Foods for Vascular Health

By Total Vein Care | Published December 14, 2015

There are many methods for improving your vascular health, and incorporating certain foods into your diet that are known to strengthen blood vessels and promote circulation is at the top of the list. A few foods packed with nutrients to support healthy veins and arteries are:

Oranges

Citrus fruits, like oranges, carry high levels of vitamin C, which has also been shown to strengthen capillary walls. Vitamin C also serves as natural blood thinner and aids in the prevention of plaque buildup, which can inhibit circulation and cause further complications.

Dark chocolate

Indulging in a little dark chocolate consumption in moderation can improve the overall health of your blood vessels. Cocoa-based foods, like dark chocolate, contain flavonoids, which have been shown to promote healthy circulation and lower blood pressure.

Cayenne pepper

Researchers have found that spicy foods, such as cayenne pepper, have been shown to boost your metabolism and strengthen arteries and blood vessels, resulting in stimulated blood flow to the peripheral areas of the body.

Sunflower seeds

Vitamin E-rich foods, like sunflower seeds, can reduce your risk of blood clot formation. Vitamin E has also been associated with improved elasticity of veins and arteries, resulting in smoother blood flow.

Garlic

Garlic provides a wide variety of health benefits, including its ability to naturally clean the blood. This helps to prevent plaque buildup, which can result in hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Garlic is also known to maintain the flexibility of veins and to lower blood pressure.

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba can aid in the dilation the blood vessels and facilitate improved blood flow to the extremities to reduce risk of clotting. Ginkgo biloba has also been associated with the relief of leg pain caused by improper circulation.

Watermelon

Watermelons contain high quantities of the antioxidant lycopene, a natural pigment that gives certain produce its reddish color. Preliminary research has found a positive link between lycopene and the thickness of the carotid artery. This suggests that lycopene may inhibit the development of cardiovascular disease by protecting the “good” cholesterol (LDL) from oxidation.

Salmon

Salmon contains the almighty omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat that provides many health benefits, from maintaining vein elasticity to thinning out the blood. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to reduce the risk for sudden cardiac death.

For more information about maintaining a healthy vascular system, call the vein specialists at Total Vein Care today at (225) 245-3540.

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What is Venous Reflux?

By Total Vein Care | Published October 22, 2015

Venous reflux occurs as a result of venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency takes place when the one-direction valves within the veins become weakened or damaged and fail to pump the blood properly back to the heart. As a result, the blood will flow backward (reflux) in the vein, causing blood to pool, which in turn causes the veins to become enlarged and, often, extremely painful.

Signs and symptoms pointing to venous reflux

There are many symptoms associated with venous reflux, and they will vary based on the severity of your condition. These include:

  • Prominent varicose veins (ropy, bulging veins)
  • Swelling (edema)
  • Skin ulcers (often near the ankle)
  • Skin discoloration
  • Cramping, itching or pain
  • Aching, burning or throbbing sensations
  • Leg weakness
  • Heavy feelings in the legs
  • White atrophy
  • Dermatoliposclerosis (skin and connective tissue disease)
  • Dermatitis

Treatment options available for venous reflux

Compression therapy

Compression stockings help to guard against the further progression of venous diseases, and aids in temporary pain relief. Your doctor will fit you with the right size for you.

Endovenous laser ablation

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) eliminates diseased veins by denaturing the proteins in the vein wall using light energy to by heat the wall from within the vein itself. The treated vein will eventually shut down, close and be naturally absorbed by the body.

Radiofrequency ablation

Similar to EVLA, radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment used to treat diseased with little to no downtime and no scarring. The procedure uses radiofrequency energy from within to close the vein.

Microphlebectomy

Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the removal of segments of the diseased vein through tiny incisions.

Sclerotherapy

Used mainly to treat spider veins, sclerotherapy involves injecting a “sclerosing agent” directly into the diseased vein to shut it down.

Vein Gogh treatment

The Vein Gogh treatment involves using a fine, insulated needle to administer high-frequency electrical energy to selectively target spider veins on the face, ankles and knees.

For more information on venous reflux and treating vein disease, contact the specialists at Total Vein Care today at (225) 245-3540.

