the underlying issue promptly. Additionally, while swelling can indicate venous issues, it can also be symptomatic of other non-venous conditions such as heart disease, heart failure, obesity, high blood pressure, liver disease, or kidney disease. Seeking immediate medical attention is vital to ascertain the root cause.

Identifying Symptoms of Lymphedema or Swelling

Several symptoms can indicate the presence of lymphedema or swelling:

  • Swelling in part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes
  • Feelings of heaviness or tightness
  • Limited range of motion
  • Aching or discomfort
  • Recurring infections
  • Skin changes like hardening and thickening (fibrosis)
  • Leg cramps

swelling

Professional Assistance at La Jolla Vein & Vascular

La Jolla Vein & Vascular specializes in diagnosing vascular causes of leg swelling through advanced techniques like duplex ultrasound. This non-invasive method aids in detecting blood clots or venous reflux, helping to determine the underlying issue. For instances where obstructions higher than the groin are suspected, a venogram may be recommended. While lymphedema is primarily a clinical diagnosis, lymphoscintigraphy can be ordered through an external imaging center to further assess the condition.

Swelling in the legs can be indicative of underlying issues, ranging from venous problems to lymphatic disorders. Early detection and intervention are essential to prevent further complications. If you’re experiencing swelling or suspect lymphedema, seeking the expertise of medical professionals, such as those at La Jolla Vein & Vascular, can provide the necessary diagnostic tools and treatment guidance. Remember, addressing these concerns promptly can greatly impact your overall health and well-being.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Amanda Steinberger, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link, and our website https://ljvascular.com

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency,

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

For more blogs and educational content, please check out our clinic’s blog posts! 

Soothing swelling: A comprehensive guide to understanding and managing lymphedema2023-08-30T18:27:54-07:00

30, 5, 2023

Uterine Fibroids 101

2023-02-15T20:31:58-08:00

Millions of women around the world are affected by the development of uterine fibroids each year. While it is not a life-threatening condition in itself, the symptoms and potential complications that come with it make it such a pressing medical concern for affected individuals.

As only women will usually possess a uterus, it follows that only women are afflicted by this ailment, which is why gynecologists will often be the first ones to make a definite diagnosis. As with so many medical emergencies, knowing the problem early will greatly increase the chances of beating it, which is why the professionals at La Jolla Vein & Vascular are dedicated to administering reliable, accurate, and entirely effective diagnostics, therapies, and treatments to all clients coming through our doors.

Let’s take a closer look at what exactly we will be dealing with should uterine fibroids turn out to be the issue at hand.

What are Uterine Fibroids?

 

To understand what uterine fibroids are, the first thing one should do is separate the two terms making up the condition. A fibroid is a term used to refer to a type of tumor that has ‘muscular’ characteristics. They are also referred to as leiomyoma and can appear singularly or in formations or ‘lumps.’

They are known as uterine fibroids since they will appear in the patient’s uterus. Although they are not cancerous in almost all instances, they will range in size from patient to patient, from as small as an apple seed to as large as a grapefruit and beyond, in some unusual instances.

It is important for all women to be aware of the dangers presented by uterine fibroids, not only owing to the potential harm that the condition might bring about but due to the high rate of prevalence among the female population affected in some way.

By the time they are 50 years old, it is estimated that between 20 to 80 percent of women will have developed uterine fibroids, with most cases affecting women in the later stages of their reproductive years (the 40s to early 50s).

Symptoms to Look Out For

Fibroids go undiscovered in most patients due to the lack of symptoms accompanying them, but some patients will experience some symptoms, including:

  • Frequent urination due to pressure being exerted on the patient’s bladder
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Enlargement of the lower abdomen, with severe and extremely rare instances causing the appearance of apparent pregnancy in the patient where none exists
  • Heavy bleeding and/or painful bleeding during periods sometimes resulting in a medically significant depletion of blood in the patient (anemia)
  • Greatly increased risks of complication during pregnancy and delivery, with uterine fibroid patients requiring cesarean sections at six times the average rate.
  • Reproductive health problems such as infertility although are very rare outcomes.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

While the science is not completely settled on what exactly causes or is behind the formation of uterine fibroids in human beings, there are certain factors that researchers believe play significant roles in triggering their growth or development.

