Local Physician Talks About Veins
It’s happening to all of us. We’re getting older. If you notice a feeling of heaviness in your legs; fatigue or aching in your leg muscles; swelling, skin discoloration, tenderness or soreness; wounds that don’t heal; or leg cramps at night, you may have Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). A common symptom of CVI is varicose veins. But just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean you don’t have CVI, a progressive problem that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. “After you live with these symptoms for a while, you just accept that this is the way your legs feel. But that shouldn’t be the case,” says Dr. Jeffrey Braxton, Director of Venous Intervention at CiC Vein Center. “These symptoms can have an impact on the quality of your life. I want people to know that they shouldn’t have to make subtle adjustments like not going out as often or spending less time doing the things they enjoy.”
CVI develops when excessive pressure builds up in your leg veins. This happens when your leg veins are unable to bring the blood back to the heart. Braxton explains, “The veins in your legs must work against the force of gravity when sitting or standing to get the blood up to your heart. Your calf muscles act as a pump and one-way valves inside the veins work to keep the blood flowing.” “Vein disease is surprisingly common, affecting about a third of us, but the good news is, it’s manageable,” says Braxton, who is board certified in venous and lymphatic medicine. “Vein treatments have really advanced, they are less invasive and more effective than in the past.” says Braxton.
Innovative techniques involve closing or sealing the diseased vein. You are awake and alert during the procedure, with minimal discomfort, and are able to walk out after. The vein shuts down and disappears after treatment.
“Your body has plenty of veins so there’s no cause for concern when unhealthy veins are treated,” explains Braxton. After the vein disappears, your body reroutes the blood to healthier veins improving flow in the leg. Most people notice a significant improvement within days.
“You don’t want to dismiss the symptoms of CVI as signs of aging, pay attention to the subtle signs,” explains Braxton. “The sooner you’re seen, the better your chances are for reducing or avoiding serious complications.”
Dr. Jeffrey Braxton is the Director of Venous Intervention at CiC Vein Center. He is board certified in venous and lymphatic medicine. He can be reached at CIC Vein, (480) 775-8460.