5 Varicose Veins Misconceptions and Myths

Did you know that over 30 percent of the population in the US suffers from varicose veins?

The bulging blood vessels on the skin look unsightly and can cause pain in many cases. While most people consider varicose veins a natural process, they can be embarrassing for some. In many cases, these veins on the skin lead to serious medical issues like blood clotting.

Whether you’ve just started seeing the signs of varicose veins or are at an advanced stage of the condition, you need proper guidance. Despite its benefits, the internet holds a bulk of information that can lead you in the wrong direction. The popularity of this concern grows during the warmer seasons as people wear shorts and beachwear.

The internet is a major source of misinformation, especially when it comes to self-diagnosing. Therefore, you can’t stop myths or false information related to vein diseases from popping up.

This is when you need the assistance of a qualified vascular surgeon likes Dr.Pensler to understand your condition and treatment options. However, before you consult your doctor, it is essential to bust myths and misconceptions surrounding these veins.

Let’s start by understanding varicose disease.

What is Varicose

Varicose veins are typically blue, twisted bulging veins that you can see and feel under the skin. The weakened and leaky valves of your skin are responsible for causing Varicose veins. Keep in mind that varicose veins are not always a cosmetic issue. In fact, they can lead to various health problems. This makes it important to learn the truth about misconceptions associated with the condition.

Many people who suffer from varicose veins often experience

• leg heaviness
• aching
• fatigue
• swelling
• burning
• ulceration
• discoloration

Five Varicose Myths and Misconceptions

Myth #1 | You Shouldn’t Opt For Varicose Vein Treatments As They Always Come Back

While the belief would have held some truth if you’d heard it decades ago, the current medical advances have proven it wrong. That means if someone stops you from treating your varicose veins by saying this, know that the statement holds no validity.

Endogenous laser ablation treatment is a game-changer when it comes to getting rid of bulging blue veins under the skin. Advanced laser therapy not only treats vein symptoms but also fixes the underlying cause of the condition in the first place.

The easy, quick, and effective outpatient procedure helps people recover within hours. As it offers lasting recovery, you don’t need to return for another treatment.

Myth #2 | Varicose Veins are not More Than a Cosmetic Issue

As we said earlier, many people hold a false belief that varicose veins are nothing more than a cosmetic issue. If you think so, you’re mistaken.

Although varicose veins look unsightly and no one likes going out in public with bulging veins, many people, particularly men, overlook them or avoid treating them. It is crucial to understand that the problem is heath-related and goes far deeper than you think.

Put simply; it is not purely cosmetic. It is especially true if your problem of Varicose veins stems from being obese or overweight. It can indicate the presence of health issues such as diabetes and ulceration.

In some people, the condition occurs as a result of carrying extra body weight. It puts pressure on the veins, damages them, and ultimately leads to the formation of varicose veins. Moreover, hormonal imbalance may also cause Varicose veins. The frequency is higher in expectant mothers or women experiencing menopause.

Regardless of the reason for the bulging blue veins under your skin, leaving them untreated aggravates your health and may lead to blood clots and leg ulcers. If you develop varicose veins, make sure you consult your Vascular surgeon to learn about your treatment options.

Myth #3 | Varicose veins form in Women Only

While the formation of varicose veins is typically more common in females, men can suffer from the condition as well. Many recent studies indicate that the issue of weak valves can affect anyone, regardless of their gender.

The American Society for Vascular Surgery found in a study that over 20 million people suffer from weakened valves.

Note that the signs and symptoms associated with varicose veins are more common in people who have a family history of this issue. In fact, the inherited risk is a major determining factor contributing to the formation of varicosities.

Unfortunately, both men and women with signs often overlook the problem and go untreated.

Myth #4 | There is No Treatment for Varicose Veins

As mentioned in the first myth, you can address varicose veins with various treatment options. You can opt for anything from invasive, non-surgical treatment options to lifestyle changes. Plus, they can do many things to lessen or reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.

Although seeing a qualified and experienced vascular surgeon is the best way to learn the possible treatment options, here are some ways to address symptoms yourself.

