Skin changes can occur during many


stages of venous disease. Skin changes include lipodermosclerosis, a disease that causes the skin to thicken, and eczema, which causes the skin to become red or scaly. Venous ulcers in the leg are an indi-


cation that venous disease has reached an advanced stage. Left untreated, tissue damage can result in wounds that are chronic and do not heal and are likely sources of infection. While early treat- ment can prevent these ulcers, those with ulcers can find excellent success with treatment, and in many cases, enjoy com- plete healing and recovery.


Advances in Vein Treatment For years, patients suffering from vari-


cose veins and effects of venous reflux had few options for treatment, among them were vein stripping or compression stockings. As modes of treatment pro- gressed, the demand among patients and health care practitioners increased and a specialized field grew to fill the niche. Phlebology— the study of veins, vein


health and venous diseases and disor- ders— grew out of internal medicine, like cardiology and pulmonology before it. The American Medical Association has recognized phlebology as a field in its own right since 2006, while the American Osteopathic Association recognized it in 2007. Since the inception of phlebology, procedures have become more techni- cally advanced than ever before. Good news for the approximately 80 million people in the U.S. who are affected by venous disease. Today’s treatments, such as those


listed below, are outpatient procedures, minimally invasive, virtually pain free, and can be performed right in a physi- cian’s office. Recovery time for patients is usually less than a day. Sclerotherapy treats tiny veins just


below the skin’s surface. Using a small needle, a sclerosant is injected into the vein, which causes it to seal shut and disappear.


Ambulatory phlebectomy treats


small varicose veins that are too big to be treated with sclerotherapy. It involves re- moving the vein through tiny incisions in the skin. It is done under local anesthesia and in most cases stitches aren’t needed because the incisions are so tiny.


www.EssentialLivingMaine.com 9


Endovenous laser ablation (or EVLA) has become the gold standard in the treat- ment of large varicose veins. The physi- cian uses imaging guidance to thread a small laser fiber into the vein at the failure location. The laser (or radio frequency waves) heats the lining of the vein, caus- ing it to collapse, shrink, and disappear. Healthy veins play a critical role in


the circulatory system, so when they are compromised, it can affect one’s overall health and wellbeing. Because of its pro- gressive nature, treating venous disease is never simply cosmetic— and for most people, even debilitating symptoms are completely treatable.


Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen is the founder of the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Maine. Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, she cares for all levels of venous disease, including spider veins, varicose veins and venous ulcers. Dr. Asbjornsen is the only vein specialist in Maine to be named a Fellow by the American College of Phle- bology. You can contact Dr. Asbjornsen at 207-221-7799 or info@veinhealthcare. com. See ad on page 27.


Tips to relieve leg pain


Modern vein treatments are outpa- tient procedures that are minimally inva- sive and virtually pain-free. But there are also things one can do even before seeing a doctor. Here are some tips to alleviate discomfort and help prevent the progres- sion of symptoms:


• Walk. Walking causes the rhythmic contraction of calf muscles and helps promote blood flow to the heart. Walk at least 30 minutes every day— all at once, or in shorter increments.


• Elevate. Elevating your legs above your heart as often as possible— for as long as 30 minutes, or as briefly as three min- utes. The best time is after you have been standing or after a hot shower.


• Don’t smoke. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke constricts veins and affects overall circulation.


• Sit properly. Focus on good posture and avoid crossing your legs, or sitting in ways that can compress veins for prolonged periods.


• See a qualified, board-certified phlebol- ogist for a screening and evaluation.


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