varicose veins and spider veins

CAVC Montana is offer best treatments of  Spider vien and Varicose vein  in Great  Falls Montana.  Dr. Orcutt is an professional and one the best doctor of spider problematic vein treatments  and varicose veins treatments in Great Falls Mt.

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.”

Treatment Varicose Veins: Varicose and spider vein treatment options

How are varicose veins and spider veins treated?  Varicose veins and spider veins can be treated in several ways, including a change in lifestyle and medical treatment.  Both of these means of varicose and spider vein treatment can relieve symptoms, improve appearance of the patient and prevent further medical complications.  Both of these means of treatment for veins are utilized and your doctor will determine which varicose and spider vein treatment depending on the severity of your condition. 

Some of the treatment for veins and treatment for varicose veins include the following:

1.      Compression stockings:  This varicose and spider vein treatment  is commonly the first mode of treatment and is utilized to put pressure on the veins, thus, hopefully reliving the symptoms caused by spider veins and varicose veins.  The three primary types of compression stockings for treatment of veins and treatment of varicose veins are a) support pantyhose; b) Over the counter gradient compression hose; and c) prescription gradient compression hose used for varicose vein treatment and needing to be correctly fitted at your doctor’s office.

2.      Sclerotherapy (SKLER-o-ther-a-pee):  Sclerotherapy is a common varicose and spider vein treatment whereby the physician will uses a needle to inject a liquid chemical into the vein. The chemical causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood, and the vein turns into scar tissue. In a few weeks, the vein should fade. This treatment does not require anesthesia and can be performed in the doctor’s office.   The majority of people receiving this treatment for veins can return to work immediately after the varicose and spider vein treatment.  Additionally, this treatment for veins may require that the same vein may be needed to be treated more than once every 4-6 weeks.  Moreover, after utilization of this treatment for veins, most physicians will require that the patient receiving varicose vein treatment wear prescription gradient compression hose.  Some of the side-effects of this mode of treating spider veins and varicose veins include stinging, red and raised patches of skin and possible bruising where the treatment for veins was done.  These symptoms after vein surgery in Montana usually go away and subside within hours or days after treatment for veins.    

3.      Radiofrequency and laser endovenous techniques of varicose vein removal:  This treatment for veins, especially the deeper veins of the leg, termed saphenous (SAF-uh-nuhs) veins, is commonly done in the physician’s office for varicose vein removal.  When the physician uses this treatment for varicose and spider veins, he/she will place a small tube, or catheter, into the vein.  Thereafter, a small probe is placed through the catheter and a device at the tip of the probe heats up the inside of the vein and closes it off.  During this treatment for veins, the physician will either use radiofrequency or laser energy to seal the vein.  After the vein is closed off, healthy veins surrounding the closed vein will take over the normal flow of blood and the symptoms for the varicose vein will dramatically improve.  Additionally, when this treatment for veins is utilized, surface veins connected to the varicose vein will typically shrink after the varicose and spider vein treatment.  However, if they don’t substantially subside, it is common to utilize sclerotherapy while utilizing this treatment for veins. 

4.      Ambulatory Phlebectomy (AM-byoo-luh-TOHR-ee-fluh-BEHK-toh-mee):  Large varicose vein and spider vein treatment may include ambulatory phlebectomy in conjunction with the above treatments.  This treatment for veins and treatment for varicose veins is performed in the physician’s office and local anesthesia is utilized.  In this form of varicose vein removal, tiny incisions are made in the skin and small surgical hooks are utilized to remove the vein from the leg.  This treatment for veins is commonly used for large varicose veins removal. 

As indicated above, there are several means of treatment for veins and more specifically spider veins and varicose veins.  Many of these treatment for veins are performed in the physician’s office and the varicose and spider vein treatment can result in eradication of the problem in a short period of time without invasive procedures.  Varicose vein treatments Montana, varicose vein treatment Great Falls and varicose vein treatment Helena are options offered by Dr. Michael Orcutt at Centers for Advanced Vein Care Montana.  Dr. Orcutt is a vascular surgeon who provides varicose and spider vein treatment.  He expertly utilizes the techniques for varicose and spider vein treatment.  These  treatment for veins  are often used in conjunction with each other as a complete treatment for veins so that the problem is eradicated.  