• Elevate your feet to the heart level for at least 30 minutes, 5 times a day, to decrease pressure in your veins
• If you’re overweight, lose extra pounds to benefit your legs. it will also improve your overall health
• Do some physical activity regularly to keep your muscles moving. It will help you keep your blood moving and improve symptoms.

Myth #5 | Surgery is a “Must” for Varicose Vein Removal

Initially, you can manage the symptoms related to the varicose vein with;

• Compression hose
• Dietary salt reduction
• Daily exercise
• Weight reduction
• Leg elevation

However, if your varicose veins are at an advanced stage, your doctor may suggest that you control venous pressure via vein removal. They will perform the procedure in an outpatient setting with minimal anesthesia. You will be able to return to your daily activities within a few days.

Summing Up

As the symptoms of varicose veins are not uncommon, you may come across an array of myths about how you get them or how they develop. Thus, the article sets the record straight and dispels five misconceptions about varicose veins.

If you’re suffering from fatigue, throbbing lower legs, leg discoloration, or noticeable Varicose Veins, call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Pensler and find a permanent solution.

For information on orthopedic hip & knee health & surgery please visit www.drhill.com

For information on face & body health please visit www.elizabethmedspa.com

For information on fitness & injury rehabilitation please visit www.bmbfitnesssolutions.com

References

If the lowest part of your pelvis aches frequently, it might be a symptom of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Commonly referred to as PCS, the condition causes chronic pain in the pelvis in many women.

This blood accumulation causes twisting and bloating in the veins, just like blue bulging veins that appear on your legs. These bloated veins developed in PCS are typically varicose veins that form deep within the body.

More than 15 percent of females develop varicose veins in the pelvis during their childbearing age. As per Merck Manual, not all women with bulging veins experience PCS symptoms. However, many women suffering from PCS symptoms don’t consider their condition treatable.

The expert vascular surgeon like Dr. Elizabeth Pensler emphasizes taking medical assistance for this chronic medical condition. She offers minimally invasive treatments such as ovarian vein embolization to seal the varicose veins in the pelvis.

If you’re a woman and considering going through treatment for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, learning about the condition will benefit you.

What is Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

As mentioned above, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is a condition that causes chronic pain in the pelvis. It is the veins in your pelvic area that lead to problems. These veins are especially present in the lower parts of the abdomen or belly. Note that veins are the vessels that transport blood to the heart.

In many women, the blood vessels in the belly stop carrying blood., which can accumulate or build up blood in the veins. The condition causes veins to change shape or enlarge in size, like in varicose veins. The patient may suffer from pain and various other symptoms of PCS.

Most women who are in their childbearing age suffer from this painful condition. Particularly, women who went through multiple pregnancies develop symptoms associated with Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.

How does Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Develop?

Typically, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome affects blood vessels and veins in the body. Veins are a vital part of your circulatory system, carrying blood back to your heart. There is gravity in the blood circulation system that enables your oxygen-rich blood to move downwards to the lower torso. But the same gravity makes carrying blood back to the heart difficult.

There are tiny valves in the veins that move (open and close) every time your heartbeats. It helps the small segments of your veins to trap blood to reduce its tendency to flow backward. Often, these valves fail to perform their function due to hormonal imbalances. Therefore, they allow blood to not only flow backward but also build up in veins around the ovaries.

This blood accumulation causes these veins to become “congested” or “bloated.” The congested veins start pressing against the surrounding nerves, and that causes a painful condition.

What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

One of the primary symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is chronic pain in the pelvis that may last more than six months.

While most women feel pain during the start of their pregnancy, some experience it later. The painful condition deteriorates as the pregnancy progresses. The pain may vary from aching to heavy feeling. Many women feel a sharp pain in only one side of the belly.

The factors that may contribute to worsening the pain such as:

• Change of your posture
• Before and after intercourse
• Standing in one position for a long time
• Walking

Some women show the following symptoms

• Heavy cramps before, during, after periods
• A constant feeling to urinate
• Distorted or enlarged veins on the external genitals (vulva), buttocks, or thighs

Causes of Pelvic Pain

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome has mimicking symptoms of other medical issues that make diagnosing the condition difficult. We say this because women may experience pelvic pain to different causes. You may feel pain in the pelvis if you have problems with your reproductive organs. These can include the uterus and ovaries. A poorly functioning bladder or urinary system can also lead to pain in the pelvis.

