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Vein Treatment Information

Friday, July 31, 2009
How Air Pollution can Affect Vein Health

In a study conducted by Dr. Andrea Baccarelli of the Harvard School of Public Health, it was concluded that people living in areas with higher concentrations of air pollution may have a better chance of developing blood clots in veins. Over the years, pollution from automobiles and industrial plants has been linked to various health problems. These pollutants may include particles of carbon, nitrates, metals and other materials.

Initially, the concern about an overexposure to air pollution was mainly linked to lung disease, but after further research, scientists warn of air pollution's possible effect on heart disease and stroke. This is due to the increased rate at which blood coagulates when exposed to air pollution and the harmful matter it contains.

Researchers have determined that a 10-micrometer-per-cubic-meter increase in particulate pollution leads to a 70 percent increase in the risk that people living in the area will develop deep vein thrombosis, or deep vein clots, which can be treatable but are stil dangerous.  

The effect of air pollution on veins has only recently been discovered and research is still being conducted to fully understand the impact that it has on a person's vein health. Patients in Rockville, Maryland who have concerns over this issue should see a vein specialist. These medical professionals will answer any questions and address any concerns that the patient has.

Particulate air pollution is particularly dangerous to citizens of large cities, as the air pollution from industries, factories, automobiles and other pollution producing entities is much more pronounced and concentrated in larger cities. With the further understanding of particulate pollution, steps should be taken to reduce the amount of pollution in the air over our cities. It was only recently that air pollution's effects on the heart was discovered and with these new revelations about particulate pollution's effect on vein health, scientists, engineers and city officials must turn their attention to reducing the amount of pollution in our cities.

Environmental specialists do note, however, that there is only so much that a person can do to control their risk of negative health effects due to air pollution. They also note that the individual risk of each person is relatively small. Experts caution against exercising along major roadways or highways and recommend that people avoid exercising outdoors on days when pollution levels are high.

People concerned with this risk should contact a vein specialist. Several may be able to help in Rockville, Maryland, as their knowledge and experience will provide valuable insights into the possible effects of air pollution and other helpful steps people can take to stay safe.


Friday, July 31, 2009
Compression Stockings: Practical and Fashionable Options

Patients in Portland, Maine suffering from varicose veins should consider all of their options before settling for any treatment. As a patient, you should seek to inform yourself as much as possible, as educated patients are usually the most successful patients in terms of finding relief and recovering from venous diseases. There are several options for patients, most of which require the assistance of a physician or medical professional. Some home remedies may exist for patients, but patients should always speak to their doctor before making any drastic lifestyle changes.

One option for those suffering from varicose veins is compression stockings. These do not have to be ugly or bulky contraptions that make going out in public a horror, but can be quite inconspicuous in some cases. Prescription compression stockings may be purchased with a doctor's prescription at a medical supply store. For mild cases of varicose veins, patients may wish to purchase support panty hose, knee-highs or knee socks. These options may help with swelling and the aches and pains associated with varicose veins. Better yet, they are far less expensive than prescription compression stockings and are available in most department stores and clothing stores.

Some patients choose to buy compression stockings designed to help leg swelling. These, however, create an even pressure all the way up the leg, in contrast to compression stockings designed to treat varicose veins that are tighter around the feet and gradually get looser as they go up the leg. The former may slip down the leg and bunch up, which may worsen varicose veins in some patients.

For more severe cases of varicose veins and when store-bought panty hose, knee-highs or knee socks are ineffective, patients should consult their doctor, who may prescribe compression stockings from a pharmacy or medical supply store. These are more expensive than the store-bought options and may run anywhere from $60 to $100. These may also be available as panty hose, giving patients a more fashionable or versatile option. These, however, are more expensive than the traditional prescription compression stockings.

Compression stockings help circulation in the legs and in most cases help to improve varicose veins in many patients. There are different types of or levels of compression available and patients should always speak with their doctor to determine which level of compression is best.

