Compression Hose Are a Perfect Fit for Problem Varicose Veins
For people who care about the appearance of their legs, compression hosiery, which is universally recommended for both surgical and non-surgical treatments of varicose veins and spider veins, works to promote leg health and may also be worn to alleviate aching, tired, or restless legs. If vein problems are left untreated, you may develop pain, fatigue, and swelling that can lead to skin discoloration, bleeding, and leg ulcers. Dr. Robin Fleck, MD, founder and medical director of Vein Specialties is pleased to offer top of the line Sigvaris support stockings for use after both endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy.
Prescott, AZ (Vocus) November 23, 2010
For people who care about the appearance of their legs, compression hosiery, which is universally recommended for both surgical and non-surgical treatments of varicose veins and spider veins, works to promote leg health and may also be worn to alleviate aching, tired, or restless legs. If vein problems are left untreated, you may develop pain, fatigue, and swelling that can lead to skin discoloration, bleeding, and leg ulcers. Dr. Robin Fleck, MD, founder and medical director of Vein Specialties is pleased to offer top of the line Sigvaris support stockings for use after both endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy.
Nearly half of all women and 20 percent of men will suffer from some type of vein disorder during their lifetime. Venous disease is more common than diabetes, heart disease and cancer and is the most common reason for lost time from work. Women are more prone to develop vein problems, probably stemming from the stress put on the veins during pregnancy.
The new minimally invasive endovenous laser ablation procedure (EVLA) can eliminate problem vessels in less than thirty minutes in an office setting. In conjunction with EVLA, compression stockings are worn to treat a number of conditions that can affect the legs such as chronic venous insufficiency, venous skin ulcers, post-laser recovery, edema, spider veins, and varicose veins.
"There is no need to suffer from painful, throbbing, restless, or swollen legs due to varicose veins," notes Dr. Fleck. "With laser treatment of varicose veins patients can go right back to work after having the procedure. Most patients describe the procedure as less painful than a visit to the dentist."
Varicose veins develop when blood pools in the legs rather than flowing back to the heart. The condition is not life threatening but it can become painful and can be associated with other serious conditions if left untreated. Compression stockings provide external pressure to the superficial veins which assists in propelling blood upward against gravity and reducing symptoms in the legs.
Treating your varicose veins will minimize the likelihood of skin ulcers while providing relief from localized aching and pain. It will also get rid of unsightly bulging veins, and improve blood flow to the legs. Laser treatments and sclerotherapy are the most advanced treatments for varicose vein disease of the lower extremities. Compression stockings are usually required for several weeks following both procedures. They minimize bruising, and keep the treated veins closed while healing takes place.
Endovenous laser ablation is a laser treatment method that causes the target varicose vein to disappear. The heat from the laser damages the inner lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse. The vein loses its ability to transfer blood, and eventually shrinks and disappears. This nonsurgical vein procedure can usually be completed in your doctor’s office in less than an hour.
Sclerotherapy is ideal for medium sized veins and spider veins and involves the injection of Polidocanol, an FDA-approved medication, directly into the varicose vein. The injected solution damages the vein's lining, causing it to close. Swelling, leg discomfort, skin discoloration and restless legs cease with the elimination of the troublesome vein, while new vessels open to return blood flow to the surrounding area. The unsightly swollen or twisted veins virtually evaporate with treatment.
"Women or men who start wearing graduated compression stockings when they first notice swelling in the feet or leg heaviness, may be able to help prevent more serious problems such as varicose veins or leg ulcer later on," says Betsy McKaig, RN and clinical specialist at Prescott Vein Specialties. "This product is perfect for men and women who work in occupations where they stand for prolonged periods of time throughout the day, and there are even sizes for expectant mothers."
Support stockings apply pressure that is tighter around the ankle, gradually decreasing toward the top of the stocking. The pressure in the stocking is graded, which allows the hose to constantly massage the leg muscles. This pressure helps direct blood back to the heart, reducing leg swelling and aching.
“ Support hosiery will help our patients improve their leg health, as these stockings look stylish, but also provide relief from heavy, fatigued and painful legs,” notes Maureen Brogan, Spa coordinator of Body Oasis Laser Cosmetic Solutions. “When patients come to Vein Specialties, we want them to receive the best products and services available and we feel that Sigvaris has an excellent product.”
Vein specialist and cosmetic dermatologist, Robin Fleck, M. D. is a double-board certified dermatologist and internist, recognized by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is the founder and Medical Director of Vein Specialties in Prescott, Arizona and is a fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery and the American Venous Forum. Dr. Fleck is also the founder of Southwest Skin & Cancer Institute and Body Oasis Laser Cosmetic Solutions in Prescott, Arizona.
To learn more about Vein Specialties and treatment options for varicose veins and spider veins, please visit http://www. prescottvein. com or call (928) 778-7000.
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