vira

When Is Back Pain a Spinal Compression Fracture?

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 21:25:26 GMT

If you experience back pain, you are not alone – 80 percent of people will suffer from it at some point in their life. While it typically lasts a few days to a few weeks and can be managed with at-home care, other aches can be indicative of a more serious issue, such as a spinal compression fracture.

Compression fractures are caused by osteoporosis or spinal trauma . As we get older, our vertebrae wear out and become flatter. If too much pressure is placed on a weakened vertebra, it cracks and causes a fracture. This is often the result of a fall but people with osteoporosis can also suffer a fracture when doing everyday activities, such as coughing, reaching and twisting.

Types of Spinal Compression Fractures

There are several types of compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, such as:

Wedge – The fracture collapses the bone in the front of the spine and leaves the back of the bone unchanged, resulting in a wedge-shaped vertebra.
Crush – The entire bone breaks.
Burst – The fracture involves some height loss in the front and back walls of the vertebral body.

Symptoms of Spinal Compression Fractures

A compression fracture causes acute back pain, usually near the damaged vertebra. The pain often increases with movement, especially when you change positions. Other symptoms include :

Limited spinal mobility
Eventual decrease in height
Spinal deformity and disability

Severe pain typically lasts four to six weeks as the bone heals, after which many patients say they experience chronic, achy pain for weeks or months.

Diagnosing a Spinal Compression Fracture

If you have osteoporosis and are suddenly experiencing back pain, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis to prevent further health issues, such as continued pain, decreased physical function and even a higher risk of death.

However, diagnosing a compression fracture is not as straightforward as other conditions. Reasons for this include:

Assumptions about pain – When an older adult complains of back pain, it is often assumed to be a normal side effect of the aging process. If this occurs, they may not be checked for a vertebral fracture.
Harder to see on an x-ray – Unlike osteoporosis-related hip or wrist fractures, spinal compression fractures are more likely to be missed on a standard x-ray.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests, such as a CAT or MRI scan, to determine if you have a compression fracture. They may also ask questions, such as:

When did the pain start?
How intense is the pain?
Where is the pain located?
Which activities or positions worsen the pain?
Does the pain radiate to other parts of the body?

Spinal Compression Fracture Treatment

Compression fracture treatment is often a two-pronged approach that includes caring for the fracture and treating the osteoporosis.

-Nonsurgical Fracture Treatment

Depending on the severity of the fracture, you may be able to help it heal without surgery. Pain management may include:

Activity modification – Your doctor may recommend a few days of bed rest, but prolonged inactivity may lead to further bone loss and a higher risk for future fractures.
Back bracing – A brace limits the motion of the fractured vertebra, which can help reduce pain. Back braces should only be used under a doctor’s supervision to prevent muscle weakening.
Medication – Carefully prescribed pain medications can help relieve aches. Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly recommended, as they carry a lower risk for addiction than narcotics and muscle relaxants.

-Surgical Fracture Treatment

When chronic pain persists, surgery may be the option of last resort. There are three surgical procedures used to treat compression fractures:

Vertebroplasty – Your surgeon inserts a needle in your spine to inject the damaged vertebra with a bone cement mixture.
Kyphoplasty – A catheter tube with a balloon on one end is used to put liquid cement into the vertebra.
Spinal fusion – Metal screws are placed through a small tube into the vertebra and metal plates or rods are bolted together in the back of the spine to hold the vertebrae in place.

-Osteoporosis Treatment

After experiencing a compression fracture, patients are at a higher risk for additional fractures if their osteoporosis is not properly managed. Treatment typically involves a combination of:

Calcium and vitamin D supplements
Hormone replacement therapy for women
Weight-bearing exercises

Compression Fracture Treatment in Central Georgia

When treating your compression fracture at home does not relieve your pain, minimally invasive procedures like kyphoplasty can help. The physicians at Vascular & Interventional Radiology Associates of Central Georgia (VIRA) have performed thousands of these surgeries with excellent results. Our team will work with you to help you get back to living pain-free. Call 478-757-8868 or schedule your appointment online .

