Varicose Veins Treatment in Wayne, Paramus, Clifton, Montclair & Edison NJ
What Can Your Podiatrist Tell You About Varicose Veins
Foot and ankle surgeons do not treat spider or varicose veins but your foot and ankle specialist should be accustomed to seeing varicose veins to provide early recognition and diagnosis. The team of foot and ankle physicians at the Foot and Ankle Institute at One Oak Medical are trained in diagnosing vascular conditions of the lower extremities. In addition many of the conditions they podiatrists treat are interconnected with vein disease. Our team includes certified vascular specialists who in conjunction with our foot and ankle specialists can diagnose and also treat vascular disease.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are abnormal diseased veins that present as enlarged, tortuous superficial veins on the legs. Spider veins and varicose veins often share a common underlying issue referred to as chronic venous insufficiency. As a sign of vein disease, early recognition of the problem is vital to prevent complications like venous eczema and ulceration.
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency occurs when valves stop working properly and prevent effective transport of blood back to the heart from the leg veins. This can be due to trauma, dilation, or congenital issues. As a result, blood tends to pool in the legs building up the pressure inside the veins. Over years this venous hypertension cause the veins to distend, bulge and swell from the excess blood in the legs. During later stages, the skin can also develop venous eczema, discolor and develop ulcerations.
The most common reasons to develop varicose veins is genetic inheritance. In fact, if one parent has varicose veins, there is a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. The severity of disease can be influenced by obesity, smoking, pregnancy, and prolonged sitting or standing.
What Are The Symtoms Of Venous Insufficiency?
There are many typical symptoms of varicose veins that can overlap with the conditions seen by a Podiatrist. It’s important for your physician to be aware of these common presentations and seek early evaluation. The following symptoms should be considered:
- Aching
- Heaviness
- Restless Legs
- Swelling
- Skin discoloration
- Nocturnal cramps
How can I prevent varicose veins from developing?
The best prevention against developing symptomatic varicose veins is to maintain an active lifestyle. Exercise promotes healthy circulation and this is also true for leg veins. Exercise also will help you maintain a healthy target weight and reduce the stress on your veins. Some measures to reduce the swelling in your legs include elevating your legs, proper footwear, and physical therapy. Wearing compression stockings is key to preventative care. Usually 20-30 mmHg in compression, compression stockings can help manage symptoms and prevent worsening varicose veins.
What is the treatment for varicose veins?
Varicose vein treatments are provided by a vein doctor (typically a vascular surgeon or interventional specialist). Modern vein treatments are effective, minimally-invasive and virtually pain free. The most common techniques are vein ablation, laser vein removal and sclerotherapy. Vein stripping is outdated and is no longer recommended with the availability of more effective and less invasive therapies like ablation.
One Oak Medical Group
Our foot and ankle specialists are trained for early recognition and diagnosis of venous insufficiency. With our colleagues at the Vein Specialist Centers (A division of One Oak Medical Group), expert and convenient care is provided under one roof for patients suffering from spider and varicose veins. The collaboration has been a welcome and distinguishing feature for patients at One Oak Medical and the Foot and Ankle Institute.