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Vein Consultations

By Total Vein Care | Published October 8, 2015

To best treat your vein problems, you will be taken through a series of steps to thoroughly evaluate your condition. Vein problems can be quite painful and visually unappealing, so as we conduct your exam, your vein care professional will do his best to ensure your diagnosis and treatment are as swift as they are effective.

Evaluating your current issues

Your consultation will begin with a look at your current vein problem and a discussion about the course of its development. Before coming in to your appointment, think about when you started noticing issues and how the problems have progressed up to the present day. Your family history of vein disease will also be discussed to gain a full picture of your condition.

Previous vein treatments and general medical history

If you’ve had any vein treatments in the past, it’s important to mention them during your consultation. By looking at previous treatment sites, your doctor will find clues on the effectiveness of certain techniques, which will help guide the formulation of your present plan. In addition to previous vein treatments, any other medical considerations you may have will need to be taken into account.

Physical Examination and Ultrasound

After hearing your symptoms and medical history, the next step in your consultation is a thorough physical examination. All of this information together will give your doctor a foundation on which he can either begin treatment or perform a diagnostic ultrasound, if necessary.

An ultrasound test is painless, takes about 30 minutes and won’t restrict your activities. Using high-frequency sound waves, the ultrasound will provide an image of both your shallow and deep veins to detect blockages and faulty valves. Once your vein specialist can clearly see what’s causing your issue, he can then develop your treatment plan.

Start addressing your vein disease today. For more information, or to schedule an appointment at Total Vein Care, call (225) 442-9663.

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What is the VeinGogh Treatment?

By Total Vein Care | Published September 30, 2015

The VeinGogh procedure is a quick, effective and minimally invasive treatment used to reduce or eliminate spider veins from the face, ankles or knees.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are dilated superficial blood vessels that are caused by increased pressure in the veins. Spider veins are characterized by tiny, thin veins that sprawl just below the surface of the skin, resembling spider webs. They are often red, blue or purple in color. They typically don’t exhibit any symptoms, are hereditary, and often develop with age.

How does the VeinGogh treatment work?

Depending on the size of the area that requires the VeinGogh treatment, your session can range anywhere from a couple minutes to a half-hour. The treatment requires no anesthesia and is practically painless.

First, the area to be treated is cleaned and sanitized. A very fine, insulated needle is then inserted just beneath the skin surface to deliver high-frequency electrical energy to selectively target spider veins. Because the needle is hair thin, you will only feel a slight pinch on the skin. The spider veins are destroyed and disappear right before your eyes.

Immediately following treatment

After the treatment, there may be some very mild but temporary redness. Because the VeinGogh treatment is minimally invasive and performed in our office, you can return to your normal activities immediately after your procedure.

Results achieved from the VeinGogh treatment

The best part about the VeinGogh treatment is that your results are seen immediately. Additionally, the appearance of your skin will continue to improve over the next several weeks following your treatment. Typically, only one treatment is necessary, but more severe cases may require additional treatments.

If you or someone you love is interested in eliminating spider veins once and for all, call the vein specialists at Total Vein Care today at (225) 245-3540 to schedule an appointment.

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Is Your Job Putting You at Risk for Vein Disease?

By Total Vein Care | Published September 25, 2015

Prolonged sitting while at work has been linked to vein problems

Many of us work at jobs that require long periods of sitting or standing in one position. Perhaps you spend your day working at a computer. Maybe you’re a manicurist, a bus driver or a checkout clerk at a store. All of these jobs have one thing in common: they could be putting you at risk for vein disease.

Vein disease is a broad term encompassing spider veins, varicose veins and other problems related to venous insufficiency. The underlying problem is the body’s inability to efficiently return blood to the heart, resulting in the pooling of blood in the lower legs and feet. Risk factors for vein disease include:

  • Family history
  • Age
  • Female gender
  • Pregnancy
  • High body mass index (BMI)
  • Sedentary job

While we can’t control our age, family history or gender, we can work to minimize the other risk factors. Things you can do to help prevent vein disease:

  • Exercise to build lean muscle in your legs
  • Take frequent walks
  • Wear compression stockings
  • Elevate your legs
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time: get up and move around every 30 minutes
  • Do leg exercises at your desk such as leg lifts and ankle rotations
  • When standing in one position, use a small box or low stool to elevate one leg, frequently switching legs
  • When traveling in the car or on an airplane for more than eight hours, be proactive:
    • Drink lots of fluids
    • Avoid alcohol
    • Stretch your legs and frequently change positions
    • Take driving breaks
    • Every 2 hours, get up and move about the airplane cabin
    • Wear compression socks/stockings
    • Avoid using seat leg rests that put pressure on the back of your calf or behind your knees

If you’re concerned about your risk for vein disease, or if you’ve noticed changes in your legs and feet, the expert team at Total Vein Care can help. We provide complete vein care from diagnosis to treatment, offering state-of-the-art technology in our Baton Rouge office. Call (225) 442-9663 to schedule a consultation, or use our convenient online appointment form.