Genetics

In 50 percent of cases, patients will be found to have some genetic abnormality. In many instances, some erroneous translocation will be discovered on some chromosomes.

Hormones

While we may not be completely certain as to what lies at the root cause of uterine fibroids, it has been clearly demonstrated that hormones play a large role in determining their growth or progression. While a woman is pregnant, they will see rapid growth due to the presence of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Should the patient use anti-hormone medication, the opposite will happen – the fibroids will shrink. Furthermore, fibroids will stop growing or begin shrinking once a patient reaches menopause, which is the point at which these hormones also cease being produced in the female body.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Uterine Fibroids 1012023-02-15T20:31:58-08:00

Varicose veins-why are they important to your vein health?

2023-02-15T19:49:38-08:00

Varicose Veins and Venous Reflux Disease

Varicose veins are the twisted, bulging veins just beneath the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the surface of the skin. These veins usually occur in the legs, but they also can form in other parts of the body. Varicose veins are a common condition.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are caused by leaky vein valves, which allow blood to pool within the veins causing them to stretch and become enlarged. Varicose veins can be an isolated finding, but the majority of the time, they are caused by underlying venous reflux disease. Venous reflux disease is also known as venous stasis, venous insufficiency or venous incompetence. Reflux may occur in the deep and/or superficial leg veins.

In our study, led by Dr. Nisha Bunke and published in the Journal of Vascular Ultrasound in 2018, we studied over 1,000 legs with varicose veins. Over 90% of the time, the source of the varicose veins were the great and small saphenous veins. The Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) courses up the middle of the thigh and calf and the small saphenous vein (SSV), which courses along 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.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins and venous reflux disease?

The symptoms can include:

  • Aching, tenderness
  • Heaviness, fatigue
  • General restlessness in the legs
  • Burning pain
  • Throbbing pain
  • Itching
  • Leg cramps, particularly at night
  • Ankle swelling
  • Skin discoloration at the ankle
  • Skin ulcers above the ankle

Over time, complications can develop from untreated veins. These include:

  • Superficial phlebitis (painful inflammation of the vein)
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis (blood clots within the varicose veins)
  • Spontaneous vein hemorrhage (the vein can rupture spontaneously)
  • Skin discoloration and eczema around the ankle (venous eczema)
  • Skin sores or ulcers usually near the ankle

Risk factors

  • Age. Aging causes wear and tear on the valves in the veins that help control blood flow
  • Sex. Women are more likely to develop the condition
  • Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the blood volume in the body increases
  • Family history
  • Obesity
  • Standing or sitting for long periods of time

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Varicose veins-why are they important to your vein health?2023-02-15T19:49:38-08:00

5, 4, 2023

Interventional radiology procedure GAE

2023-02-15T14:52:39-08:00

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an interventional radiology procedure used to treat knee pain due to osteoarthritis. The procedure minimizes the flow of blood to the knee lining (synovium). Osteoarthritis causes the bones in the knee joint to rub each other, creating friction. This leads to increased flow of blood to the knee due to inflammation. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a relatively new and effective minimally invasive procedure that is ideal for people with;

  • Mild to severe knee osteoarthritis
  • People who have not responded to medication, injections, and therapy
  • People who are not read to undergo partial or complete knee replacement surgery

While the procedure does not treat the underlying cartilage damage, it effectively treats the symptoms associated with knee arthritis. Additionally, unlike knee surgery, physical therapy is unnecessary after undergoing the Genicular artery embolization (GAE) procedure.

Why Choose Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE )?

GAE

It is essential to point out that while Genicular artery embolization (GAE). It is a relatively new procedure for treating osteoarthritis (OA). It is more effective than other treatments. One of the main reasons you should choose Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is that it is minimally invasive. The procedure is performed by an outpatient surgeon, allowing you to go back home the same day. Research also shows that the procedure has low risk and much faster recovery. Unlike taking drugs with numerous side effects, such as stomach upsets, the procedure has minimal side effects. Additionally, the procedure has a very high success rate, with eighty-five percent of patients treated with Genicular artery embolization (GAE) reporting significant pain and discomfort relief within the first month.