Many consider compression stockings to be the mainstay in varicose veins treatment. They are often used as a first option for patients suffering from venous conditions. When they are ineffective or do not provide the desired results, patients and their doctor may elect another treatment option. Compression stockings may also be required after undergoing another treatment for varicose veins, such as surgery, as part of the recovery process.

Patients in Portland, Maine that want to know more about compression stockings and fashionable options of such should consult their doctor or a clinic catering to patients suffering from venous conditions. Patients have other options beyond compression stockings when treating spider veins and varicose veins and should consider all of their options before making their decision. The best resource for information and medical advice is always a medical doctor.


Friday, July 31, 2009
The Difficulty in Diagnosing and Treating Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

If any one word can be used to describe pelvic congestion syndrome it would be 'variable'. Women suffering from pelvic congestion syndrome will experience different degrees of severity of pain with this condition. This makes diagnosing this condition and subsequently treating it very difficult. It is estimated that about 30% of women will experience the chronic pelvic pain associated with pelvic congestion syndrome at some point in their lives. To best understand the condition, women should obtain as much information as possible about the condition and consult a doctor. Patients may then seek treatment at one of the medical facilities in Minnesota catering to patients with venous diseases.

Pelvic congestion syndrome is most commonly found in women between the ages of 20 and 45 who have had multiple pregnancies. The condition is found in women, leading many researchers and doctors to believe that estrogen may play an important role in the development of varicose veins in women suffering from this condition. The veins may be present near the uterus, fallopian tubes, vulva or the vagina.

The exact cause of this condition is not fully understood, but patients in Minnesota should speak with their doctor for more information about this condition. Estrogen levels are increased during pregnancy, which may explain why this condition is associated with women who have had multiple pregnancies. Estrogen is known to weaken the vein walls, which may lead to varicose veins. The weight gain and excess fluids associated with pregnancy may also play a role. The excess weight and fluid may damage the valves in the vein, causing them to engorge with blood.

The next step in understanding this condition is identifying the symptoms. The most common symptom of pelvic congestion syndrome is a dull pain that varies in its severity. The pain may increase in severity before the onset of the menstrual cycle, towards the end of the day, after standing for a long period of time, during or after intercourse and in the later stages of pregnancy. There are other symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome, but they are very nonspecific and could be symptoms of other conditions. Nevertheless, these include swollen vulva or vagina, abnormal menstrual bleeding, tenderness in the lower abdomen, backache, vaginal discharge, lethargy and depression. Before treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome is administered, however, all other medical conditions must be ruled out. This is what makes diagnosis and treatment so difficult. A CT scan, MRI scan, ultrasound or venogram may be used in diagnosing pelvic congestion syndrome.

If a patient finds that they are suffering from this condition, they should consider all of their options before choosing a treatment. Drugs were used in the past to treat this condition, but they have since been deemed unsuccessful. Drugs may be prescribed for the pain many women experience, however.

Patients who have been diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome often only turn to surgery if all other treatment options have failed. Embolization is a relatively new radiological treatment that plugs the veins so that they do not become engorged. This treatment requires an overnight stay in the hospital, although no anesthesia is needed during the treatment and no incision is required. Patients may experience pain, nausea and fever in the days following surgery. Patients considering treatment for this condition should consider all of their options and understand that these treatments do not come with a 100% guarantee in results. The severity of the condition and other factors may play into the success of surgery or embolization, although patients undergoing embolization have traditionally had more success.


Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Cold Feet? Tips for Maintaining Healthy Circulation

Poor circulation in the feet and legs is commonly found in the elderly above all other age groups. In Virginia, there are several clinics that assist patients with circulation problems, spider veins and varicose veins. Solving these problems is important to many people, as these venous conditions can be painful and embarrassing for most patients.

The first signs of poor circulation that a patient may experience include cold feet, tingling and numbness and swollen ankles. These conditions may be precursors to more serous health problems if circulation is not improved. Patients should always see their doctor if they experience these symptoms, but there are still other things they can do to improve circulation.