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The Basics on Veins

By Total Vein Care | Published September 21, 2015

Your body is made up of many different systems that help it to function properly. The circulatory system is one of those intricate systems. Within the circulatory system are arteries and veins.

The arterial system pumps blood throughout the body, transporting nutrients, hormones, carbon dioxide, oxygen and blood cells to the organs and other tissues. The movement of these substances play a vital role in your body’s ability to fight diseases, stabilize temperature and pH, and maintain homeostasis. The venous system, made up of veins, is responsible for returning the nutrient-depleted blood to the heart.

Vein functions

Inside the elastic tubes we know as veins are special valves that move the blood in a one-way direction to help prevent the blood from flowing backward. With around 60 percent of the body’s blood flowing through your veins, the veins help many systems that are crucial to cardiovascular health and other functions of the body.

Structure of veins

Almost all veins contain valves that prevent the reverse flow of blood. In addition, each vein is made up of three layers:

  • A thick, outer layer made up of connective tissue
  • A middle layer containing bands of smooth muscle
  • An interior layer of membranous tissue lined with endothelial cells

Types of veins

There are many types of veins, all with different characteristics and purposes. Some of them include:

Superficial veins – Superficial veins reside close to the surface of the body.

Deep veins – Deep veins are found deeper in the body and have corresponding arteries.

Communicating veins – Communicating veins (or perforator veins) are veins that directly connect superficial veins to deep veins.

Pulmonary veins – Pulmonary veins are a set of veins that deliver oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

Systemic veins – Systemic veins drain the tissues of the body and deliver deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Venous disorders

  • Deep vein thrombosis – Deep vein thrombosis is when a blood clot develops within a deep vein. This can occur after surgery or prolonged hospitalization or as a result of immobility or the side effects of taking oral contraceptive pills.
  • Venous insufficiency – Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins become weakened or damaged, which can result in pooling blood within the veins. This can cause varicose veins and spider veins. It is caused by many factors, including pregnancy, age or prolonged sitting or standing.

Vein treatment

When it comes to vein disease, it’s important to know your options for treatment. If gone untreated, venous insufficiency will progress and become extremely painful, and deep vein thrombosis can even be life threatening. It’s important to have any potential vein issues evaluated and diagnosed by a vein specialist. Call our team at Total Vein Care today at (225) 245-3540 to schedule your next appointment.

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How to Ease Leg Swelling

By Total Vein Care | Published September 14, 2015

Leg swelling, also referred to as edema, can be painful and embarrassing. It can be caused by various factors like certain diseases, lifestyle choices or medications. Some of the main causes of leg swelling can be:

  • Obesity
  • Prolonged sitting or standing
  • Excessive hormone intake like estrogen or testosterone
  • Taking certain antidepressants or steroids
  • Natural changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle
  • Pregnancy or preeclampsia
  • Blood clots in the leg
  • An infection or injury in the legs
  • Venous insufficiency

Though some of these conditions require medical attention, some types of swelling can be reduced by a few simple tips and changes to your lifestyle.

Wear compression stockings for support

Compression stockings are tight stockings made out of elastic that keep continuous pressure around your lower leg and ankle to prevent fluid buildup.

  • Compression stockings can be worn during normal daily activities and while exercising
  • Some stockings need to be fitted by a physician

Reduce salt intake

Excess salt in the body attracts water to the tissues, so reducing salt consumption can reduce edema. Here are some easy ways to cut back on salt and sodium consumption:

  • Avoid adding table salt to your food. Instead, try using other salt-free seasonings that can add flavor without all the salt.
  • Limit your intake of processed food, which can contain large amounts of hidden sodium.