Some other causes of pelvic pain are;

• Problems in the gastrointestinal system (large intestine)
• Pain in muscles or bones
• Mental health issues such as depression may lead to chronic pelvic pain

That is to say; your doctor has to consider plenty of possible causes to diagnose conditions like Pelvic congestion symptoms.

How Does Your Doctor Diagnoses Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

To diagnose the symptoms of Pelvic congestion syndrome, experienced surgeons like Dr.Pensler ask about your medical history. She assesses the symptoms by doing some physical exams that include a thorough pelvic evaluation.

She also performs certain tests or medical exams;

• Venography -A process of taking X-rays of the veins in the pelvis
• Multiple Urine tests to see if your urinary system is working properly
• Pelvic ultrasounds to check irregular growth in the pelvis
• Blood tests to assess pregnancy, anemia, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other conditions
• Doppler ultrasound to assess the blood flow in the blood vessels surrounding pelvic
• MRI or CT scan for more detailed images
• Diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm the main cause of pelvic pain

Possible Treatments

After your doctor confirms the diagnosis of pelvic congestion, he/she may suggest the following possible solutions

• Hormonal medication
• Embolization, an invasive catheter process to “plug” or seal the varicose vein

What Else

• If you have had multiple pregnancies, you might be at the highest risk of developing PSC.
• The symptoms associated with PCS may worsen if you stand, walk or have sex for long periods.
• You might need to undergo multiple tests and medical examinations to rule out other pelvic pain causes.
• Your doctor may suggest hormonal treatments to reduce the symptoms
• Embolization is the most effective procedures to block the affected or damaged veins

Summing Up

All in all, if you develop PCS symptoms, it is essential to consult a vascular specialist as soon as possible. The condition is not only painful but also affects their quality of life in many ways.

Dr. Elizabeth’s skincare and medical spa facility offer comprehensive PCS treatments to help you get rid of your pelvic pain. Call us to find the best treatment option for your condition.

For information on orthopedic hip & knee health & surgery please visit www.drhill.com

For information on face & body health please visit www.elizabethmedspa.com

For information on fitness & injury rehabilitation please visit www.bmbfitnesssolutions.com

References

Understanding the Stages of Venous Insufficiency

The National Center for Biotechnology Information defines chronic venous disorder the most widespread medical condition in the world. As it comprises different stages, it typically does not start with symptoms or signs. This is probably a big issue as many people are unable to identify it and experience the pain.

While the best way to prevent the symptoms associated with venous insufficiency is to consult vein specialist such as Dr. Pensler, learning about its stages can also help you.

Let’s delve into the details to understand the stages of venous insufficiency.

What is Venous Insufficiency?

CVI or Venous Insufficiency occurs when the one-way tiny valves (controlling the blood flow through veins) become injured or damaged. In normal condition, the veins allow valves to open and let blood flow through the capillaries to the heart and close again.

However, if the veins start leaking blood, the flow goes back into valves and accumulates there. The condition enlarges the veins and makes them appear bluish-purple (deoxygenated blood) on the surface as varicose vein or spider veins.

Understanding the Stages of Venous Insufficiency

Stage 1: Spider Veins

The very first stage is when the spider veins start developing on the leg. They look unsightly but are not painful or discomforting. However, you shouldn’t ignore the signs.

Stage 2: Varicose Vein

When there are bulging veins under your leg’s skin, it is the sign of varicose veins. The condition may or may not cause pain.

Stage 3: Swelling

Leaving varicose veins untreated may worsen the first two stages. Your veins may start swelling under the skin and affect the blood circulation in the body. It may become a major hindrance for you to live a quality life. Swelled vein may also damage the lymphatic system.

