Spotlighting venous disease

Approximately 50 percent of the U.S. population is affected with venous disease. 20-25 percent of women and 10-15 percent of men will have visible varicosities. Much of the time people do not seek treatment for their veins due to the misconception that any treatment would be considered cosmetic and therefore not covered by their insurance plan.

Many people with venous disease do suffer from symptoms. Symptoms such as swelling, pain, aching, itching, burning, and heavy tired legs are common. If these symptoms are significantly affecting the patient, the treatment may not be considered cosmetic and would warrant a consultation from a vein specialist.

Risk factors for the development of venous disease starts with a family history of varicose veins. Other factors such as being female, multiple pregnancies, standing or sitting jobs, and being over weight can all increase your risk for developing vein disease.

If you are at risk for varicose veins, there are some simple things that you can do to decrease your chance of developing varicose veins. Exercise such as walking, running, or biking can help improve your venous circulation. Medical support for prolonged standing or sitting are also critical in preventing venous disease. At Vein Clinics Northwest we carry a line of medical and therapeutic strength graduated knee high and thigh high compression hose. Therapeutic compression hose are recommended for better circulation even if you have no venous problems. Our newest compression socks are an athletic training and recovery line that are sold only through physicians. They are popular with all ages and come in a variety of colors. No prescription or measuring is required, they are sold by shoe size.

The treatment for venous disease has been greatly improved over the years. The old fashion of vein stripping is very rarely performed in this day and age. Dr. Stafford performs a Doppler ultrasound at the time of consultation to diagnose each patient. Based on the patient's specific venous problem, a treatment plan would be formulated. The newer treatments could involve the use of a laser, injections, or minor surgery. The laser ablations are performed in the office under a local anesthesia, so there is no need to be put to sleep. The patient may return to normal activity and work in 1 to 2 days.

Overall patients who get their veins treated are very happy with the results. Their symptoms resolve almost immediately and many time report a new bounce in their step.

Dr. Stafford has been practicing general and vascular surgery in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho since 1998. He has performed minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of varicose veins since 2002. Dr. Stafford is one of only about 550 physicians to be board certified in phlebology.

If you, or someone you know needs to have their varicose veins assessed, please call to schedule an appointment at (208) 676-0104.