Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, affects about 25 percent of Americans, particularly women who are 40 and older. CVI includes spider veins, varicose veins, and complications, such as ulcers and blood clots. Do you know when to get treatment for problem veins?
Let’s talk about when to get vein treatment and where you can go for outstanding vein treatment in St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, and Largo, FL.
Veins, Veins, Veins
Veinscourse throughout the body, taking blood back to the heart and lungs for re-oxygenation. These blood vessels have tiny, one-way valves which prevent the backflow and stagnation of blood in the extremities. However, these valves can stop working properly, causing vein symptoms that range from bothersome to dangerous.
Vascular surgeons are the experts in vein care–both management and interventional treatments, such as medications, surgeries, and state-of-the-art techniques which encourage proper blood flow, relieve discomfort, improve physical appearance, and deter more complex health problems. These problems could include ulcers, infections, deep vein blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and more.
When to Get Vein Treatment
Of the millions of Americans with incompetent veins, many have family members with similar issues. In other words, hereditary factors play a significant role in deciding to consult a vascular surgeon for vein evaluation and treatment. It’s best to get ahead of vein problems early on before they do damage and become more complex to treat.
Also, you and your PCP should discuss getting vein treatments when your legs and feet:
- Swell throughout the day
- Consistently feel heavy and painful
- Have pronounced areas of skin discoloration and rough texture
- Are itchy around a visible vein
- Have surface veins that are twisted, bulge, and appear red, purple, and blue
- Have ulcers that bleed
- Do not respond to self-care interventions at home
- You think you may have restless leg syndrome, uncomfortable sensations and urges to move your lower extremities, particularly when in bed or sitting
Another red flag is when you’ve had varicose veins or other vascular problems in the past and seem to be experiencing a recurrence of symptoms.
Other Factors to Consider
If you are pregnant, you may wish to postpone your vein evaluation and possible treatment until you deliver your baby. Also, some symptoms may subside if you lose weight and are intentional about exercise, hydration, wearing compression stockings, and, most importantly, stopping smoking. A healthy lifestyle can lessen vein symptoms and/or forestall the need for medical intervention.
Leading Edge Vein Treatments in St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, and Largo, FL
If you are looking for compassionate vein care, you can trust the expertise and experience of the board-certified vascular surgeon, Dr. Edward Mackay of Edward G. Mackay and Associates. Our facility can help you achieve optimal vascular health and function. Besides non-invasive treatments, we offer laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, vein stripping, microphlebectomy, VenaSeal, and more. Dr. Mackay has years of experience in vein care, and he is double-certified in general and vascular surgery.
To arrange your consultation, call us today at (727) 781-5652, or request a convenient appointment time by filling in our online request form.
Let’s partner in your best vein health!