Stage 4: Skin Discoloration

Keep in mind that when you avoid treatment of varicose veins, they pool in the area with blood, surrounding the injured veins. This changes the skin color. The accumulated blood may trigger inflammatory responses resulting in itchy rash called stasis dermatitis

Stage 5: Ulcers

Venous insufficiency progresses when you leave it untreated. The condition may worsen and become venous stasis ulcer, which is an open sore that occurs due to the breakage of skin tissue on the leg. The sore and ulcer is extremely painful and may limit mobility. You must consider seeing a vein specialist before it progresses to this stage.

Only an expert medical professional like Dr.Elizabeth Pensler can evaluate and treat the condition and help you heal the sores while preventing it from reoccurring.

Summing Up

In a nutshell, vein disease and CVI go hand in hand. Both refer to different stages of issues in the veins. The condition may cause aching, heaviness, and swelling in the legs. That is why consulting a qualified doctor specializing in vein health is imperative.

Get in touch with Dr.Pensler’s clinic to find the right treatment for conditions like venous insufficiency.

For information on orthopedic hip & knee health & surgery please visit www.drhill.com

For information on vein & vascular health please visit www.drpensler.com

For information on face & body health please visit www.elizabethmedspa.com

For information on fitness & injury rehabilitation please visit www.bmbfitnesssolutions.com

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Improving Vein Health- All You Need to Know

Vein health is not something you often hear about. However, it does make an essential part of your overall health. There are numerous reasons that may affect the health of your veins, including diabetes, obesity, or heart disease.

Even your genetics play an important role in causing a wide variety of problems to veins. It is worth mentioning that your body has 60,000 miles of arteries, vasculature, and tiny capillaries carrying blood throughout the body.

The veins are the highway system that takes blood back to your heart. So, any slowdown in traffic may cause trouble or problem and you surely will not want that.

While the best way to avoid that from happening is to speak to an expert vein specialist such as Dr. Elizabeth Pensler who can guide you in the right direction, there are other ways to improve vein health.

Keep on reading to find more.

How to Improve Vein Health

Elevate or Lift Your Legs

This is perhaps the simplest way to improve your vein health. Elevating legs for not more than 15 to 20 minutes every day can give your veins some time off. Whether you suffer from any vein or vascular issues or not, the practice can benefit you.

However, if you suffer from various veins problem, elevating legs on a daily basis is particularly important. It is an easy way to get the blood circulation moving fast and properly.

Exercise Regularly

Keep in mind that low blood circulation is one of the primary issues with people who have vein disorders. Proper blood circulation is crucial to get rid of excess waste in the system. If your body doesn’t circulate almost five to six quarts of pumped blood every minute, you might be experiencing some vein problems.

So how can you jump-start your blood circulation system?

While there are plenty of methods to do it, exercising regularly is an important and efficient way to improve blood circulation. You may start with walking to get the blood flowing properly again. But the more challenging exercise you do, the more your blood circulation will improve.

Plus, you can try the following exercises to strengthen your vein health

• Bicycling
• Yoga
• Weightlifting
• Running
• Pilates

Try Compression Stockings

The idea may sound bizarre to you, but wearing stockings designed to improve vein health can improve your vein health. Stockings optimally force the blood flow move up and out of calves, and back up to heart. It you have bulging veins, wearing stockings may help you reduce them.

Seek Medical Treatment

Last but not least, seeking treatment for blue bulging veins is the most important and effective way you can keep them healthy.

Consult a qualified vein specialist like Dr. Elizabeth Pensler, who can help you avoid serious vein and vascular problems. She can offer leading level of care while improving your quality of life. Whether you have noticeable varicose veins or post-surgery leg swelling, Dr.Pensler can help you restore a healthy life.

Summing Up

In conclusion, having healthy and strong veins is essential to keep your body in good shape. The tips mentioned above can help you improve vein health.

Get in touch with Dr. Pensler to learn more about vein health to live a healthy life.

For information on orthopedic hip & knee health & surgery please visit www.drhill.com

For information on vein & vascular health please visit www.drpensler.com

For information on face & body health please visit www.elizabethmedspa.com

For information on fitness & injury rehabilitation please visit www.bmbfitnesssolutions.com

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Does DVT Lead to Leg Swelling and Pain After Treatment?