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) vs. Surgery

Compared to traditional surgeries performed to treat knee osteoarthritis, Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is more efficient and safe. This procedure is minimally invasive for starters, meaning that it requires a small incision in the skin. The scar is barely visible in 1-2 months after the procedure. No one loves having scars on their feet. Unfortunately, extensive knee surgeries such as complete knee replacement leave large scars that are difficult to conceal.

Secondly, you get to go home the same day. Knee surgeries require the use of general/local anesthesia, which takes time to wear off. You will also need to spend a night or two for doctor observation after surgery. With Genicular artery embolization (GAE), you do not need to spend the night in the medical facility. Additionally, the procedure works for everyone, including people at high risk of complications and would not want to undergo expensive knee surgeries.

 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Interventional radiology procedure GAE2023-02-15T14:52:39-08:00

15, 12, 2022

Treatment for non healing ulcers and wounds

2022-10-24T12:37:24-07:00

Treatment of Non-Healing Wounds & Ulcers

As we’ve seen, there is a very wide range of causes that may contribute to the formation and persistence of non healing ulcers and wounds. It follows that the methods or treatment options at the disposal of healthcare professionals will also be varied. Doctors will discuss the available options with their patients in order to arrive at the best possible options, but the type and severity of the wound will be the decisive point of consideration. These measures include:

Compression Wrapping

Specialized Dressings and Topical Medication

Patient Self-Care and Education

Negative Pressure Therapy (NPWT)

Surgery

Growth Factor Therapy

Debridement (removal of dead tissue)

Compression Wrapping

This involves the application of tightly bound wraps to the affected limbs or regions in order to provide support to the vascular system, which might be operating under lower pressure than it should due to the wearing out of the vascular walls and muscles that support the efficient flow of blood to and fro the tissues that need it.

The doctor will start by doing a thorough physical examination. The doctor will also want to learn about your signs, symptoms, personal health history, risk factors, and family health history. The doctor will ask you several questions regarding your medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. They will also ask you whether you experience pain or cramps in your leg while walking or exercising.

The doctor will also ask about your family history of PAD and other heart diseases. You will also discuss your smoking habit, either current or in the past. After gathering the information, the doctor will proceed to perform a detailed physical examination. The process involves checking for weak pulses in your leg, listening for poor blood flow in the legs using a stethoscope. The physician will also check for any problems on your legs, such as sores, swelling, and pale skin.

Specialized Dressings and Topical Medication

Technological progress has made it possible to develop special dressing materials made out of smart polymers that work by adjusting their absorptive qualities depending on the hydration levels of the wound area, among other specialized positive actions. Antibiotics may also be employed topically to non-healing ulcers and these help by reducing the bacterial levels present in the wounds in question while maintaining the optimal levels of environmental moisture suitable for wound repair.

ose PAD. This test usually compares the blood pressure in your arm with the blood pressure in your ankle. The doctor usually uses a pressure cuff together with an ultrasound device. Sometimes, the physician may request you to walk on a treadmill and have the doctor take the readings before and immediately after the exercise. The procedure will help the doctor to capture the severity of the narrowed arteries.

Patient Self-Care and Education

There are plenty of measures that patients will be able to implement in the treatment and management if armed with the proper knowledge and aids where required. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of wounds, proper bandage care, manual repositioning of paralyzed limbs, and avoidance of habits that contribute to the incidence or severity of these types of ulcers will be of significant benefit to many.

Negative Pressure Therapy (NPWT)

This treatment method works by pulling away the fluid in the wound that nourishes bacteria by the application of negative pressure. It is also known as vacuum-assisted wound closure for this reason. This action will also reduce tissue swelling and bring up fresh blood and nutrients to the problem area, which assist in the healing processes.

Surgery

In many cases, surgical procedures may be called for to rectify any underlying conditions that might be remedied in this way. Patients with atherosclerosis or blood clots in their vascular system, for example, might undergo surgical procedures to remove these clots or clear built-up cholesterol plaques in their system, thus removing the condition that encourages the formation and persistence of non-healing ulcers.

Growth Factor Therapy

Growth factors refer to the biomaterials generated naturally in our bodies that play the role of replacing tissues as they are damaged or degraded, as in the case of wounds and infections. These factors include epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and more. What your medical practitioner will do is introduce or stimulate these factors directly onto the wound in order to speed up the healing and re-growing processes.