Get up and move

Prolonged sitting or standing without moving can make your blood more prone to pool in your extremities and result in swelling. By walking about at least once an hour, your leg muscles can expand and contract, which will stimulate the blood flow within the veins.

If you do choose to sit for extended periods of time, or if it is unavoidable, try to keep your legs elevated to prevent blood pooling. Prop your feet up on a stool or ottoman and place a pillow under your legs while resting.

Drink plenty of water

Be sure to drink at least 64 ounces of water every day to help flush out your system and eliminate toxins and added sodium. In addition, some teas with diuretic properties like chamomile or dandelion leaf can speed up the flushing process to help detoxify your body.

The right kind of exercise

Though some types of exercise can aggravate swelling, the right kind of physical activity can actually help relieve leg swelling. If your body isn’t already accustomed to regular exercise, start out slow by incorporating low-impact exercises that don’t put strain on your body, such as swimming or yoga.

If you are experiencing swelling in your legs it could be cause by a serious venous disease. Call the vein specialists at Total Vein Care today at (225) 245-3540 to schedule a screening.

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What is Phlebology?

By Total Vein Care | Published August 11, 2015

Phlebology is a term used to describe the specialty of venous disorder treatments. A medically certified specialist in phlebology is called a phlebologist.

The American Medical Association added phlebology to their list of self-designated practice specialties in 2005. There have been many associations and societies put in place that focus entirely on the treatment of venous disorders. These associations have helped to develop and improve advanced methods used within the field of phlebology.  

  • In 2007, the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM) was established to improve the standards of phlebologists and the quality of their patient care by developing a certification examination.
  • With over 2,000 members, the American College of Phlebology (ACP) is one of the largest medical societies in the world for health professionals working in the field of phlebology.

Types of venous disorders

Venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is the most common venous disorder and is often — but not always —exhibited by spider veins or varicose veins. Venous insufficiency occurs when the flow of blood is inhibited due to damaged valves within the vein, resulting in backward blood flow.

Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis, sometimes referred to as phlebitis, occurs when a blood clot blocks one or more of your veins, often in your legs. This can affect veins near the surface of the skin, known as superficial thrombophlebitis, or in a deep vein, which is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Minimally invasive vein disorder treatments

Endovenous laser therapy

Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is a minimally-invasive procedure that’s done by inserting a tiny catheter through a small incision into the vein. Using light energy to close the problem vein, the vein is gradually absorbed by the body. EVLT is painless and allows you to get back to your normal routine with little to no downtime.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a special sclerosing agent directly into the problem vein using a super-fine needle. The sclerosing agent causes the veins to shut down and gradually be absorbed into the body naturally. The procedure is quick, only about 20-30 minutes, and you can return to work the next day.

Microphlebectomy

Microphlebectomy is used to treat problem veins that are too small to be treated with EVLT but too large to be treated with sclerotherapy. This procedure involves making tiny incisions through which the problem vein can be removed painlessly. There is little to no downtime after this procedure.

VeinGogh treatment

The VeinGogh treatment is normally performed on those who have spider veins on certain areas like the face, ankles or knees. This treatment uses a very fine, insulated needle to administer a high-frequency electrical energy to selectively target spider veins. The spider veins will disappear quickly, and you can return to work the next day.

If you or someone you love has questions about vein disease, give the vein specialists at Total Vein Care a call today at (225) 245-3549 to schedule your next appointment.

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Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Varicose Veins

By Total Vein Care | Published August 4, 2015

Though varicose veins can be unsightly and often very painful, there are more serious reasons why you shouldn’t ignore them.

Do you have varicose veins? Found primarily on the legs, varicose veins are large, bulging, twisted veins that you can see just below the skin. In addition to their ugly appearance, they can be very painful and cause symptoms like:

  • Burning, throbbing or cramping in the legs
  • Tired, achy or heavy feelings in the legs
  • Itchy feelings around the veins

Varicose veins occur as a result of damaged one-way valves within the veins. These valves are responsible for pushing the blood through the vein in one direction back up to the heart. When these valves become damaged or weakened, blood backs up or pools in the vein, creating visibly large, lumpy, bulging veins.

