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Varicose Vein Treatment in St. Louis

Varicose Vein Treatment in St. Louis Removal in St. Louis

All About Varicose Veins

Affecting 40% of women and 18% of men in the U.S., varicose veins are a common yet painful condition that can easily be treated. Thought to be caused by conditions such as pregnancy, age and disease, modern advances in technology make varicose vein treatment time efficient, safe and successful. Dr. Wright and his team at the Laser Lipo and Vein Center’s are happy to offer a variety of treatment methods including sclerotherapy, EVLT and RFA. When you’re looking to explore varicose vein treatment in St Louis, make sure to take advantage of a medical evaluation and begin finding a comprehensive solution and treatment plan made to fit your symptoms and help your Varicose Vein disease.

Varicose Veins Index

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Preventing Varicose Veins

Causes of Varicose Veins

Development of Varicose Veins


Causes of Varicose Veins

There is a misconception amongst the general public that the varicose veins cause is exclusively standing too long or participating in extreme exercise activities. Still others believe they are simply a normal development that occurs with age. While there is some amount of truth behind the widely accepted theories, varicose veins are in fact caused by the development of disease in the major leg vein known as the greater saphenous vein.

Varicose Vein disease is not reserved for only older individuals. In fact, vein disease can affect patients as young as 20-years-old. Heredity is an important factor when predicting the onset of vein disease closely followed by gender and age. Women tend to suffer from varicose vein disease more frequently than their male counterparts. This is largely due to female hormones that affect vein walls, particularly during pregnancy when this effect is combined with an increase in blood pressure and volume in the veins. Age plays a role in the development of Varicose vein disease as it concerns vein elasticity. Over time, vein walls naturally loosen causing vein valves to become less effective.

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Anatomy of Leg Veins

The greater saphenous vein is the primary vessel in the superficial venous system. It runs from the groin to the ankle and connects to the deep vein system at a number of specific points known as perforator veins. The most common medical origin of varicose veins is recognized as reflux of the greater saphenous vein.

This greater web of veins contains a series of one-way valves that ensure blood flows in the direction of the heart. Reflux refers to the failure of these valves to properly direct blood flow. Instead of moving towards the heart, faulty valves allow blood to flow backwards and pool within the walls of the veins in the lower legs. This ultimately causes blue, bulging and painful veins referred to as varicose veins.


Development of Vein Reflux Disease

For those suffering from varicose reflux disease, there are some important lifestyle factors to keep in mind as a way of slowing the development of adverse symptoms. Obesity, prolonged periods of standing and physical trauma are all factors that increase the effects of vein reflux disease. While they do not cause varicose vein disease, they can provoke its progressive development. Small changes in lifestyle can make a big difference for those looking to reduce symptomatic effects of vein reflux disease.

Safe and Effective Varicose Vein Treatment in St. Louis

Once an individual recognizes his or her condition as Varicose vein disease, it may be necessary to seek treatment as a way to permanently remove problematic veins. Fortunately, there are a number of highly efficient, safe and successful methods available for varicose vein treatment in St. Louis that don’t require an extensive hospital stay and ensure a quick recovery. A preliminary consultation allows patients to work alongside their attending physician to develop a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan that takes surface-level veins as well as deeper branches of veins into consideration. Treatment options range from laser-based approaches to ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, but the common denominator is a painless and time-efficient procedure for each and every patient.

These out-patient procedures are performed right in the comfort of the physician’s office and generally take less than an hour to complete. Patients can expect to walk out of the office unassisted and resume daily activities within a matter of hours. Often needing no more than a simple bandage to cover the site of procedural injection, there’s no need to worry about changing dressings or sticking to downtime for a full recovery. Additionally, many patients find that their vein treatment services are covered by their insurance company due to the fact that many of these treatments are connected to underlying symptomatic venous issues. That’s what makes this procedure the best treatment for varicose veins. Make sure to check with your insurance and see if your plan covers the cost of vein care.

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Receive Varicose Vein Treatment in St Louis the “Wright” Way

Symptoms   |   Prevention   |   During Pregnancy    |   STUDY

 

Dr. Wright is the leading vein specialist in St. Louis and his minimally invasive varicose vein treatments are designed to help patients through the comfortable varicose vein removal. Modern advances in technology mean there’s no reason for patients to suffer through the symptoms of vein disease. Schedule a consultation today to start discussing your treatment plan at a vein specialist in St. Louis.