What Is the Difference Between Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 14:39:59 GMT

An estimated 20 percent of adults will have varicose veins in their lifetime . For many, varicose veins and spider veins – a milder variation of varicose veins – are a cosmetic concern, but they can also cause discomfort, aching and pain and may lead to more serious health problems down the road.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are raised, enlarged and swollen blood vessels that often appear bumpy and gnarled. They typically develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin.

These veins often afflict people who are at a higher risk for circulatory problems, so they should be evaluated by a vein specialist. Treatments vary from small lifestyle changes to surgical procedures to remove the veins.

Spider Veins

Spider veins are swollen and can be seen through the skin like varicose veins, but they are smaller, usually red, purple or blue and occur closer to the skin’s surface. They bear a striking resemblance to a spider’s web – hence the name – and appear most often on the legs, face and chest.

What Causes Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart to the body, and veins return blood back to the heart. This means veins in the legs must work against gravity to keep blood flowing in the right direction.

Muscle contractions in the lower legs naturally pump blood upward, but as valves in the leg veins weaken, blood has the potential to pool. Inadequate strength of blood flow and the resulting pooling causes varicose and spider veins.

Anyone can get varicose veins, but some factors predispose you to the condition:

Being female
Older age
Family history of varicose or spider veins
Hormonal influences during puberty, pregnancy and menopause
The use of hormonal birth control
Postmenopausal hormone replacement
A history of blood clots
Obesity
Occupations that require long periods of standing
Conditions that cause increased pressure in the abdomen

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Many people who suffer from varicose veins complain of pain, aching and cramping in the legs. Other common symptoms include the following sensations:

Symptoms can often worsen during certain parts of the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Swelling, ulcers and increased pigmentation around the ankles are less common side effects. If varicose veins go untreated, painful blood clots may form.

What Are Some Treatment Options for Varicose Veins?

-Lifestyle Changes

Skin care, weight loss and daily walks can help naturally treat your varicose veins. Concentrate on eating a low-sodium diet to help reduce swelling and water retention.

-Support Stockings

These stockings can be purchased at surgical supply stores, pharmacies or online. They come in several styles, including above-the-knee, below-the-knee and pantyhose.

-Sclerotherapy

Performed since the 1930s, this procedure involves injecting a highly concentrated saline solution into the vein. This causes the vein to gradually disappear over three to six weeks.

-Endovenous Laser Treatment

A small laser fiber is inserted into the vein and pulses light at a specific frequency, which causes the vein to collapse.

-Radiofrequency Ablation

A small catheter is inserted in the vein and delivers radiofrequency to the vein wall, which causes it to heat, collapse and seal shut.

-Surgery

There are multiple surgical techniques to eliminate varicose veins, including ligation and stripping , ambulatory phlebectomy and endoscopic vein surgery . Surgery is typically only performed for very large varicose veins. Patients can return home the same day.

-Laser and Intense Pulsed Light

Heat energy is used to selectively destroy abnormal veins. No needles or sclerosing solutions are needed, but there is minor discomfort and side effects like discoloration and blister formation.

-One Final Note

Not all varicose veins need treatment. Many people do not experience pain and other symptoms but choose treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Varicose Vein and Spider Vein Treatment at VIRA of Central Georgia

Whether your varicose and spider veins are causing you pain, or you just don’t like the look of them, there are treatment options available. VIRA specializes in minimally invasive solutions. Our methods are fast, safe and effective and are usually covered by insurance. Take our vein assessment to see how we can treat you.

Give us a call at 478-757-8868 or schedule your appointment here .

Uterine Fibroid Embolization: An Effective Alternative to Surgery

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 14:50:44 GMT

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with noncancerous growths in the uterus, also referred to as uterine fibroids. The procedure is designed to preserve the uterus and greatly reduce the recovery time that accompanies other more invasive procedures.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

Although doctors don’t conclusively know the cause of uterine fibroids , research and clinical studies indicate a few factors may play a role, including:

Genetic changes
Hormones
Other growth factors

Why People Receive UFE Treatment

Uterine fibroids can cause severe and often painful symptoms in some women, including:

UFE blocks the blood supply, which causes the fibroid to shrink, eases these symptoms. It also provides patients with an alternative to invasive surgery , which can lead to excessive blood loss and result in visible scars.

