Just got venous insufficiency report showing my right saphenous vein.

It shows 5.0 seconds in upper calf with 0.5 seconds of reflux noted in the right SFJ. DVT neg. Should I be concerned? Just short of surgery, would you recommend I eat those grape supplements I've read about or stockings? I'm 54 years old and a bit overweight. Also, would a lot of weight loss reduce the problem?

Answers from doctors (5)


Teton Vascular Institute

Published on Jan 04, 2017

Having 5 seconds of reflux is significant enough to get surgery. Reflux is not going to resolve without it, it will only get progressively worse. In the meantime, wear the stockings as often as you can. Supplements are not going to help move the blood back to your heart like the hose will. Being overweight puts more pressure on the legs, which can exacerbate your symptoms, so losing weight is always recommended.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8198_1565192985.jpg
Answered by Teton Vascular Institute

Having 5 seconds of reflux is significant enough to get surgery. Reflux is not going to resolve without it, it will only get progressively worse. In the meantime, wear the stockings as often as you can. Supplements are not going to help move the blood back to your heart like the hose will. Being overweight puts more pressure on the legs, which can exacerbate your symptoms, so losing weight is always recommended.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Dec 29, 2016

I'd recommend Vasculera, which is an FDA approved supplement. I'd also couple it with compression hose (20-30 mm/hg). If you continue to have symptoms, consider Motrin or NSAIDS, leg elevation and possibly EVLA or something similar to close off the vein.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/777_1499907016.jpg
Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

I'd recommend Vasculera, which is an FDA approved supplement. I'd also couple it with compression hose (20-30 mm/hg). If you continue to have symptoms, consider Motrin or NSAIDS, leg elevation and possibly EVLA or something similar to close off the vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Chicago Vascular & Interventional Institute

Published on Dec 24, 2016

If you are not having pain, conservative management with compression stockings is the way to start. If you are having pain and significant discomfort EVLT may be a minimally invasive option for you. First, you need to be evaluated by an experienced, formally trained vascular interventional radiologist.

Bulent Arslan, MD, FSIR
Vascular/Interventional
Rush University Medical Center
Office 312-563-3105
Email: [email protected]

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/885_1500666000.jpg
Answered by Chicago Vascular & Interventional Institute

If you are not having pain, conservative management with compression stockings is the way to start. If you are having pain and significant discomfort EVLT may be a minimally invasive option for you. First, you need to be evaluated by an experienced, formally trained vascular interventional radiologist.

Bulent Arslan, MD, FSIR
Vascular/Interventional
Rush University Medical Center
Office 312-563-3105
Email: [email protected]

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Laser Vein Institute

Published on Dec 23, 2016

Stockings are a good place to start. Weight loss can improve venous insufficiency symptoms.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8248_1500076076.jpg
Answered by Laser Vein Institute

Stockings are a good place to start. Weight loss can improve venous insufficiency symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Dec 20, 2016

.5 second reflux is normal so by reflux standards you do not have venous insufficiency. Surgery or a closure procedure is not indicated at this time. Supplements and stockings as well as weight loss and exercise all will help with vein health.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

.5 second reflux is normal so by reflux standards you do not have venous insufficiency. Surgery or a closure procedure is not indicated at this time. Supplements and stockings as well as weight loss and exercise all will help with vein health.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Spider Vein Treatment

Spider Vein Treatment -3 answers
Hi I’m 13 years old and this problem makes me very self conscious. The veins are red and greenish and they kind of stick out of my leg, but barely. I feel very self conscious about it.
See More
Spider Vein Treatment -2 answers
When viewed under a magnifier, you can see patches of small spider veins (one on top of the other). I don't know if "blushing" is the appropriate word. I've tried ELOS technology (IPL) Dornier laser treatment but have not been able to clear this blotchiness. Any suggestions?
See More
Spider Vein Treatment -4 answers
I had my spider veins injected 6 months ago and they have since become dark. Is it expensive to have them removed? Also, are there any risks I should be aware of?
See More
Spider Vein Treatment -9 answers
I have Aetna NAP insurance. Do I need to contact them to see whether they cover vein treatments and, if so, what the requirements are for coverage?
See More
Spider Vein Treatment -4 answers
I had a varicose vein treated recently. Most of my spider veins were treated by sclerotherapy, with good result. I still have remaining ones, so I was offered to buy 2 or 4 injections, but I'm not sure how this works. Is it a good idea to purchase the injection package? How many veins will I be able to treat with it? How exactly does it work?
See More
Spider Vein Treatment -4 answers
I have spider veins predominately on my legs and wish to have treatment. Is it safe after having breast cancer. I am currently clear, was diagnosed 22nd March, 2015. I have had chemo, radiotherapy, mastectomy & DEIP reconstruction.
See More
Spider Vein Treatment -9 answers
I had sclerotherapy for spider veins performed two weeks ago on my leg. I have been in a great deal of pain since. All my sore spots are large veins in my foot/ankle. On a follow-up, I was told they injected them. When I asked why, I was told that every vein that they can see can be injected in the foot since I have so many. I have a hard time believing this and I now don't trust them. Is any of this true? Also, with so many large veins injected, how long before I can walk without pain?
See More
Spider Vein Treatment -1 answer
It has been 11 days since I was treated for spider veins with Veinwave. The areas of treatment are sill very red and raised in some spots. How long does it take until it is all cleared up and normal?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Spider Vein Treatment -8 answers
Will it be completely ineffective, a waste of time and money if I cannot wear the support hose?
See More
Spider Vein Treatment -2 answers
I have seen numerous OTC devices that claim to eliminate spider veins through the use of blue light. Are these products effective?
See More
Spider Vein Treatment -1 answer
I have a few patches of spider veins on both legs. Some are purple and the others are red. What is the difference between laser and Veinwave treatment as it relates to the clearance of spider veins, pain, and the number of sessions needed?
See More
Spider Vein Treatment -1 answer
I'm looking to treat my spider veins at home. Are there any at-home remedies that will help?
See More
Spider Vein Treatment -1 answer
I went to two different places for the treatment over the course of a couple of years. One is on the left side of my knee and another on the right. Both have been treated several times. Other smaller ones are scattered on my legs. Even tiny ones don't seem to want to disappear.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR