Listen to Your Legs

NOW IS THE TIME TO LISTEN TO YOUR LEGS!

YOU MIGHT ASK, “ Listen to my legs?” The answer is,” absolutely!” Fatigue, pain or swelling might be their way of saying that your legs need help. You are not alone if you suffer from vein problems including spider veins, venous leg ulcers or large ropey varicose veins. Side effects of varicose veins—aside from their unpleasant appearance—include itching, burning, restlessness, cramping, swelling, pain, fatigue and throbbing, which worsen over time.

More than 80 million Americans suffer from vein disease. This medical condition can lead to further health problems. Unfortunately, vein disease doesn’t go away on its own. It will only get worse over time, making future treatment more extensive.

The good news is that with today’s advanced technology, vein disorders are treatable through safer and more effective techniques that don’t require surgery.

What Causes Vein Disease?

Essentially, varicose veins are produced when small valves in veins break and cause the blood in them to flow in the wrong direction. This causes the veins to bulge.

There are many myths around vein disease. For example, although pregnancy can aggravate vein disease, it doesn’t actually cause it. Similarly, varicose veins are not caused by crossing your legs or standing for long periods of time, although long periods of standing, as well as obesity, can worsen them.

If you have varicose or spider veins, it is likely that someone else in your family has them. More than 80 percent of the time, it is genetic.

Choosing the Right Treatment

People suffering from varicose veins may be confused about where and how to seek treatment. Consider the following points when seeking treatment:

• LOOK FOR THE RiGHT DOCTOR—a phlebologist who is uniquely trained to diagnose and treat venous disorders. Many health providers now offer some degree of vein treatment, but not all are equally qualified to manage varicose vein disease.
• SEEK THE BEST DIAGNOSTICS. Find a specialist who utilizes in ultrasound during the diagnosis and treatment process. This provides a detailed look at a patient’s entire venous system; vein disease is not always visible on the skin’s surface.
• LOOK FOR COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT OFFERING. Choose a physician who treats a wide spectrum of venous disorders and is a specialist skilled in all forms of sclerotherapy and endovenous laser treatment.
• CONSiDER YOUR BUDGET. Spider and varicose vein treatment is often covered by insurance. A reimbursable Flexible Spending Account (FSA) might also cover many treatments for vein disorders. Ask whether a physician accepts coverage from your insurance provider. Vein Clinics of America is in a network with most major insurance plans. Call 800.660.VEIN(8346) for a complete listing.

Robert S. Singh, MD, RPVI, FACS

Dr. Singh served as a Medical Director at the vein center of St. Joseph Medical Center and was the owner of Berks Vascular Institute in Reading, PA. He is board-certified in general surgery and vascular surgery and is a registered physician in vascular interpretation. His minimally invasive approach includes ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, as well as Endovenous Laser Treatment (ELT).

Education – Doctorate of Medicine, American University of the Caribbean, School of Medicine

“Many of our patients are self conscious about the appearance and physical discomfort of their varicose and spider veins. I am dedicated to the management and complete treatment of this disease.”   —Dr. Robert D. Singh

Testimonial

“As a patient at Vein Clinics of America’s, Exton, PA location, I recently successfully completed treatment for vein disease. I have led a very physically active life but developed varicose veins in my early 20s. The disease had progressively become worse and Vein Clinics of America completely relieved all symptoms through comfortable laser treatments and injections. The doctor and his staff are terrific. I highly recommend Vein Clinics of America in Exton.”

—Dean S., Exton