Veins

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Fenton, Sterling, Livonia, MI and San Diego, CA

Whether it’s due to age, genetics, fluctuations in weight, pregnancy, or the pressure of a demanding job, millions of people are susceptible to diseases of veins that affect both their daily comfort as well as their self-image. Venous deficiencies tend to show up in the form of spider veins or varicose veins as the blood struggles to flow through damaged valves.

Cause of Diseases of Veins

There’s no absolute cause behind varicose veins and spider veins, and no sure way to prevent them. Diseases of veins are generally hereditary, so those who have a family history of vein disease are likely to be affected themselves. Carrying significant amounts of extra weight can also put pressure on the legs, causing the leg veins and blood flow to struggle.

Treatment

There are many treatment options available to those suffering from the discomfort and embarrassment associated with spider veins and varicose veins disease. Ultrasound technology has made it possible for Dr. Seiger, of the Skin and Vein Center, to target affected veins and shrink the damaged vessels with ease.  Lasers are also used to direct bursts of light into damaged veins to collapse them completely. Patients will experience minimal discomfort, but nothing intense.

Sclerotherapy is another form of vein treatment that produces admirable before and after vein treatment results. A foam-like agent is injected into affected veins, which causes the walls of the vein to swell and stick together, thereby blocking off the vein so that nearby, fully functioning veins can take over the flow of blood.

Myths

When you research varicose veins, spider veins, or other types of vein diseases online, quite a bit of information can appear on your browser. But just how much of that info is true? As with any disease, everyone and anyone can claim to be an expert on diseases of the veins, leading to myths and fallacies that can cause the sufferer to avoid seeking treatment for their disorders. Unfortunately, because of this misinformation, diseases that can be treated very easily are not, and more serious health problems that can be diagnosed with a simple exam are ignored, leading to severe illness or even worse. Below is a list of common vein disease myths and their realities.

Common Myths about Veins Diseases Debunked

  • Vein disease is a cosmetic illness only – While spider veins do tend to be cosmetic more often than not, this is definitely not the case with varicose veins. Diseases of the veins can cause pain and discomfort, leading to quality of life issues, and can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. Congenital heart failure, blood clots, cirrhosis of the liver, and other diseases can lead to vein disease, which is why it’s extremely important to be examined by your doctor as early as possible.
  • Insurance won’t cover the treatment – As stated above, most vein diseases are not purely cosmetic, meaning insurance companies WILL cover the costs of treatment. And even though spider veins are primarily considered to be cosmetic, if an underlying condition is revealed, coverage will once more be an option.
  • Vein diseases affect only older adults or women – Varicose veins can be found in both teenagers and young adults, and while women are more likely to develop varicose veins, men are not immune. Pregnancy and female hormones can cause vein diseases in the legs and the body, while steroid hormones and heredity can mean that people of any age or sex can develop varicose veins.
  • Treatment for varicose veins can cause circulatory problems – The body contains a plethora of veins and as such, once the vein is closed off, blood will start circulating through other healthy veins.
  • Varicose vein treatment is painful and has a long recovery period – Historically this was true, as treatment involved surgery under general anesthesia with long incisions needed to strip the leg of the diseased veins, but this is no longer true. Today’s treatments are often done as outpatient procedures under local anesthesia with minimal incisions. Normal life activities can be resumed almost immediately.

Helpful Lifestyle Changes

  • Avoid Smoking: Smoking causes so many health problems that simply aren’t worth the risk. Vein disease is among these potential problems. Smoking can result in poor circulation and poor circulation can cause venous insufficiencies. Smokers are also at a higher risk of disease of the arteries, and clogged arteries make it much more difficult for blood to flow to and from the leg muscles.
  • Exercise: Regular exercise is important in lowering the risk of vein disease. Regular exercise encourages healthy circulation within the veins and helps encourage the heart to pump blood to and from all areas of the body. Aim to get at least 20 minutes of brisk exercise a day. This could be as simple as a walk a day where the heart is pumping and the blood is flowing.
  • Reduce Stress: The body responds to high stress in a number of ways and many people who experience a lot of stress in their lives are much more likely to have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a big contributor to developing damaged, ill-functioning veins. Try to find ways to unwind after a long day at work. Take up a hobby you enjoy or even consider looking for a career that isn’t as stressful as your current position, if necessary.
  • Maintain Cholesterol: Clogged arteries can lead to vein disease, so make sure to keep your cholesterol levels under control. Make a visit to your doctor to discuss how to best do so and make sure you are consistent in your efforts for maintaining healthy levels.
  • Eat a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet can help in keeping weight down and encourage activity. The right nutrients will keep the body functioning properly, including the veins and the heart. Obesity greatly increases the risk of developing vein disease, so a healthy diet is absolutely essential.

Contact

Before and after vein treatment results often showcase dramatic improvement as legs and leg veins that were once overtaken by bulging, blue leg veins have been transformed into much smoother, younger-looking legs. In seeking your own before and after vein treatment results, the best choice you can make is to contact Dr. Seiger at the Skin and Vein Center.  He can advise you on the proper procedure to consider for treating your spider veins or varicose veins disease properly and effectively. Contact us today for vein consultation!