Let\’s face facts – most people don\’t take vein disease very seriously. They may have noticed some varicose veins and spider veins, but they think that they are merely a cosmetic issue, and so they stop wearing shorts or dresses and just \”live with them.\” They don\’t consider treatment for their swollen veins, and in many cases don\’t even go to a doctor for a venous health screening to find out whether the varicose veins might be a symptom of something more serious. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous approach that could leave you running to vein specialists for help when your symptoms get worse.
What do people in Manhattan need to know about vein disease?
The most important thing to know is that varicose veins are not just an annoying cosmetic issue; they are in many cases an indication of more serious underlying vein disease. One of the most common causes of varicose veins is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition in which the veins have become weak or damaged, and can no longer pump blood back to the heart efficiently. This can cause the blood to pool up in the veins, which causes them to become enlarged, and turn blue in color.
If your varicose veins are the result of CVI, the swollen and discolored veins are just the early symptoms of a degenerative process that can escalate quickly if they are not treated. Many patients with varicose veins also report swelling in their legs, ankles and feet, often accompanied by chronic pain and aching. Left untreated, the varicose veins can become thick and ropy, the skin surrounding them can become tough and discolored, and they can become ulcerous, meaning that the veins become covered with open, bleeding sores that do not respond to superficial treatment, and do not heal.
Here at New York Vein Treatment Center, we see far too many patients who only come into our offices at this point, seeking relief from skin ulcers and constant pain that could have been avoided if they had sought early treatment. These days, circulation problems can be diagnosed in your NY vein specialist\’s offices in less than an hour, using procedures that are painless and non-invasive.
If I suspect I have vein disease, what should I do?
The thing not to do is procrastinate. Varicose veins do not \”get better\” or \”go away on their own.\” Early diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins can enable you to avoid the unpleasant symptoms discussed above. The diagnosis – in the form of a thorough venous health screening conducted by a trained NYC vascular doctor – can detect and pinpoint much more serious forms of vein disease, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This condition can only be detected by using specialized, state-of-the-art equipment like Doppler ultrasound to actually \”see\” the flow of blood through the veins, and detect circulatory problems. DVT can lead to the formation of blood clots, which can break loose and travel through the veins to the lungs or brain. If this happens, the result can be pulmonary embolism or stroke, conditions that kill an estimated 300,000 Americans every year. The vast majority of these people never got a venous health screening, because they didn\’t think one was necessary.
After your screening, whether your doctors find only superficial circulation problems or deeper, more serious disease, your next step should be to have it treated. Don\’t be afraid of such treatment based on stories from your grandmother\’s time. Some circulation problems can be corrected by wearing compression stockings to improve your circulation and by dietary or lifestyle changes. Treatment of other problems is quick, effective, requires no surgery or hospitalization, and can be performed in our vein center in Manhattan in about an hour.
So if you suspect that you have vein disease – or just want to find out for sure – don\’t delay, and take the chance of your symptoms becoming worse. Give Dr. Lev Khitin, one of the best vein doctors in New York, a call today at 212-575-VEIN to arrange a consultation. We can schedule an appointment for you, set your mind at ease, and remove the possibility of having to call us in a panic later.
For more information, see our website at www.veinstreatment.com.
Dr. Lev Mark Khitin, a leading cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, is the founder of the New York Vein Treatment Center. With almost 20 years of experience and over 20,000 successful vein procedures, he is a renowned expert in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. Dr. Khitin’s patient-centered approach and advanced surgical skills have consistently delivered excellent results, making him a prominent figure in the field.
