What is a Vein Disease?
Inside the veins are one-way valves that open to allow blood to flow back to the heart and close to prevent “reflux” of blood back to the body. When the veins are weak or damaged and the valves don’t completely close, blood can begin pooling in the vein. This can lead to a variety of vein diseases.
How Does Vein Disease Occur?
The single most common cause of vein disease is heredity. Pregnancy is another contributing factor. Other factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, jobs that require standing for long periods of time and trauma or injury.
Are Vein Disorders Cosmetic Issue Or Medical Concern?
Although it is no question that vein disorders create cosmetic concern, they may be a sign of serious vein disease that will get worse if left untreated.
What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are smaller forms of varicose veins that look like spider webs or tiny tree branches. They are visible on the surface of the skin and usually of the red, blue, or purple color.
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose Veins are vessels that become enlarged due to damaged valves within the vein. This damage leads to blood being prevented from flowing back up through the cardiovascular system efficiently, producing a backup of blood and causing the veins to bulge toward the surface of the skin. Aches, itching, cramping, and swelling of the legs are signs of the development of varicose veins.
What is the Difference Between Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?
Spider Veins are clusters of small veins that usually appear red, blue or purple close to the surface of the skin. On the other hand, varicose veins are enlarged rope-like veins that are often protruding through the skin.
What Are the Signs of Varicose Veins?
Some of the most common symptoms of varicose veins in the legs include:
- Aching pain that may get worse after sitting or standing for a long time
- Throbbing or cramping
- Rash that’s itchy or irritated
- Darkening of the skin (in severe cases)
- Restless legs
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins is largely hereditary disease, but can also be caused by aging, leg injuries or trauma, and prolonged standing. Much of this is due to a persons occupation that requires them to be on their feet for a long period of time. Hormonal factors such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control pills contribute to the development of varicose veins as well.
How Can I Prevent Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?
Unfortunately, not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented since there’s nothing you can do to change your genes. The single most common cause of vein disease is heredity. However, there are things that you can do to help ease discomfort from the ones you already have and prevent them from getting worse.
- Exercise regularly
- Control your weight
- Elevate your legs when resting
- Avoid crossing your legs
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Wear compression stockings
How Effective are Treatments?
California Vein Treatment achieves its high success rate in varicose vein treatments by not taking shortcuts. At California Vein Treatment, you will be seen by one of our highly skilled and caring physicians who will develop a custom tailored vein treatment plan just for you. When treatments are performed properly (i.e. find the root of the problem with an ultrasound and eliminate it at the source), you should get long-lasting results – your varicose veins and your symptoms of venous insufficiency should disappear permanently.
Will I Need to be Hospitalized or Take Time Off From Work After I Have Been Treated
The procedure for treating vein disorders is an outpatient procedure done right at our clinics. Usually, you would be able to resume your daily activities shortly after you have been treated.
Will My Treatment Be Covered By Insurance?
Yes, California Vein Treatment accepts most major Insurance companies and we work hard to maximize your reimbursement. Please click here for a list of insurance companies we work with. Since we constantly add more insurances to the list of insurances that we accept, you can contact our office at: (818) 908-9752 to verify if your insurance is accepted.
What Sets California Vein Treatment Apart From Other Vein Treatment Centers?
As the nation’s only coast-to-coast vein clinic, California Vein Treatment has successfully treated thousands of patients for vein problems. Our Doctors and staff include Board-Certified Specialists, that are American College of Phlebology (ACP) members, well versed in efficiently and accurately diagnosing and treating a wide variety of venous disorders.
Is EVLT Painful?
NO. The procedure is done under local anesthesia without any significant discomfort.
Will EVLT Be Covered By My Insurance?
EVLT is covered by Medicare and major insurance companies.
Why Do I Need to Wear Compression Stockings Before EVLT?
Conservative treatment with leg elevation, avoiding prolonged standing, loosing exsessive weight, wearing Class III/IV (30-40 mm Hg) thigh high or knee high compression stockings are common requirements of Medicare and most insurances prior to their EVLT treatment approval.
How Long Do I need to WearCompression Stockings After EVLT Treatment?
Most of the time we recommend to wear compression stocking for about 4 weeks to ensure long term success of the treatment.
Why Do I Need to Wear Compression Stockings After EVLT Procedures?
EVLT procedures do not completely remove diseased veins. During EVLT the heat from the laser energy irritates the vein wall and closes the vein’s lumen. Applying additional compression from the outside by from wearing compression stockings prevents reopening of the treated veins and ensures long term success of EVLT treatment.
Do Compression Stockings Help?
Compression stockings obliterate superficial (located above the muscles) veins and prevent incorrect blood flow in the veins with incompetent valves.