Positive Effects of UFE

Patients who undergo UFE treatment often report several benefits ranging from improved body image to diminished chronic pain.

Decreased Menstrual Bleeding

Nearly all patients who receive UFE treatment report immediate relief from heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding and return to work less than a week after the procedure. Risk of entering menopause after the procedure is highest in women age 45 and older.

Diminished Chronic Pain

A common side effect of menstrual bleeding is cramps, and this symptom is intensified for women with uterine fibroids. Prolonged periods can also lead to:

Thigh aches
Back pain
Bloating or feeling of fullness in the lower stomach

Pain associated with fibroids begins to lessen shortly after the procedure.

Reversal of Anemia

Excess loss of blood through a heavy, prolonged period can cause women to become anemic. Due to the large loss of iron, women may feel tired and dizzy. Once the fibroids are eliminated, however, heavy bleeding will lessen, allowing the body to recover and gradually build up its iron reserves.

Improved Body Image

Before UFE treatment, women may notice that their abdomen is rounded where the enlarged uterus protrudes. Following treatment, the abdomen is noticeably flatter and smoother. This can help women regain body confidence they may have lost.

Fibroid Shrinkage

UFE treatment has a 95 percent overall success rate , with patients experiencing 50 to 60 percent shrinkage of their fibroids. Shrinking begins immediately after treatment because the supply of oxygen, blood and nutrients to the fibroids has been cut off. Over the subsequent weeks and months, the fibroid muscle tissue transforms into smaller scar tissue that prevents the fibroids from growing.

How UFE Works

During the procedure, an interventional radiologist (IR) inserts a thin tube through a small incision made in the skin of the patient’s groin and maneuvers it into the femoral artery.

The patient is kept comfortable with sedation and pain medication as tiny microscopic particles (Embosphere® Microspheres) are injected into the blood supply of the uterus and fibroids. Once inserted, these tiny particles will work to starve fibroids of the nutrients they need to grow.

If a hospital stay is necessary, it’s typically limited to one night. After being discharged, most women resume light activity within a few days and return to work within seven to 10 days.

Who Is a Candidate for UFE?

Ideal candidates for UFE treatment include women who:

You may want to consider an alternative to UFE if you have:

Uterine Fibroid Embolization in Central Georgia

If you’re one of the more than 5 million women in the U.S. suffering from symptomatic fibroids, UFE treatment can help ease the pain without invasive surgery. The caring staff at Vascular & Radiology Associates of Central Georgia (VIRA) will work closely with your OB-GYN to explore treatment options that go straight to the root of the problem with as little impact to your life as possible. We encourage you to fill out our UFE assessment form to help determine if this treatment is right for you.

Schedule your appointment online today or by calling 478-757-8868.

5 Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 14:30:24 GMT

Clothing is important when it comes to circulatory health. While doctors recommend you avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes if you have poor circulation, compression socks are the exception. When worn properly, these stockings can be a valuable addition to a treatment plan designed to improve blood flow in the legs.

How Compression Socks Work

Compression socks are made of a strong elastic that puts pressure on the muscles in your legs. This forces blood to travel back to the heart, limiting the strain on veins and minimizing symptoms of venous reflux disorder.

Stockings come in a variety of compression levels measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The most common levels include:

15-20 mmHg (over the counter)
20-30 mmHg (medical class 1)
30-40 mmHg (medical class 2)
40-50 mmHg (medical class 3)

Lower level compression socks can help with mild swelling and tired legs, while stockings with a higher level of compression are best for managing spider and varicose veins and blood clots.

Compression stockings are available in many colors, fabrics and styles so they can be worn for nearly any occasion.

Benefits of Compression Socks

Improve Blood Flow

The circulatory system pumps blood from your heart to other organs through veins. The blood recirculates back to the heart as your muscles contract. If you have a vein disorder, this process can be disrupted, causing poor circulation. Compression socks mimic your muscles’ ability to pump blood from the lower legs back to the heart, improving blood flow throughout your body.