Knowledge About Varicose Veins Treatment

Understanding the cause, symptoms and treatment of varicose veins is critical to the process of treating the problem.  The staff at Centers for Advanced Vein Care Montana (CAVC) believes that patient education is the first step in helping them seek and obtain professional treatment for their problem.  Given this fact, it is extremely important that the patient understand the facts regarding varicose and spider veins.  In general, varicose veins are typically swollen veins that present in the legs, ankles and feet of a patient.  A condition called venous reflux, or alternatively, venous insufficiency, whereby blood that circulates through the lower limbs fails to properly return to the heart, but rather pools up in the distended and bulging veins.

It is conservatively estimated that over 25 million people living in America suffer from venous insufficiency.  Common symptoms of venous insufficiency include:

 1) swollen ankles; 

2) swollen calves;

 3) pain in the legs;

 4) fatigue in the legs;

 5) skin discoloration;

 6) presentation of leg ulcers;

 7) burning skin; and 

8) itching skin.

  At CAVC, Dr. Orcutt, a board certified vascular surgeon, provides varicose vein surgery to correct these issues and problems.

Although varicose and spider veins occur at varying ages and irrespective of gender, both gender and age are risk factors associated with the development of venous reflux and venous insufficiency.  Estimates of the prevalence of venous insufficiency are that over 70% of American women and over 40% of men experience symptoms created by varicose veins by the time they reach age sixty.  Additionally, women who have had more than one pregnancy and individuals who suffer from obesity, have an increased risk of experiencing symptoms from varicose veins.  Moreover, absent treatment or varicose veins removal, the vein disease will progressively worsen.  

Varicose Vein Disease Facts

According to the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, it is estimated that more than 25 million Americans suffer from varicose veins treatment Additionally, heredity has been found to be the primary cause of vein disease. Therefore if a family member has had issues with varicoseveins or spider veins unfortunately, others within the same family will have a higher prevalence of the presence of varicose and spider veins.  Another important fact regarding varicose vein disease is that from a symptom perspective, larger varicose veins will often produce fewer symptoms than smaller varicose veins. 

Given the prevalence of venous disease, it is fair to say that varicose veins and spider veins are very common and research has shown that they increase with age and are present in over half the population by the age of 65.  Venous insufficiency is the most common type of vein disease and spider veins and varicose veins are the most common manifestation of venous insufficiency. 

The mostly people with varicose veins manage by using simple conventional treatment actions. Varicose veins are not a disease in themselves although they can cause daily pain and worry. People with this trouble should consult their general practitioner to talk about whether treatment is necessary.

Dr. Orcutt provides treatment with the goal of correcting the underlying defect and closing down portions of reflux that prevents venous blood from returning to the central circulation.  By doing so, the subjective symptoms of the patient, either minor or severe, are removed. 

Varicose Vein Disease Facts

When deciding on who you will utilize to provide comprehensive vein treatment, it is important to seek the most qualified individual, who has the most experience, training and expertise.  Although many health-care provides claim to provide treatment for vein issues, the question is whether they are specialists in dealing with and treating vein disease and disorders.  At a minimum, a patient should inquire as to whether the physician is a phlebologist, a person who is specifically trained to treat venous disease. 

A second question to consider is whether the physician you are consulting with is a specialist in ultrasound techniques and has been specially trained therein.  Ultrasound is a critical component in diagnosing and treating venous issues given that vein disease is often not visible on the surface of the skin.  Therefore, to adequately diagnose and treat the problem, the physician must utilize ultrasound to investigate the entire venous system. 

Third, patients should inquire as to the number of procedures the physician has performed, whether the physician is a surgeon and seek to view before and after results of the physician.  These questions will demonstrate the competency of the physician in sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment and usage of radio-frequency in treating vein disease. 

Vein specialists such as Dr. Michael Orcutt at Centers for Advanced Vein Care of Montana, is certified by the American Board of Surgery, a member of the American College of Phlebology and a Registered Vascular Technician and expert in ultrasound techniques.  Thus, when considering  varicose vein treatment inMontana, and varicoseveins treatment in general, Dr. Orcutt, having performed thousands of cases, is a clear choice for quality care.