Using Vein Creams in Vain

In recent years, a plethora of creams and lotions have come into the marketplace claiming to "cure" or "eliminate" veins without surgical procedures, targeting those afraid of surgery in general and stating they are safe for mothers-to-be.

Pregnancy, obesity, hormonal changes, and prolonged standing are just a few of the common causes of varicose and spider veins. They can also be brought about by age, or by heredity. Even skin injuries and sun exposure can put you at risk. All these vulnerabilities make it hard to avoid developing varicose and spider veins. In fact, almost 40 million Americans suffer from vein disorders each year.

More common in women than in men, varicoseveins occur in the weaker, more superficial veins in the leg, and develop when the veins fail to function properly.  The blood traveling through the veins then begins to pool, causing the veins to become enlarged and twisted. Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic problem; they can be a symptom of a more serious ailment, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other circulatory disorders.

Spider veins are a milder form of varicose veins, whereby bluish, reddish veins that look like spider webs are visible just under the surface of the skin. They are caused by the slowing down of blood circulation, and are usually found on the face, legs, and thighs. Improving blood flow to the area and strengthening the veins can help to prevent spider veins.

"First of all, there isn't a true cure for varicose or spider veins," said Michael Orcutt, MD, FACS, RPVI, Centers for Advanced Vein Care of Montana.

"In today's world, surgical treatment ofvaricose and spider veins is minimally invasive and practically pain free with little recovery time," Dr. Orcutt explained. "Surgical treatment and/or treatments with lasers are really the only way of ridding yourself of unsightly veins."

Lotions and creams often have natural ingredients like Vitamin K, Vitamin P, flavonoids, and bioflavonoids.  Applying the lotions in a massaging fashion could also stimulate blood flow and circulation. The vitamins found in the lotions and creams can help to rehabilitate the skin, aid the healing of bruises and scarring, and could potentially even fade stretch marks.  

“Moisturizing the skin along with massaging can increase circulation, and that is not a bad thing, however there isn’t a magic potion to cure vascular defects,” said Dr. Orcutt.

It’s Not Your Grandma’s Support Hose Anymore : Compression Stocking Therapy

Venous disease is one of the most common health problems effecting more than 40 million Americans each year. The condition includes varicose veins, spider veins, and/or deep vein thrombosis.

Today, there are numerous outpatient and minimally invasive, virtually pain-free surgical treatment options available using lasers and radio frequencies to eradicate swollen and twisted veins.  Compression therapy is often used before or after surgery for patient comfort and treatment.

Compression stockings can prevent vein problems from occurring, relieve venous symptoms such as leg swelling, fatigue or achiness and decrease the likelihood of a blood clot.

Gradient compression stockings provide a range of pressure against the leg. The pressure is highest at the foot and ankle, and gradually decreases as the garment rises up the leg. This makes it easier for the body to pump blood up towards the heart and more difficult for gravity to pull blood downward.

Patients wearing compression stockings frequently report that their symptoms are significantly improved. Recent studies also indicate that compression can help to prevent the recurrence of varicose veins.

Compression stockings require a prescription and can be purchased at many pharmacies, medical supply, and specialty stores. Your doctor will recommend the best style for your needs. Compression stockings are now made as knee-highs, thigh-highs, or in a “pantyhose” style. These days, compression stockings are fashionable, comfortable, and come in a wide variety of styles and colors.

Though modern compression stockings usually look like socks or tights, putting them on can be a challenge. Here are some tips:

• A good fit is absolutely essential and can be obtained through a professional fitter whom will help measure your leg, including circumference.

• Different brands vary in size and length, so try them on if you can.

• Never roll the stockings like a sock, which can create a tourniquet-like effect.

• Do not wear compression garments to bed, unless instructed to by a medical provider.

There are many benefits to graduated compression therapy, including reduced risk factors for deep vein thrombosis, but be sure to consult your physician. Compression is not appropriate for all patients and may adversely affect some patients with peripheral arterial disease. 

Varicose Vein Treatment Has Never Been Easier

Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging veins, typically appearing in the legs, found just under the skin’s surface. If left untreated, varicose veins can progress to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), a condition where the veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart.

In healthy, functioning veins, valves open and close, pumping blood back towards the heart. In weak, unhealthy veins, valves aren’t able to pump blood back to the heart. This causes blood to pool and bulge in the veins. Unsightly varicose veins appear as ropey, twisted, swollen veins just under the surface of the skin.

Varicose veins cause other symptoms such as swelling, heaviness, fatigue, restlessness, or achiness, and can lead to various vein disorders including Deep Vein Thrombosis, restless leg syndrome, and, in some cases, open wounds on the skin known as Venous Stasis Ulcers.

According to Michael Orcutt, MD, FACS, RPVI, Centers for Advanced Vein Care of Montana, varicosevein treatment has become virtually pain-free, quick and easy. Treatment often consists of both medical procedures and lifestyle changes to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the appearance of these veins.  When treating varicose veins, Dr. Orcutt recommends several lifestyle changes that help treat the condition before and after medical procedures. For instance, Dr. Orcutt asserts that patients suffering from varicose veins should:

 -Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time without a break, and avoid crossing your legs when sitting.

- Raise your legs above heart level, assisting the blood flow back to the heart when resting or sleeping.

- Stay physical by participating in activities that get your legs moving and those that improve circulation and   muscle tone.  This helps blood move through your veins.

- Lose weight if you are overweight.  Among other benefits to weight loss, weighing less improves blood flow and eases pressure on your veins.

- Avoid wearing tight clothes, especially those that are tight around your waist, upper thighs and legs.

- Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time. Wearing shorter heeled shoes develops calf muscle tone.

Medical procedures have come a long way in recent years. “Nowadays, most people receiving varicose vein treatment are back to work the same afternoon and experience very few, if any, side effects. The most common side effect is slight bruising in the area,” Dr. Orcutt said.  

According to Dr. Orcutt, “Treatment should be a very simple process for the patient. At our centers we have a stepped approached to insure our patients receive the highest quality of care and compassion.” 

Dr. Orcutt’s stepped approach to treating varicose veins involves:

Step 1: Screening and Examination

We determine your treatment needs by examining the veins as the patient is standing and sitting.  A physical examination is also given to determine the patient’s general health, health history, any previous treatments, or therapies, and detail symptoms.

Step 2: Vein Mapping Ultrasound

After the initial consultation and exam, we conduct an ultrasound known as Vein Mapping to get pictures and measurements of the veins, views of venous blood flow, and note vein valves that are malfunctioning.

Step 3: Scheduling and Treatment

Treatments are non-surgical, minimally invasive, and conducted in the comfort of the doctor’s office. Almost all treatments are covered by the patient’s insurance or Medicare.

Endovenous Ablation, a common treatment, uses radio waves or lasers to heat the vein and close it off.  A tiny catheter is inserted into the affected vein through a small injection made either above or below the knee.  The catheter is heated with lasers or radio waves to close off the vein and seal it shut. The vein absorbs into the body as the body directs blood that would normally flow through the weak vein towards healthier, stronger veins.

“We use state-of-the-art treatment devices giving the patient the greatest results, minimal recovery time, with

virtually no side effects,” Dr. Orcutt said.  “Varicose vein treatment has never been easier.”