Skin Graft Therapy

Skin grafts taken from donors (cadaver, usually) are another option here referred to as allografts. These grafts provide a covering to the wound without integrating with the host body and work by encouraging and providing a structure for the growth of epithelial cells. Severe cases might not be suitable for this intervention, however, and will do better with grafts taken from elsewhere on the patient’s own body.

Debridement (removal of dead tissue)

Debridement more simply refers to the removal of dead or dying (necrotic) tissue from the site. The goal is to minimize the risk or opportunity for infection by eliminating the necessary medium for bacterial growth and proliferation, which such tissue provides. This is an especially relevant measure undertaken in the fight against diabetic non-healing ulcers, as amputation will usually be carried out in cases where infection has progressed past a certain limit.

This is the idea behind the rather outlandish yet scientifically sound application of maggot therapy in the management and treatment of chronic wounds. Here, live, disinfected maggots will be introduced to the wound by a medical professional. Maggots will happily devour necrotic tissue while not touching healthy tissue. This directly leads to a reduction in the bacterial presence in the wound, thus encouraging rapid healing as well as pain and odor mitigation.

La Jolla Vein & Vascular Treatments

The treatment for PAD has two main goals. One is to manage the symptoms, including leg pain, allowing you to resume your normal physical activities. The second one is to top the progression of atherosclerosis in the body

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

Treatment for non healing ulcers and wounds2022-10-24T12:37:24-07:00

1, 11, 2022

Aftercare information for foam sclerotherapy

2022-10-24T10:12:59-07:00

After care for foam sclerotherapy

After Treatment Care

You will be instructed on how long to wear compression stockings after foam sclerotherapy treatment, depending on the size of the veins that are treated. Most patients wear thigh-high compression stockings continuously for 1-3 days, then another 7 days.

For the first 24 hours after the procedure, you should not get the area wet. But after, you may shower with the stockings on or take a quick cool shower with them off. Avoid heated showers for one week after the foam sclerotherapy treatment.

You should walk 30 minutes twice daily after treatment and move your legs frequently throughout the day with short walks and/or calf exercises. This avoids pooling of blood in the legs. Avoid prolonged sitting during the day, and when you are sitting have your legs be elevated.

Avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process. The two weeks after treatment. Using sun tan lotion after is recommended.

No swimming in public pools, lakes, or oceans for one week to reduce risk of infection.

It is normal to have aching in the treated veins. This responds well to walking, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).

What to avoid after foam sclerotherapy treatment

For at least two weeks after treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise (anything more than a brisk walk), heavy lifting, saunas or hot tubs, and leg massages. All of these dilate the superficial veins and interfere with their healing. You should also avoid airline travel for two weeks after treatment.

Possible side effects after foam sclerotherapy treatment

You will likely have some bruising over the injection sites, then the treated veins may become firm and blue. We recommend patients use the product, RECOVA cream, as this helps reduce swelling, redness, and bruising post procedure.

The skin overlying the treated veins may also develop brownish hyperpigmentation as the blood products within those veins are absorbed by the body; in some patients it can take up to a year to fade.

An uncommon complication is a blood clot within a deep vein. The risk is minimized by using ultrasound guidance and performing calf exercises throughout the procedure.

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 


Aftercare information for foam sclerotherapy2022-10-24T10:12:59-07:00

11, 10, 2022

La Jolla Vein & Vascular: Varicose Veins

2022-09-19T16:05:40-07:00

Varicose veins are swollen, blue, bulging, twisted, superficial (those closest to the skin) veins of the leg. High pressure inside the superficial veins of the leg causes varicose veins, but genetics are thought to play a large, contributing role. As many as 40 million Americans have varicose veins. Left untreated, varicose veins may become worse. Persons with varicose veins often experience leg aches and fatigue. They may also incur skin changes such as rashes, redness and ulcers.

What factors influence development of varicose veins?