If you haven’t thought about getting your varicose veins checked, you should consider it. Varicose veins can sometimes be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition and if gone untreated, will lead to some serious complications. These can include:

Blood clots

Varicose veins can be a potential cause of blood clots, a complication that can cause pain and swelling. Depending on where it is located, a blood clot can be serious. There are two main types of blood clot conditions:

  • Deep vein thrombosis – Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein within the body. This can cause feelings of pulling, warmth, redness, swelling and pain in the calf. If this clot breaks free and travels to your lungs (known as a pulmonary embolism), it can be fatal.
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis – Superficial thrombophlebitis occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein that is just below the skin. Though not as serious as DVT, signs include redness, firmness, tenderness and sometimes pain and swelling.

Ulcers and bleeding

Sometimes, very painful venous ulcers (open sores) may form on the skin as a result of varicose veins, particularly near the ankles. Ulcers are caused by long-term fluid buildup in these tissues, caused by increased pressure of blood within the affected veins. A discolored spot on the skin is usually a precursor to a venous ulcer.

Unfortunately, some are more susceptible to developing varicose veins than others. Some risk factors include:

  • Age – The risk of developing varicose veins increases as you age. People over 60 are often more susceptible.
  • Obesity – Excessive weight can add more pressure to the veins.
  • Pregnancy – Some pregnant women develop varicose veins as a result of increased blood volume, but decreased blood flow from the legs to the pelvis.
  • Gender – Females are more susceptible to varicose veins than men.
  • Prolonged sitting or standing – Sitting or standing for long periods of time can inhibit blood flow.

If you are concerned about complications from varicose veins, call the vein specialists at Total Vein Care at (225) 245-3540 to schedule your appointment today.

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Tips on Choosing a Vein Specialist

By Total Vein Care | Published June 23, 2015

When it comes to vein disease, choosing the right vein specialist can be difficult. You may not know where to begin, and you may have a lot of questions. Should you take a referral from your primary care physician or choose a vein specialist more carefully? Or maybe you should do a quick search online. You can’t rely on your primary-care doctor for your vein needs, but you do in fact have a choice. So take the time to educate yourself to make the right one.

Vein disease can be a complex condition that requires expert treatment. When choosing a vein specialist, there are a few things to consider.

Check their credentials

First and foremost, check the credentials and background of the physician. Your vein specialist should be certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and ideally should have board certification in vascular surgery, interventional radiology or some other medical specialty involving endovascular (“inside the vein”) treatment.

Look into the doctors’ experience and training as well. Where did they receive their medical degree? How long have they been practicing? Do an online search for their names to read reviews. It is also important to choose a provider who employs registered vascular technicians (RVT’s) to assist with the diagnosis and treatment process.

Vein expert or not?

Your primary physician may be able to convince you to seek treatment under his or her care, but we recommend that you explore your options. Some doctors may offer vein treatment in addition to other, unrelated procedures. Their primary field of expertise may be facelifts or microdermabrasion, not vein treatment. For the best experience possible, it’s best to choose a physician who specializes in vein treatment only.

Observe their compassion and customer service

Although it’s important to find a physician who specializes in vein treatment, it’s also important to find one who values compassion as part of the medical care they provide. Does your physician listen to your concerns? Does he or she cater your treatment plan specifically to your needs? Do you feel comfortable in his or her office?

Also take note on the ease of appointment scheduling. Were you on hold for long durations of time? Was the scheduler knowledgeable and helpful? These are all important things to consider.

State-of-the-art equipment for top care

Your vein specialist should use the latest technology with state-of-the-art equipment that can diagnose or treat a wide variety of vascular conditions in the least invasive way possible. Many vein practices will use equipment that is outdated, used or has limited capabilities. Find a vein center with a skilled team trained to use advanced ultrasound equipment to diagnose vein diseases as well as laser and radiofrequency technology for treatment. Lastly, be sure they offer a wide variety of vein procedures.

Visit their website

Be sure to visit your vein specialist’s website before scheduling an appointment. Look for a site that is up-to-date, offers helpful information on vein treatment and introduces their physicians and staff.

The vein specialists at Total Vein Care encourage you to find the specialist who is right for you. At Total Vein Care, we have dedicated ourselves to vein treatment and management. We provide individualized care for our patients with state-of-the-art treatment and diagnosis techniques.

If you are suffering from varicose veins, spider veins or the symptoms of vein disease and looking for the right vein specialists, give our team at Total Vein Care a call today at (255) 245-3540 to schedule your next appointment.

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