Prevents Blood Pooling

As blood circulates through the body, tiny valves keep it from flowing backward, or refluxing, into the legs and other parts of the body. If the valves are damaged, blood pools in the legs. This is known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which can cause symptoms such as:

Cramps
Pain
Swelling
Ulcers
Varicose veins

Compression legwear can prevent blood pooling in the legs and feet and lessen the severity of other symptoms you’re experiencing.

Decreases Blood Clot Risk

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood clots form in veins deep inside your body, most commonly in the legs. DVT can lead to serious complications, including pulmonary embolism (PE) – a blood clot that travels to the lungs and blocks an artery.

A higher DVT risk is linked to certain surgical procedures and flights longer than four hours . Compression socks can prevent clots from forming in these situations.

Reduces Leg Swelling

Swelling may not seem like a major issue, but fluid buildup in the legs can be very painful and indicate a serious medical condition such as CVI . The pressure can burst blood vessels, leading to ulcers and possible infection.

Compression stockings prevent fluid buildup and can relieve pain from swelling.

Improves Varicose Vein Symptoms

Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic concern – they can cause symptoms such as:

Bleeding from veins
Heavy feeling in legs
Itchiness around veins
Throbbing pain

Wearing compression stockings helps the vein valves function properly, allowing blood to flow to your heart more easily, relieving these symptoms.

When to Wear Compression Socks

Compression socks should be worn regularly for optimal results. You should put them on first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. Once you stand up, gravity kicks in and compromises blood flow. Wearing stockings will help keep the valves in the right position and support healthy blood circulation throughout the day.

Noninvasive Relief for Vein Problems in Central Georgia

Compression socks are a nonsurgical tool for combatting vein diseases, but if you’re experiencing severe pain or swelling from varicose or spider veins , you may need to seek more aggressive medical treatment.

Vascular & Interventional Radiology Associates of Central Georgia (VIRA) offers nonsurgical relief for venous reflux disorder symptoms. Our doctors are the only ones in the area using the latest Laser Vein Therapy, enabling us to develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs. Call 478-757-8868 today or visit us online to take our vein assessment and schedule your appointment.

Varicose Veins: Cosmetic Problem or Dangerous Health Condition?

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 16:10:09 GMT

About one in five adults will develop varicose veins in their lifetime, but does this common issue pose a serious threat?

What Are Varicose Veins and What Causes Them?

Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and misshapen because of venous reflux disease. You can typically identify them by their knotted, bulging or discolored appearance. Many people also find that their varicose veins are sore or painful.
Your veins become varicose when they are subject to increased pressure and reduced blood flow. This can happen when a person:

Gains weight
Becomes pregnant
Works a job that requires a lot of standing or lifting, or
Ages

These situations make it harder for your leg muscles to pump deoxygenated blood upward against the force of gravity and back to the heart. As a result, excess blood pools in the leg veins and puts them under stress.

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?

Yes, varicose veins can be dangerous, especially when left untreated. However, many people with varicose veins experience nothing more than occasional discomfort and cosmetic changes. It’s important that you see a vein specialist right away if you have:

Sensations of leg soreness or heaviness
Pain, itching or burning in your legs
Visible bleeding, bruising or swelling
A family history of venous reflux disease

Serious Complications Caused by Varicose Veins

By having a doctor assess your veins early on, you can avoid or postpone the following complications.

Clotting

Blood clots are the most serious side effect of untreated varicose veins. When a blood clot forms in a vein and the body cannot break it down, it obstructs blood flow, depriving body parts of the oxygen they need to function. There are multiple levels of severity when it comes to clots.

Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Although the name seems serious, this is the least dangerous type of blood clot associated with varicose veins. Here’s a deconstruction of the scientific term:

Superficial — near the skin
Thrombus — blood clot
Phlebitis — vein inflammation

In other words, superficial thrombophlebitis is a blood clot that forms near the surface of your skin due to swelling in your veins. The affected vein will typically be red, painful and hard to the touch. While they’re not fatal, you should still visit a doctor if you notice one of these clots and take steps to prevent further clotting.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Unlike superficial thrombophlebitis, DVT is clotting deep in the legs. A blockage in this area has the potential to cause much more damage, and these veins lead directly back to the lungs, making DVT a risk factor for pulmonary embolism .

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

PE happens when a blood clot breaks free — usually one caused by DVT — and lodges itself in a lung artery. This blocks all major blood flow in the body and starves it of oxygen, often causing death. People with PE may experience:

Heart attack-like symptoms
Chest pains
Short or labored breathing
Coughing up blood

Venous Leg Ulcers

A less severe side effect of varicose veins is the development of venous ulcers in the lower legs, typically near the ankles. The ulcers form as fluid leaks into the area surrounding the vein and cuts off nutrient flow, killing healthy tissue. Venous ulcers can be painful, and if left uncovered and untreated, act as pathways for germs to enter the body.

Bleeding

Since varicose veins are weaker and often protrude from the skin, it’s easy to puncture them and cause bleeding. Sometimes the bleeding is internal, in which case you will develop a bruise, but if the vein is near the surface of the skin, you may bleed externally. It’s highly unlikely you will lose enough blood to die or lose consciousness, but it’s imperative you get treatment and try to prevent bleeding in the future.

Pain

While varicose veins and blood clots can be symptomless, many patients experience pain and discomfort from them in their day-to-day lives. Over time, this can take a toll on your mental health and discourage you from socializing and leading an active lifestyle. Medical intervention may be necessary to relieve your pain.

Receive Treatment for Your Varicose Veins at VIRA of Central Georgia

Varicose veins aren’t just a symptom of aging or a minor cosmetic problem. Untreated venous reflux disease can lead to serious complications down the road. Luckily, the interventional radiologists at VIRA can help!

We are the only practice in the area that offers minimally invasive Laser Vein Therapy . The process includes inserting a catheter in the thigh and sealing the vein with either a small endovascular laser or radiation frequency from a VNUS Closure device. Both methods are highly successful and significant advancements over previous varicose vein treatments.

If you think you’d be a good candidate for treatment, please fill out our Vein Assessment Form or schedule an appointment by calling 478-757-8868.

Five Ways to Naturally Improve Blood Circulation

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 23:44:41 GMT

The circulatory system is one of the body’s hardest working processes – delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to our organs and cells. Without it, the body would not be able to fight disease or maintain homeostasis .

Your circulatory system is made up of three separate functions that work together:

Cardiovascular (heart)
Pulmonary (lungs)
Systemic (arteries, veins, vessels)

Your heart pumps blood using your arteries and veins as highways. Arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body, while veins return the blood to the heart after all the oxygen has been used.

If an artery becomes blocked, the amount of oxygen being transported to a particular organ is limited, diminishing its function . Signs of poor blood circulation include:

Cramping
Hypertension
Lack of energy
Loss of appetite
Numbness in hands or feet
Sores that are slow to heal
Visible skin discoloration

Without a healthy circulatory system, our bodies cannot function properly. Medication can help improve blood circulation, but there are also small lifestyle changes you can make to boost it naturally.

Drink Enough Water

Our bodies are roughly 45 to 65 percent water , so proper hydration is crucial for organ function. However, there’s no simple answer as to how much water you need daily – it depends on many factors, such as your health, how active you are and where you live.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine recommends a typical daily intake of:

Men: 15.5 cups
Women: 11.5 cups

Most of the fluid you consume should come from water, but some of it can come from food and other beverages. Coffee, juice, milk, soda and tea all count toward your fluid intake but should be limited because they can be high in calories and sugar.

Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods

Eating well doesn’t just lower your risk of certain diseases – it can also improve blood flow. Nutrient-packed foods that can boost your circulatory system’s efficiency include:

Citrus fruits – Oranges and other fruits high in vitamin C are considered natural blood thinners – building capillary walls and preventing poor circulation.
Dark chocolate – If you need an excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, dark chocolate is full of nutrients – known as flavonoids – that prevent inflammation and improve blood flow .
Garlic – Studies show this herb can lower blood pressure . One of garlic’s key components – allicin – helps arteries dilate. For maximum benefits, consume it raw or cook at a low temperature.
Mangoes, tomatoes and watermelon – These three fruits are high in lycopene , an antioxidant linked to improved blood circulation.
Nuts – Nuts are packed with the nutrients magnesium and L-arginine – these help arteries relax, so they can expand and contract as they should. Avoid salted varieties, as salty foods can raise blood pressure.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise has many positive effects on the circulatory system. Regular exercise , especially aerobic activities like cycling, running, swimming and walking, strengthens your heart and lungs, enabling the heart to pump blood more effectively. It also improves artery function, decreases inflammation and can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Strength training is also important for circulatory health. It builds muscle mass, which increases blood circulation efficiency.

For optimal results, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. If you don’t work out regularly, start out slow – even a 20-minute walk can improve circulation.

Manage Stress

Stress has many negative health implications, including a drop in circulatory system effectiveness. When you experience high-stress levels, your adrenal glands release cortisol into the circulatory system. High levels of this hormone require the heart to pump harder to deliver blood, increasing your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases .

While you can’t eliminate stress from your life, you can manage it through:

Exercise – Regular, intense exercise can contribute to stress levels. Instead, focus on more relaxing forms of physical activity, such as tai chi, walking and yoga. These exercises encourage slower movements and deeper breathing – making it easier for your heart to do its job.
Laughing – We have all heard how laughter is the best medicine , but it’s actually true! Laughing reduces stress, stimulates circulation and promotes muscle relaxation.
Meditation – When done properly, meditating slows your breathing to a relaxed pace, making it easier for your heart to pump blood through your circulatory system.

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing

Tight clothing, like skinny jeans and body-hugging tops, can restrict blood flow if worn for long periods of time. Doctors recommend wearing looser fitting clothes to allow blood to circulate. Compression garments can also improve overall circulation if worn as directed.

Nonsurgical Relief for Circulatory Problems in Central Georgia

Circulatory problems, like varicose or spider veins , can present as cosmetic issues, but point to deeper health consequences, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure or high blood pressure.

If you’re one of the 25 million Americans with venous reflux disorder, you don’t have to suffer alone. The caring team at Vascular & Interventional Radiology Associates of Central Georgia (VIRA) has the experience to treat a variety of circulatory system issues and can help you get back to living pain-free. Call 478-757-8868 or schedule your appointment online .

When Is It Time To See A Vein Specialist

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 18:14:24 GMT

Knowing when to see a vein specialist can be difficult. Venous disorders like varicose and spider veins aren’t always debilitating and serious symptoms don’t always manifest. Some people try home remedies or ignore the problem rather than seek professional treatment.

Even if you’re not experiencing outward symptoms and your concerns are primarily cosmetic, it’s still beneficial to seek professional medical care for abnormal vein conditions. Even subtle symptoms can indicate a more serious health condition.

Why See a Specialist?

A primary care doctor may be able to recognize signs of a vein disorder, but they may not have a full understanding of advanced treatment methods. A vein specialist can more accurately diagnose vein disease and recommend the best possible treatment.

Varicose and Spider Veins

The most common vein disorders are varicose and spider veins. Both indicate blood flow irregularities and shouldn’t be ignored. Varicose veins have a bulging, grapevine-like appearance while spider veins form a web-shaped network of small veins, often less than one millimeter in diameter. They are blue, purple or red and often appear on the thigh and calf. Varicose and spider vein treatments are often non-invasive, virtually pain-free and result in almost no downtime.

Common Vein Disease Symptoms

Varicose and spider veins may progressively worsen without treatment and may eventually lead to additional symptoms, such as:

Tender or heavy legs
Feet or ankle swelling
Skin discoloration

Swelling and pain may be worse after sitting or standing for a long period of time or at the end of the day. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek treatment from a vein specialist.