One thing that people with poor circulation in their feet can do is begin exercising. The more active a person becomes, the better their circulation will be. This doesn't mean that you have to hit the gym and start pumping iron, but other less strenuous actives may help improve blood flow. A good starting point is walking. Going for walks is a good way to improve circulation and build up to other activities such as bike riding or swimming. Before exercising, patients should always consult their doctor to make sure that they are healthy enough for such activities.

Eating healthy is another good way to improve blood circulation and one's overall health. Reducing the amount of sugar and fat will help to thin the blood, allowing it to flow easier through the body. An increase in fiber will help the body remove dietary fat, thus further increasing blood flow.

It is virtually impossible to improve blood circulation if you smoke. Quitting is vital to those who wish to improve their blood flow. Smoking may cause hardening of the arteries and high cholesterol, which will hinder blood flow.

Stress relief is another great way to improve blood circulation in the feet. Stress may cause the body to divert blood flow from the feet and the other extremities, causing poor circulation in these areas. Elevating the feet for a short period of time is another simple solution. Lying on the floor and placing the feet on a couch or chair will help to increase blood flow when the feet are returned to the floor.

Soaking the feet in a warm tub may provide temporary relief for poor circulation in the feet, but this is not a long term solution. Natural supplements may also be helpful in increasing blood flow in the feet. People with poor foot circulation have unhealthy circulatory systems overall. Poor circulation in the feet is a sign that circulation in the body is not functioning properly. This may lead to more serious problems such as heart attack or stroke.

Patients with poor circulation should take action as soon as possible to avoid developing a more serious health problem. The first step is to see a doctor and learn as much about the condition as possible before taking any medication or trying any home remedies to improve circulation. A doctor may recommend that the patient visit one of the clinics in Virginia that offer treatment for circulatory problems. These clinics may offer treatments that may be of assistance to patients with poor circulation.


Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Varicose Vein Treatment Solutions

When it comes to relieving venous diseases such as varicose veins and spider veins, most people will take all the help they can get. Throughout Maryland and along the Atlantic coast, there are several clinics that offer treatments that bring relief to patients suffering from these conditions. From laser treatments to compression stockings to chemical treatments, there are several options for patients with relief on their minds.

Lasers have made great strides since their introduction to the medical field not too long ago. Laser treatments are now available for several cosmetic, medical and surgical applications. From laser liposuction to laser hair removal to laser skin resurfacing, the possibilities that lasers bring to the medical field is extensive. Laser treatments are also available to help patients find relief from varicose veins. Endovenous laser ablation works by inserting a laser fiber into the vein. The laser energy is used to destroy the varicose vein and close it up. Compression stockings may be used for up to one week after the surgery, but patients are normally able to resume normal daily activities after the procedure.

Patients may also turn to ligation and stripping. In this method, the vein is tied off after making a small incision above the vein. The vein is then removed. This is only a minor surgery and usually does not require a hospital stay. Recovery time is often very short, only lasting a few days in most cases.

Sclerotherapy works using a chemical to damage and scar the inside of the vein. The chemical is injected into the vein and the vein then closes up. This type of treatment may be most effective on smaller veins. Compression stockings may be required after treatment, although patients should be able to resume normal activity after the procedure. Most patients are advised to take it easy for a few days following the procedure.

VNUS is a relatively new treatment and may not be available at all clinics in Maryland or across the country for that matter. The varicose vein is exposed to heat, which causes the vein to collapse. Over time, the body removes the collapsed vein. This is an outpatient procedure and does not require the same recovery time that other procedures may require.

Varicose veins can be painful and unpleasant for patients suffering from this condition. Thankfully, there are several clinics in Maryland that offer assistance in treating these problem veins and offering patients relief from venous diseases. Patients interested in these and other treatments should speak to their doctor for a more detailed description.


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