  • Age: People between the ages of 30 and 70 often have veins. 
  • During pregnancy, 50 to 55 percent of American women experience veins. In most cases, the veins return to normal within a year after childbirth.
  • Women who have multiple pregnancies may develop permanent veins.
  • The varicose vein risk factors for women and men include:

o family history of varicose veins

o being overweight

o standing or sitting for long periods of time

 

A vascular surgeon will review your medical history, do a physical exam and look at your prominent veins. You may be sent for a duplex ultrasound test, also known as a venous reflux study, to identify the causes of your veins. The painless test uses high-frequency waves to measure the venous blood flow. The test helps the physician visualize the vein structure and the blood flow in the veins.

Most doctors will suggest lifestyle changes for patients with varicose veins. This includes:

  • maintaining the proper weight
  • elevating legs when resting
  • not sitting or standing for long periods of time 
  • wearing compression (elastic support) stockings

 

In some cases, a vascular surgeon will recommend additional treatments for ridding the legs of varicose veins:

  • Sclerotherapy is the sealing of the veins via an injection of a medication. This procedure is done mainly for smaller spider veins. It is performed in a doctor’s office. The physician injects a chemical into the varicose veins to prevent the veins from filling with blood.
  • Vein Stripping is performed for more involved varicose veins. The physician may make two small incisions, one in the groin area and another below the knee, through which the diseased veins are removed. This is an outpatient procedure, usually done under general anesthesia. Patients can resume their normal activities after four weeks.
  • Ablation and laser treatment are performed on patients with severe varicose veins. They are done under local or general anesthetic. The ablation procedure inserts a thin, flexible catheter into the leg vein. The tip of the catheter has tiny electrodes that heat and seal off the walls of the vein. Laser treatments use a tiny fiber placed in the vein through a catheter. The fiber sends out laser energy that closes the diseased portion of the vein. These two modes of treatment frequently replace stripping of the saphenous vein. They can be performed alone or in conjunction with removal of individual clusters of varicose veins known as small incision avulsion or ambulatory phlebectomy.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

 

La Jolla Vein & Vascular: Varicose Veins2022-09-19T16:05:40-07:00

25, 7, 2022

Improving your vein health through exercise

2022-12-13T14:12:46-08:00

Physical activity and exercise provides a wide range of benefits for vascular health and may help to avoid evolution of mild cases of varicose veins. In fact, exercise is considered to be a fundamental element in improving the symptomatology of patients affected by varicose veins. A sedentary person diagnosed with this medical condition has a much higher risk of worsening the symptoms when compared with an active person with the same condition. This is a result of blood pooling in the veins, causing an increase in venous hypertension and symptoms.

The main goal of exercise in regards to varicose veins is to contract and move the muscles of the leg, helping to pump the blood upwards, avoiding edema or retention of liquid in the ankles. With this in mind, the recommended exercises are those with aerobic characteristics rather than those with anaerobic ones. Through this physical activity, the pressure in the veins is improved, as well as the resulting symptomatology.

Therefore, any exercise that involves moving the lower limbs and promote cyclical muscle contractions is advisable, including stand on tiptoes, move the toes, perform foot bending and rotation, do pedaling movements, among others. These can be easily performed throughout the day without the necessity to go out and exercise, and are especially useful during work hours or while doing daily tasks at home.

When walking or running, pressure is exerted on the sole of the foot, which causes the circulation to be activated from the bottom up, while the constant contraction of the muscles during cycling causes the same effect, but without the presence of high impact, an important factor for those with joint issues.

Swimming is one of the best exercises to practice when affected by varicose veins. The double effect of the water and the movement of the lower limbs cause an incredible increase in blood circulation. This is helpful also for patients who have significant symptoms related to the effects of gravity, like standing.

Other disciplines like yoga, pilates, or rhythmic gymnastics also help stimulate circulation by mobilizing the accumulated blood in the thighs, while relaxing the whole body.

Hiking is a great activity for using the calf-muscle pump. However, in warm weather, symptoms of varicose veins worsen. To get the maximal benefit of exercise and reducing symptoms, outdoor exercising when the weather is cooler, like in the morning is advised.

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-550-0330 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular. 

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources. 

Improving your vein health through exercise2022-12-13T14:12:46-08:00

Blood Clots and Leg Vein Ultrasounds

2022-12-13T14:13:46-08:00

Most vein disease is not visible to the naked eye, but can be detected in a leg vein ultrasound.

