Q: Do you feel the need to move your legs, have unpleasant sensations in your legs, or have you been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome?


Fact: Those experiencing unpleasant or urgent sensations in the leg, or those who have been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome, may be experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency. When restless leg occurs in conjunction with vein disorders, vein treatment can cause relief of symptoms and eliminate the need for medications.


Q: Do you have leg cramps, or do you lose sleep from leg cramps that occur at night?


Fact: Leg cramps can often go undiagnosed as venous


insufficiency. Cramping can occur as a result of standing or being still for long periods of time, or it can occur while lying in bed at night as a result of blood that has built up in the leg over the course of a day. The pain can be mild in some cases, and in others it can cause severe pain and loss of sleep.


Q: Do you have an open wound on your lower leg or ankle or a wound that will not heal?


Fact: Ulcers that occur on the leg or ankle, or any


wound in the lower leg that fails to heal can be the result of ongoing venous disease. There are three large classes of ulcers: diabetic, arterial, and venous. Of the three types, venous is the most common. Venous ulcers usually occur on the lower leg below the knee. They can be caused by venous insufficiency or by a wound that has been exacerbated by venous insufficiency. If you have skin breakdown or infection due to ulceration, you should visit your doctor immediately.


If you suspect you might have vein issues, consider contacting a board certified vein specialist for an evalua- tion. If you are not experiencing symptoms, a screening can evaluate the condition of your venous system, help you avoid clots, and help you begin lifestyle changes that can prevent symptoms from occurring. Treating the veins at the source can make your legs feel better and restore your quality of life.


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. She is the only vein


specialist in Maine to be named a Fellow by the American College of Phlebology. You can contact Dr. Asbjornsen at 207-221-7799 or info@veinhealthcare.com. See ad on back cover.


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