Introduction

Deep vein thrombosis is a collection of blood clots deep inside the leg tissue. It is most commonly found in the lower legs or thighs. It is essential that you get DVT treated otherwise it could lead to severe problems such as pulmonary embolism. The blood clots can enter your lungs and harm them beyond repair. If you have highly damaged lungs you might face a great deal of problems in the future. The symptoms of DVT include leg swelling and pain in the legs.

How does DVT lead to leg swelling and pain?

The blood clot stops the blood flow and that causes the fluid in your legs to gather and cause swelling. the lower leg can swell up to twice its size and that can cause immense pain. Not only that but the fluid in the lower leg can also amount to leg ulcers if not taken care of as soon as possible. There are other possibilities too such as feeling heaviness in your leg. The swelled up leg might also tingle, itch, and get cramps if not treated as soon as possible.

Getting treatment is crucial in this case and Dr. Elizabeth Pensler can help with that. She is a vascular surgeon with a team of trained professionals who can address your problems in the best way possible. They listen to the requirement and needs of each patient and then come up with the best-suited treatment.

The DVT is a severe condition. the blood clots can form in as deep as the femoral vein. This vein is the most important vein with regards to the legs as it is the main vein to carry the blood from the legs, into the heart. Decreased blood flow is one of the biggest causes for DVT while others like damaged veins and injuries are also important causes.

The main reason why doctors push for patients to have treatments is because the clots travel towards the essential organs in our body making it worse. people can even lose their lives if the blood clot travels to important organs such as the lungs and the heart.

After Treatment

Dr. Elizabeth makes sure that after treatment, you are well taken care of and get your rest, It is essential that you rest your leg after treatment and avoid all activity. She also recommends that patients wear compression socks to ensure that the blood flow is unhindered.

The most important thing you as a patient can do is to follow the instructions provided by the doctor. Dr. Pensler focuses on making sure that her patients achieve complete health and that can only be possible if you adhere to the instructions provided by your doctor. The biggest instruction is to keep up with regular exercise. Exercising is essential if you wish for the blood circulation to remain optimal.

With the doctor’s assistance and your cooperation, this problem can be solved in no time.

For information on orthopedic hip & knee health & surgery please visit www.drhill.com

For information on vein & vascular health please visit www.drpensler.com

For information on face & body health please visit www.elizabethmedspa.com

For information on fitness & injury rehabilitation please visit www.bmbfitnesssolutions.com

Identifying and Treating Shingles on Your Leg and Groin

If you have a collection of blisters or rashes on your skin, it’s a sign of shingles. While shingles often appear as a band on your torso (one side), you can face an outbreak anywhere on the body, and your groin and leg are no exception.

In fact, a case report from 2011 found that the face and trunk are two of the most common areas that face shingles outbreaks. While people do face penile shingles, cases are rare. It is worth noting that shingles are often itchy and painful, regardless of where they form on your body.

That is why it is crucial to seek professional medical assistance and contact expert skincare physician Dr. Elizabeth Pensler before it becomes a serious problem. Usually, medical professionals treat shingles with antiviral drugs to clear them up within weeks.

As a shingles outbreak has a typically distinctive appearance, you can differentiate it from rashes that stem from allergy. Let’s delve into details and learn more about identifying and treating shingles on your leg and groin.

What Causes Shingles

Shingles are the result of a virus called the varicella-zoster. The same virus is also responsible for causing chickenpox. That means if you have had chickenpox, you might be at higher risk of catching the virus again or developing shingles. We say this because the virus lays dormant in the body for a long time after chickenpox is gone.

The virus typically goes after your nerve cells and follows the nerve line. That is why it looks like or appears as a collection of blisters. The large nerves extending from the spine down the legs target the virus. This, as a result, causes rashes on your groin or one side of the leg.

How to Identify Shingles on Your Groin and Leg

Though a discolored rash or blistering is the most visible sign of shingles, they don’t appear first. It starts with tingling and pain underneath your skin before a rash appears on your skin. In many cases, the pain caused by shingles persists with no blister or rash developing.