Serious Symptoms

Some symptoms require more urgent attention from a vein specialist, as they may indicate a serious condition like superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) or a blood clot. Watch for these signs:

Incapacitating symptoms
Rashes and ulcers near the ankle or over the varicose veins
Tender lump on the leg
Bleeding underneath the skin over a varicose vein
Sudden pain or swelling in the leg
Open sores on the leg
Varicose veins that aren’t improving with home treatment

Assess Your Family History

Another consideration in deciding when to see a vein specialist is your family history. Vein experts agree that genetics are a primary risk factor in patients developing varicose veins . If your family members have varicose veins or another venous disorder, you’re also at risk. It may be beneficial to talk to a relative and find out if vein conditions are common in your family.

Other Risk Factors

These additional risk factors may play a role in developing venous disorder:

Obesity – Extra body weight puts excessive stress on the legs and veins
Gender – Women are more susceptible due to hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause
Occupation – Standing or sitting for extended periods of time exacerbates varicose veins
Age – Check valves deteriorate over time, causing pooling

Varicose Relief With VIRA

Any time is the right time to seek professional treatment from a vein specialist. The board-certified physicians at Vascular & Interventional Radiology Associates of Central Georgia (VIRA) have 200 years of combined experienced providing patients with safe and effective varicose vein treatments. Call our Macon office at 478-757-8868 or visit us online to learn how to defeat varicose veins for good.

The Benefits of Elevating Your Legs

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 23:53:15 GMT

Most of us are putting undue stress on our bodies every day. As it turns out, posture and position are just as important as your parents and teachers used to tell you. Hunching over in front of a computer, craning your neck to look at your phone and slouching in chairs are all bad for your spine and neck – we know that by now. What many people don’t realize is that posture also affects the veins in their legs.

How Veins Work

Our hearts pump all day to circulate blood throughout the body. Blood leaves the heart through arteries to deliver oxygen to cells, and it returns via veins that carry waste away so it can be expelled. This process is what keeps us alive and healthy.

However, the pumping motion of the heart isn’t strong enough to defy gravity. If that’s true, you may be wondering why our blood doesn’t just stay in our legs and feet.

The answer is in the shape of our veins. Healthy veins have fully functioning valves that open when we move our muscles and close when we stay still. They only flow in one direction, and blood is squeezed through the vein with each muscle contraction. One of the most important movements for blood flow is the calf muscle pump, which anyone can simulate by walking or doing calf raises.

With varicose veins or spider veins, however, the veins are weak and misshapen. This prevents the valves from closing properly, causing backflow and pooling of blood.

How We're Ruining Our Leg Veins

You may have noticed that your legs are sore even if you haven’t exercised. Perhaps you’ve also developed varicose or spider veins. This could be due to a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle choices, such as:

Sitting all day – Without the calf muscle pump, blood pools more easily in your legs and feet.
Standing all day – Even though you use some muscles to balance upright, standing puts pressure on your veins, increasing the risk of problems.
Wearing heels – Heels force your calves into an unnatural position, which does not allow for a calf muscle pump.
Wearing tight clothes – Too-tight skinny jeans and compression garments put pressure on your skin and the veins underneath, disrupting blood flow.

Maintaining vein health isn’t just a matter of cosmetic concern. Some vein conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can cause dangerous blood clots and lead to pulmonary embolism (PE).

How to Relieve Vein Pressure

Even if you’re required to sit or stand all day at work, taking time to elevate your legs in your free time can relieve some of the pressure in your veins. Reversing the natural position of your body allows the blood to flow through the veins back to the heart with the assistance of gravity. Doing this for at least ten or fifteen minutes a day can provide a significant amount of relief for many people.

There are two very easy ways to elevate your legs:

Put your legs up against a wall – Lay flat on your back and place your legs straight up against the wall so that your legs and torso form a 90-degree angle. Some people find it relaxing to put their arms out to the sides and meditate or listen to music.
Prop your legs up while lying down – Use pillows to elevate your feet and legs while lying on a couch or bed. Your feet should be at least 6 to 12 inches above your heart, and you should allow your legs to bend naturally. Avoid supporting the weight of your legs on your ankles as this will impair circulation and cause discomfort.