What Leg Vein Ultrasound Can Uncover About Your Veins: blood clots and leaky valves

We can see beneath the surface of the skin with an ultrasound. Duplex ultrasound combines Doppler flow information and conventional imaging information, sometimes called B-mode, to allow physicians to see the structure of your blood vessels. Duplex ultrasound uses sound waves to get images of your blood vessels.  It also helps determine how fast blood moves through the vessels. It can also be useful to estimate the diameter of a blood vessel as well as the amount of obstruction, if any, in the blood vessel. Using duplex ultrasound technology, the structure of your blood vessels, the valve function, the movement of your red blood cells, and the direction of blood flow through the vessels, any blockages, blood clots, and leaky valves can be seen.

Venous Reflux (leaky valves)

Ultrasounds of the leg veins that look for leaky valves (venous reflux) are usually performed in the standing position.

The Duplex Ultrasound examination allows us to visualize the blood vessels that are not visible to the naked eye, even blood vessels that are deep within the muscles.  Ultrasound looks at deep and superficial veins in the legs to check for venous reflux or venous-valvular incompetence (the underlying condition that causes varicose veins). The ultrasound examination is used to both identify the veins that have faulty valves and to map the anatomy of the veins, creating a ‘road map.’  This is necessary to make an accurate assessment of the cause and extent of the varicose veins, as well as to formulate the best treatment plan.  This should be done for any individual being evaluated for varicose veins, leg swelling, patients who have failed prior treatment, patients who are symptomatic, and in some patients with certain anatomic patterns of spider veins.

Before your test:

This study does not require any preparation. You should not wear your compression stockings the same day as the examination.  Make sure to be hydrated.

How long does it take?

An ultrasound only checking for blood clots typically takes less than 30 minutes. An ultrasound that looks at both the deep and superficial veins including mapping is less than 60 minutes, the part of this exam that checks if the valves are leaky is performed in the standing position.

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-550-0330 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular. 

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources. 

Blood Clots and Leg Vein Ultrasounds2022-12-13T14:13:46-08:00

The Truth About Restless Leg Syndrome

2022-12-13T13:57:28-08:00

The restless leg syndrome was a reported symptom in 30% of people who suffer from varicose veins, in our study.

Those who suffer from varicose veins often report a feeling of restless leg syndrome, especially at night when in bed. In our study, about 30% of patients with varicose veins complained of nocturnal restless legs.

Restless legs refer to the specific symptoms of restlessness and urge to move the legs. This is different than Restless legs syndrome (RLS), which is a sensorimotor movement disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them.  This is a diagnosis based on a collection of nocturnal symptoms. There are many causes of restless legs syndrome such as neurological disorders, anemia, and kidney disease to name a few, and is often treated with medication. Vascular causes, such as venous insufficiency is often overlooked as a cause for Restless Legs Syndrome. We have case studies of patients who used medication to treat RLS symptoms for years without resolution of symptoms. In our study, 98% of the patients with venous insufficiency and restless legs, had resolution of symptoms following treatment.  In another study, by Hayes, CL et. al, 35 patients with RLS and superficial venous insufficiency underwent endovenous ablation of refluxing superficial veins and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy of varicose veins. 89% of patients reported alleviation of symptoms.

If a patient has restless legs symptoms and evidence of varicose veins of the legs, a work-up for venous insufficiency should be considered. The workup involves a duplex ultrasound evaluation of the leg veins. This may eliminate the need for medication for RLS in some cases.

If you experience any vein disease symptoms, please call our office at (858)-550-0330 to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors at La Jolla Vein and Vascular. 

 

For more information on vein health please check out our Youtube Channel or visit our helpful guide of resources. 

 

The Truth About Restless Leg Syndrome2022-12-13T13:57:28-08:00
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CONTACT INFORMATION

La Jolla/UTC

Vista

Patient Privacy Practices

Privacy Policy

Hippa Privacy Practices
HIPAAOneTM Certified Seal 2

Use the search features below to find articles and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO

La Jolla/ UTC

North County San Diego/ Vista — Endovascular Center
Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

© Copyright 2010-2024, La Jolla Vein & Vascular | All Rights Reserved

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