September is National Vascular Disease Awareness Month!

By Dr. Samuel P. Martin

September is National Vascular Disease Awareness Month. Dr. Martin shares information about vein disease and how vascular disease affects the health of arteries and veins. The general public frequently thinks of vascular disease as atherosclerosis, causing strokes, and possibly leading to amputation or abdominal aortic aneurysm with the possibility of rupture. Most people don’t realize the problems veins can cause.

Varicose veins and spider veins are often viewed as a purely cosmetic concern and are not associated with swelling and even ulceration at the ankle. Venous diseases affects over 50% of Americans, far more then heart disease and strokes. The cost to treat ulcers is greater than 3 billion dollars a year, and this doesn’t include days lost from work and disability.

Vein disease can present as spider veins—a cosmetic embarrassment—but if they are associated with fullness, a pressure sensation, and possibly fatigue or a slight tightening in the lower leg as the day progresses, there may be underlying venous disease which can cause swelling and skin changes in the future.

Varicose veins over time get bigger and multiply in number. The skin around the ankle gets thicker, drier, and can become itchy and painful.

Ideally, vein disease should be treated before the signs of advanced disease occur. This can be done now without painful surgery and days–to–weeks of recovery. Laser technology lets us treat veins from within by closing them, not removing them. This, combined with the use of ultrasound, allows us to direct the injection of a foamed sclerosart into veins which aren’t visible in a quick, relatively painless procedure with no significant recovery time. Combining these procedures with compression stockings gives enduring results. Technological advances in compression, as well as their availability in “fun” colors, mean stockings and leggings don’t have to be drab and dull.

So, if you have noticed any of the symptoms or signs mentioned above—now you are aware—don’t procrastinate. See the leader in vein care—Vascular Vein Centers. We’ll give your legs increased health.

Learn more about what is vein disease with Dr. Martin: