Johns Creek Herald | northfulton.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
July 10, 2014 27
Varicose vein myths and facts From Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth When a vein wall weakens or a valve begins to work incorrectly, or when re-circulating blood that should be moving toward the heart actually moves away, blood can pool. Pressure can build up, causing veins to become twisted, enlarged and sometimes painful. This venous insufficiency is more commonly known as varicose veins. Contributing factors include: genetics, obesity, multiple pregnancies, trauma and/ or a profession that requires standing for long periods of time. Varicose veins are also common in people over the age of 60. Unfortunately there are a lot of myths about varicose veins: here’s a quiz to test your knowledge about this all-toocommon condition: Myth or Fact? Varicose veins don’t hurt. Myth: Varicose veins are sometimes painful or throbbing. Plus the underlying backup of blood in the vein can lead to leg heaviness and fatigue, swollen limbs, skin changes, itchy legs and even skin ulcers. Myth or Fact? Varicose veins are only a cosmetic condition, not a medical one. Myth: Venous insufficiency or varicose veins are not just cosmetic issues.” says Brandon Kang, MD, pioneer in vein treatment at Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth. “If not properly treated, symptoms can progress and cause more serious medical problems.” Myth or Fact? Only women are affected by varicose veins. Myth: Nearly 25 percent of all women and 15 percent of all men suffer from uncomfortable and unsightly varicose veins. Myth or Fact? Pregnancy may cause varicose veins. Fact: During pregnancy there is a larger volume of blood, so women may experience varicose veins, especially in the last months of pregnancy. Myth or Fact? Surgery is the only lasting way to treat varicose veins. Myth: No two veins are the same and treatment options are individually based. Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth offers both conservative and corrective treatments. Conservation treatment includes compression stockings and leg elevation. Corrective methods include Sclerotherapy and
the newest laser treatment, VenaCure EVLT. In Sclerotherapy, a tiny needle is injected into the affected vein, delivering medication that irritates the lining of the vein. The vein collapses and is then reabsorbed. The VenaCure EVLT laser vein treatment uses laser energy that pulses through the vein, causing the vein to collapse and seal shut. This minimally invasive procedure takes less than 30 minutes and can be performed in the physician’s office. The results are more than 95 percent effective. “Laser treatment of varicose veins has revolutionized vein treatment and is quickly becoming the standard of care,” says Kang. “This procedure is safe, quick, very effective, and virtually painless and requires minimal recovery time. There is no large incision, so there is no scarring.” Gwinnett Medical CenterDuluth offers treatment options for spider veins and varicose veins that are more precise and less invasive, so there is no need to worry about those unsightly, uncomfortable
veins. To schedule a free consultation, which includes an ultrasound examination, call 678-304-7008. Use code EVLT when you schedule your appointment.
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