Then after a few days, a fluid-filled blister appears. Some of them turn crusty or burst open. The rash can be sensitive or itchy to the touch.

Some more symptoms to identify shingles may include;

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Sensitivity To Light

How to Treat Shingles

Antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valaciclovir (Valtrex), can fight the infection quickly. It may help you lower symptoms of a blister or rash, especially if it starts early. The drugs help you prevent further shingles complications.

To reduce the shingles pain, an expert doctor like Dr. Pensler may prescribe:

• Capsaicin topical patch
• Numbing agents
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation

When You Should Call Dr. Pensler

If you feel itching without any visible signs or suspect shingles, call Dr. Pensler. She will get you started on effective antiviral medicines to reduce the chances of complications that may include postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Some rare complications are:

• Brain inflammation
• Hearing problems
• Pneumonia
• Death

Summing Up

A blistering rash appears on the leg and groin and is particularly a viral infection that needs antiviral medication for proper treatment. If you feel pain in a specific area of the leg or groin and develop a rash, it is probably shingles. It is better to call your doctor to start the treatment before it worsens.

For information on orthopedic hip & knee health & surgery please visit www.drhill.com

For information on vein & vascular health please visit www.drpensler.com

For information on face & body health please visit www.elizabethmedspa.com

For information on fitness & injury rehabilitation please visit www.bmbfitnesssolutions.com

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Health Problems Endometriosis Is Mistaken For

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a medical condition where the tissue of the womb starts to grow in places other than the womb. The most common places for this tissue to grow are the ovaries and the fallopian tubes. It can cause a lot of inflammation as well as immense pain.

What Health Problems Is It Mistaken For?

This disease is probably the most common one to be misdiagnosed. There are several health problems that are often mistaken for endometriosis. Here is a list of all the diseases that get endometrioses gets mistaken for:

#1 | Fibroids

Fibroids are benign tumors in the uterus that can cause abnormal periods. They can also be excruciatingly painful. The pain caused by fibroids is pretty similar to endometriosis. the only way of confirming between the two is by doing an abdominal ultrasound. It will clearly show if the uterus is full of fibroids or not.

#2 | Ovarian Cysts

The ovaries can be plagued by cysts that are otherwise benign. These cysts come in all shapes and sizes, some might even have endometriosis in them. These cysts can go away on their own in a few weeks’ time but endometriosis does not.

#3 | Fibromyalgia

This is a chronic illness and can cause problems such as muscle and joint pain. The pain can also be centered towards the pelvic area which makes it easy for the disease to be diagnosed as endometriosis. There is not a lot of treatment for fibromyalgia other than pain medicines.

#4 | Appendicitis

Having excruciating pain in your abdomen is more than often translated back to an appendix infection. Though doctors are still on the fence as to what the appendix is actually intended for, the appendix in older people is most likely to get infected. The pain is extreme and there are many similar symptoms between the two.

#5 | Gastrointestinal Issues

Having gastrointestinal issues can be quite a feat as the symptoms are debilitating. The symptoms are very similar to that of endometriosis. This is why endometriosis is often ruled out. This leaves the patients in prolonged pain and can cause many problems.

#6 | Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections are very common in women. To rectify this problem you need a UTI test and you will easily find out whether it is endometriosis or a UTI. However, if you have the infection for a prolonged period of time, it is best that you get it checked.

#7 | Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Inflammation in the reproductive is called the pelvic inflammatory disease. It shares symptoms with Endometriosis such as you might experience painful bleeding, disrupted urination. Though the symptoms are similar, it is not an infection.

These diseases are the most likely to be confused with endometriosis. If you think that you might be suffering from endometriosis, it is best to connect with an expert as soon as possible. Dr. Elizabeth Pensler is the best possible expert to assist you with that. Her expansive practice makes her the perfect match for you.

Is Varicose Vein just a Cosmetic Problem?