 

 

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

How to Know If You Have Varicose Veins

In addition to the appearance of colored — often blue or purple, sometimes greenish –  knotted veins, many patients may experience one or more of the following symptoms of varicose veins:

  • Pain or discomfort. This is usually described as an aching or cramping feeling in the calf or thigh. It also can be described as a throbbing sensation in one or both legs. Heaviness and tiredness are the two most commonly reported symptoms from varicose veins.
  • Burning or tingling sensations in the leg. These altered or “funny feelings” are often confused with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
  • Swelling of the legs. Venous insufficiency which causes varicose veins is the most common cause of leg swelling. Vein problems are 8 to 10 times more likely to cause swelling in the legs than all other causes combined.
  • Tender areas around the veins. These can occur early on in with the development of varicose veins. All of the symptoms of varicose veins usually progress over time without treatment.


Why Address Varicose Vein Symptoms?

If you experience varicose veins symptoms and delay varicose vein treatment, your symptoms may progress onward to more serious complications. These symptoms may also have an effect on your life and lifestyle, making your job more painful or exercise more difficult. A common complaint we hear is that the symptoms of vein disease keep people from a good night’s sleep. We also often hear of the discomfort associated with swollen legs and the self-consciousness and difficulty of leg swelling. These are real and common problems. There is no reason to leave veins untreated and continue to suffer the negative impact of varicose vein symptoms. Varicose vein treatment is easy, and left untreated, veins may proceed and develop complications.

The most serious complications of vein disease are phlebitis or thrombosis of veins.

  • Phlebitis involves inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot inside. With superficial phlebitis, the clot is in a vein just below the surface of the skin.
  • Blood clot or Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Most deep vein clots occur in the lower leg or thigh. A deep vein thrombosis can break loose and cause a serious problem in the lung, called a pulmonary embolism, or a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms include warmth and tenderness over the vein, pain or swelling in the part of the body affected, skin redness.
  • Ankle sores or skin ulcers also can be caused by varicose veins and vein disease. Ulcers are wounds or open sores that will not heal or keep returning. Ulcers may or may not be painful. Often there is some reddish or brown discoloration, and or dry, scaly skin around the ulcer.
  • Varicose veins may also cause bleeding. This bleeding can be difficult to control and may require emergency room (ER) or hospital treatment.

symptoms of vein disease


I Have Varicose Vein Symptoms; what Now? Get a Varicose Vein Treatment!

Vein disease is diagnosed by a history of symptoms (like some of the above varicose veins symptoms) and a physical exam that explores the signs of venous disease, plus a Doppler Ultrasound exam of the veins of the legs.

The test is performed with an ultrasound machine while you are standing upright, which is the best way to assess the function of your veins. A water-soluble gel is placed on your legs to enhance soundwave reception. A handheld device called a transducer or probe is moved over the leg being tested. As the transducer follows the course of the veins, it sends and collects sound wave information to assess the anatomy and flow of blood in the veins.

There is little or no discomfort associated with this test. Normal results show the blood in veins flows well with augmentation or compression of the calf and stops quickly after the augmentation is over. There are no risks associated with this procedure.

You will need to remove clothing from the extremity being examined. You can bring your own shorts or we will provide shorts.

Get Real Relief from Varicose Veins Symptoms with a Vein Disease Test By Dr. Wright

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Wright at his vein center in St. Louis. Call 636.614.1665 to get real relief from varicose veins symptoms.

Dr. Wright’s varicose veins treatment results are undeniable, check out his before and after pictures.

Varicose Veins Symptom Relief – The “Wright” Way

I am thrilled with the looks of my legs now. They look so much better and I am not so embarrassed by those ugly veins. Everyone in the office is so nice from the front desk to the doctor and nurses. I always look forward to my appointments.

– Mitzi

The Pain of Varicose Veins

When suffering from varicose veins, many people say they experience pain, usually in the form of cramping or aching in the legs. Other symptoms of varicose veins can include heaviness, tingling, throbbing, burning, tiredness, or restlessness in the legs. Learn more about restless leg syndrome and vein treatment here!