This small change to your routine can improve your vein health over time. Combine it with a few stretch breaks at work and some leg massages to see even better results.

Treatment for Varicose Veins in Central Georgia

While elevating your legs is helpful for most, some people require medical procedures to fix their veins. At VIRA of Central Georgia, we offer Laser Vein Therapy, radiofrequency ablation/VNUS closure, sclerotherapy and more to treat venous reflux disease , including varicose and spider veins. Call us today at 478-757-8868 to schedule your appointment .

Treating Varicose Veins Naturally During Pregnancy - Radiology Associates

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 21:49:35 GMT

Pregnant women are concerned about the health of their unborn baby, and rightfully so. But pregnancy can also bring about health challenges for soon-to-be mothers. One of those issues is varicose veins.

Varicose veins are more common in older women, but many women develop them during pregnancy for several reasons:

Blood volume increases. This puts pressure on the veins, causing them to become varicose.
Surging hormones. Increased progestin levels can open the veins.
Uterine pressure. The uterus pushes on the vein that carries blood from the legs and feet to the heart.

If someone in your family has had varicose veins, you’re more likely to develop them yourself. They also tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy. Other risk factors include being overweight, carrying multiples and standing for long periods of time.

While you can’t prevent the circulatory changes you may face while you’re pregnant, you can treat pain and minimize damage from varicose veins.

Preventative Measures for Varicose Veins

Surgery is not recommended during pregnancy, as veins usually improve after giving birth. Expectant mothers hoping to treat their varicose veins sooner can find relief from any of these natural methods.

Do:

Exercise regularly – Walking, biking and using the elliptical can strengthen your calves and allow blood to circulate throughout your legs. Limit yoga and squats, which can cut off blood flow and increase pressure.

Wear maternity support hosiery – These stockings come in all sizes, from knee-high to full-length. They compress your legs, reducing pain and swelling and helping your blood flow.

Drink plenty of water and eat healthy – Being overweight or obese makes varicose veins worse. Staying hydrated and making healthy food choices can help you lose weight and reduce water retention.

Do Not:

Sit or stand for long periods of time – When you stay in one position, you make it harder for blood to flow. Take quick walking or stretching breaks whenever possible.

Wear high heels – High heels alter the natural blood flow between the feet and calves and don’t allow the calf to contract and relax as effectively. Opt for flats instead.

Cross legs while sitting – It’s a myth that crossing your legs alone can cause varicose veins, but it certainly doesn’t help. Keep your feet planted firmly on the ground.

When Medical Attention Is Necessary

If you develop small blood clots near the skin’s surface, you should seek medical attention. The clot may cause the varicose vein to feel hard and rope-like, and you may feel tenderness or pain.

These clots are rare, but can be very serious. In some cases, they can become infected. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

Leg swelling

Sores on the legs
Skin near vein changes color

A more serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop if your varicose veins are severe. DVT isn’t common but can cause painful swelling, and if left untreated, the clot can travel to the lung, resulting in a pulmonary embolism. Signs of this life-threatening condition include shortness of breath, coughing up blood, a panicky feeling and rapid heartbeat. Call 911 right away if you think you may have DVT.

Treatment for Varicose Veins in Macon, GA

If you’ve tried natural remedies for varicose veins and they haven’t improved, Vascular & Interventional Radiology Associates of Central Georgia (VIRA) can help. Our team is made up of fellowship-trained, board-certified doctors who are experts in minimally invasive therapies. We go above and beyond to put your comfort first. Our state-of-the-art outpatient facility provides a more personal, private experience than a hospital.

Using an in-depth ultrasound exam of your legs, our experienced ultrasound technicians can map out any abnormal veins and determine which treatment will be best for you. Treatment options include:

Laser Vein Therapy

Radiofrequency Ablation

Sclerotherapy

Pregnant women and new mothers have enough to worry about without the stress of varicose veins. If you’re ready to get back to living pain-free, take our online vein assessment or call 478-757-8868 to schedule your appointment today.