Varicose veins are a prevalent condition, but it’s common for people not to consider it a serious condition. If you have never experienced them, you might think that the veins are a purely cosmetic issue. Though the condition is often not serious medically, it is one of the components of “venous disease.” If varicose veins grow severe or you leave them untreated, they may cause discomfort and pain in the legs.

That is to say; varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic problem. The bulging blue veins deteriorate over time and lead to other medical problems. That makes it important to consult with a highly trained and experienced vascular surgeon, such as Dr. Elizabeth Pensler. A qualified physician provides the best medical solutions to get rid of unsightly veins.

Let’s plunge into the discussion to learn why varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic problem.

Why are Varicose Veins not Just a Cosmetic Problem?

Know that your legs feature a complex system of veins. This system relies on little valves for circulating blood back up to the vital organs, such as the heart after arteries bring them back. It is worth mentioning that the small valves are delicate and fragile and may exacerbate over time.

Once it happens, the blood in your valves doesn’t flow in the upward direction properly. The condition can build up hydrostatic pressure, causing your veins to come closer to the surface of the skin. In addition, the veins discolor and bulge.

As the symptoms progress, you start experiencing heaviness, pain, itching, and aching in the legs. It doesn’t end here; if you leave the condition untreated, you risk developing skin ulcers.

When do You Develop Varicose Veins?

More than 40 percent of the population develops varicose veins in their life. While some people start to develop the veins in their middle age, others start to manifest them in teens. Heredity and family history play an important role in causing bulging veins.

Plus, pregnancy and obesity may also increase the chances of developing bulging veins. You can prevent them by opting for healthy lifestyle choices or working out regularly.

How can You Treat Varicose Veins?

Many people use a stocking or compression hose as a non-invasive method to treat varicose veins. You can also manage discomfort and pain by combining regular leg elevation exercise and the use of stocking. However, this is not a permanent solution when it comes to treating varicose veins in the long run.

If your condition is severe, you may need to administer injections to remove small veins- known as spider veins. To treat larger veins, on the other hand, a surgical procedure is the best option to reduce the swelling and pain.

It is a less invasive technique in which your doctor passes a small catheter in the vein and uses a laser to heat the veins. The process contracts the collagen fibers and seals the veins. You can drive yourself or walk home after the procedure.

Summing Up

In a nutshell, it’s a serious condition to suffer from varicose veins. They require proper medical examination, assistance, and treatment before your condition deteriorates and causes other medical problems.

Consult Dr. Pensler if you’re experiencing varicose veins symptoms so you can receive appropriate treatment in time.

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Aching Feet at Night? These can be the Causes

Many things may cause your feet to ache, particularly at night. From lifestyle factors to some medical conditions, the reasons may vary. You may feel dull pain that doesn’t go away.

If you experience throbbing pain in various parts of your feet, from heels, toes to ankles, consulting an expert physician such as Dr.Elizabeth Pensler is the best possible solution. A qualified doctor can help you find plenty of accessible treatments to help you relieve the pain.

Know that aching feet at night often interferes with your restful sleep. Poor or disturbed sleep can debilitate the pain. If you can relate to the situation, reading this article can help you find the main factors that cause you aching or painful feet at night.

Causes of Aching Feet at Night

Lifestyle Factors

If your job requires you to stand for a long time, it adds stress to your feet. After a prolonged day, you may feel pain in your feet at night. It happens due to tiredness or fatigue in your muscles.

Note that your muscle fibers expand and contract with use. However, when you overuse them, they become fatigued. The fatigued or tired muscles mean your body has less oxygen or buildup of different waste products. This may result in spasms and cramps at night and affect your feet.

Muscle cramps may also occur because of;

• Sitting for longer periods during the day
• Sleeping in the same positions
• Wearing uncomfortable footwear

Exercises and stretches can help you ease pain in the feet due to these issues.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body experiences certain changes, such as low calcium production. This can often cause your feet to ache during the night. Some gentle stretches, foot flexing, mild exercises, and increasing amounts of calcium can help you reduce the cramps.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma refers to a condition in which tissues around the nerves leading to the toes become thickened. This occurs if your toes bone becomes pinched and puts pressure on a nerve. This causes you pain that often worsens at night.

To ease this discomfort, you can

• Wear soft-soled shoes
• Use massage to reduce pain
• Use orthopedic shoe pads
• Take steroid injections to decrease inflammation
• Avoid tight shoes
• Avoid high heels
• Avoid shoes with narrow tips

Plantar Fasciitis

If you have plantar fasciitis, the bottom of your heel aches when you walk. More than 2 million people suffer from plantar fasciitis in the USA every year, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

The condition develops when the plantar fascia (tissue supporting foot arch) becomes inflamed. You may feel pain near the heel while:

• Getting out of your bed
• After exercise

Some options to relieve the pain include;

• Resting
• Icing the heels of the foot
• Taking anti-inflammatory medicines
• Stretching or pressing the calf
• Taking steroid injections
• Wearing comfortable footwear
• Trying physical therapy

Summing Up

All in all, aching feet can be the reason for discomfort and poor sleep and may lead to further medical issues if left untreated. In addition to trying physical therapy, massage and, stretching, make sure you visit your doctor for a long-term solution.

Call Dr.Pensler or visit us online to find more about your aching feet and possible causes.

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Dialysis and Vascular Access – Learn the Basics

Know that your kidneys perform various essential functions to sustain your life. They balance your body’s chemistry by continuously flushing impurities and cleaning out the blood. Plus, they play an important part in regulating blood pressure and filtering fluid quantity out of your body.

If kidneys fail either due to a chronic disorder such as ESRD or acute kidney injury, you have two options to consider;

• The transplantation of healthy kidneys into the body
• Dialysis- to clean blood outside your kidneys

Though the best way to deal with the medical condition is to consult your doctor or a specialist like Dr. Elizabeth Pensler, you can do some research to choose the right treatment. Here is a primer on dialysis and vascular access to help you understand the basics.

Types of Dialysis

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a process in which a doctor accesses the bloodstream via a connection between a vein and an artery. This is known as vascular access. Your blood circulates between a machine and a connection outside the body. It is an effective way to cleanse the blood.

Your doctor may perform ongoing hemodialysis in your home or at an outpatient dialysis center. If you’re hospitalized, your doctors may also perform the treatment in an inpatient setting.

Peritoneal Dialysis

The process refers to circulating a cleaning solution into your abdomen lining (called the peritoneum). It typically cleans the blood. Doctors access the peritoneum via a catheter in the abdomen.

How to Establish and Maintain Vascular Access

Establishing Access

As a new patient to hemodialysis, you must undergo a lengthy surgical procedure to establish vascular access. The access can be of three types:

Arteriovenous Fistula

It is a direct connection between your vein and an artery and a vein. Doctors usually establish it on the surface of arms.

Arteriovenous Graft

It is a similar connection that uses a Gortex-like material to connect the vein and artery.

Tunneled Catheter (subcutaneous)

A connection is established through a tube doctors insert beneath the skin.

New patients of peritoneal dialysis must have access through a process that places a soft catheter in their abdomen to connect to the peritoneal cavity to perform the dialysis. Doctors can also establish temporary vascular access through a venous catheter if you have had an acute kidney injury.

Maintaining Access

Over time, issues may arise at access points requiring skilled and prompt medical attention. Graft and fistula access points can develop a clot or fail to function. If you’re a patient of peritoneal dialysis, you may develop issues if your abdominal Catheter develops holes or becomes malpositioned.

Your medical professional may offer the following:

• Graft creation and arteriovenous fistula
• Fistulograms
• Dialysis catheter placement and maintenance
• graft declot or arteriovenous fistula
• Endovascular angioplasty
• Venography
• Transplant renal biopsy
• Infusion catheter management
• Peritoneal Dialysis Placement
• Integrated surgery
• Dialysis ultrasound
• Dialysis clinical trials

Summing Up

In conclusion, vascular access and dialysis are one way to reach your bloodstream for hemodialysis. Once access is established, the blood travels through the delicate tubes of the machine or passes through a filter- dialyzer. The minor surgery helps you purify the blood.

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