Varicose veins are raised, swollen blood vessels that often twist and turn, giving them a “ropey” appearance. They generally develop in the leg and are visible through the skin. There are a number of factors that can cause varicose veins or a predisposition to getting them, including:

  • Genetics/heredity
  • Jobs that require long periods of standing
  • Obesity
  • Hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
  • A history of blood clots
  • Conditions that cause increased abdominal pressure, such as constipation or tumors
  • Externally worn garments such as girdles

Varicose Veins Prevention

It is impossible to prevent an inherited tendency toward having varicose veins, but it is certainly possible to take measures that will help in preventing varicose veins symptoms until treatment can be arranged.

Dr. Wright’s results for varicose vein treatment are undeniable, check out his before and after pictures.


Varicose Veins Prevention for the Genetically Inclined

When looking to prevent varicose veins, remember that varicose veins are veins that have been stretched so often that they have become chronically dilated. Therefore, when preventing varicose veins, the key is to limit the opportunity to distend the veins. That means individuals with a strong family history of varicose veins can benefit from wearing medical compression stockings and making some minor lifestyle changes.


Varicose Veins Prevention with Lifestyle Changes

Varicose veins prevention may be assisted by avoiding occupations that require prolonged standing and being careful about how you sit. Always try to sit in a chair that is low enough or with the seat tilted in such a manner that there is little or no pressure on the back of the thighs.

Do not sit for prolonged periods of time. Do get up and walk around to speed up circulation through your veins, and it is important for women who are pregnant to wear compression stockings at least during the last trimester of pregnancy. Regular exercise such as walking and keeping your ideal body weight also may be helpful in preventing or lessening the symptoms of varicose veins.



Preventing Varicose Veins with Compression Stockings

Proper medical-grade compression stockings are only available with a doctor’s prescription. Dr. Wright can help you select the right compression stockings in St. Louis. Gradient Compression stockings are designed to apply maximum pressure on the leg starting at the ankle. Pressure gradually lessens up the leg. This action helps accelerate the movement of blood back up through the veins and to the heart, thus assisting circulation. Click here to learn more about our Laser Vein Center in St Louis.


How Do Compression Stockings Work?

Medically accurate compression stockings push the dilated vein walls back into place, enabling the veins to close properly and helping them “pump” the blood throughout your body more efficiently. As a result, blood flow is increased, which reduces swelling, fatigue, pain and the possible formation of blood clots in the leg.


Why Is Graduated Compression So Important?

The most important component in treating and preventing vein disease is to reduce swelling. The greatest swelling is usually in the ankles, because of gravity. Since that is where the veins become weakest, that is where the pressure from a graduated compression stocking is strongest. Be careful of department store products that do not list a specific pressure. Even though some are labeled “support” or “gradient or graduated support,” they do not produce an effective amount of compression. If you are at risk, schedule a consultation with Dr. Wright to discuss your varicose veins prevention options.

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Today was my last varicose veins treatment, in my right calf, by Dr. Wright. He was able to relieve the pain after the first treatment and, the veins have virtually disappeared. If fear is causing you to put off treatment, don’t wait any longer. At the initial exam and consultation, Dr. Wright and his assistant went out of their way to make sure I understood what was needed. They took care of getting a pre-approval from my insurance in just a few days. Scheduling was easy and, I resumed my normal activities immediately following each appointment.

– Fred

FAQs for Varicose Vein Removal

Question: When is varicose vein surgery the best treatment option?

Answer

From my perspective the times for when surgery (and I guess by surgery you mean ligation with or without stripping) is very limited. Possibly with an episode of acute superficial phlebitis involving the GSV near the junction would be one time when it might be considered. I cannot think of any major benefits or surgery over minimally invasive procedures. Recurrences, complications, and patient acceptance are all better with the new less invasive surgeries.

Question: What is the difference between PAD & Varicose Veins?

Answer

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) usually refers to atherosclerosis in the walls of arteries causing a blockage which can manifest as pain with walking, fatigue in the calves with walking, poorly healing wounds, leg ulcers, or severe pain in the feet. Varicose vein and venous insufficiency are very different problems. A skilled physician usually can differentiate venous disease from arterial disease very quickly with a patient’s history and clinical exam. Some patients will have both arterial and venous disorders and some arterial testing may be in order. Sometimes arterial testing is a measurement of blood pressure or flow at different levels in the legs. At other times, arterial ultrasound studies may be of value.

VNUS Closure procedures and LASER procedures can be done on patients with arterial occlusive disease as long as the blood flow is adequate for healing but should be performed only after a careful evaluation of the patient for adequacy of arterial blood flow to the tissues.