Brown-stained legs magnified to show blood leaking out of veins just under the skinDo you have any concerns about your legs turning a reddish-brown color? This could be an indication that the veins in question are suffering from hemosiderin staining and potential problems with their health.

 

As we get older, it’s normal for our skin to thin, dry out, and lose elasticity. But it can be more concerning when you notice unusual changes in color and texture on your knees, legs, or ankles. If you notice a brown discoloration on the lower legs, it could point out a problem with your veins. For this reason alone, it’s important to understand why brown skin stains appear and what you can do to treat them.

What Is Hemosiderin Staining?

 

Hemosiderin staining occurs when red blood cells leak through the veins and iron or other byproducts are released. The brown stain shows up on the skin as a result of this symptom, which can happen for several reasons.

 

What Causes Hemosiderin Staining?

Chronic Vein Disease

 

In addition to its unsightly appearance, hemosiderin staining indicates an underlying health condition. The reddish-brown discoloration on the lower legs is caused by chronic venous disease–the abnormal function of veins.

 

When your veins can’t pump blood back up to the heart properly, it pools in your lower legs. Symptoms start with slight skin irritations and itchiness, then manifest varicose veins. Other vein disease symptoms that can lead to brown staining are:

  • High blood pressure – veins force blood through the veins and sometimes through the skin.
  • Vein ulcers – slow-healing or non-healing wounds.

 

As blood continues to pool in the veins, its cells break down and leak iron pigments into the skin. Over time, this shows up as brown patches or stains on the lower leg or ankle. When unaddressed, the stain will darken and eventually may turn black. At this point, these symptoms are unfortunately permanent even when vein disease is treated. BUT! If caught early enough, chronic venous disease can be controlled and hemosiderin staining will fade.

orange personified as a person with brown-red stains on her legs, shows how it is caused by sclerotherapy needle

Sclerotherapy Staining Side-Effect

 

Sclerotherapy is one of the treatment options for vein disease and varicose veins. It involves the injection of a substance known as a sclerosant into the affected veins. This makes the veins reduce in size.

 

In some cases, this treatment may leave the patient with brown skin discoloration as a result of hemosiderin (iron) deposits. This discoloration is usually transient and disappears in a couple of weeks; however, in some people, the stain ends up being permanent.

 

If you are considering sclerotherapy treatment, consider the following factors that are associated with the hemosiderin staining side effect:

  • Dark skin type
  • Sensitive skin
  • Older patients with fragile veins
  • Taking certain medication
  • Experience of the vein doctor

Treating the Condition, NOT the Symptom

 

Most patients will go to a dermatologist or primary care physician for the skin condition, not the underlying vein disease of hemosiderin staining. As a result, they may not get an accurate diagnosis.

 

If you have brown skin discoloration on the knees, lower legs, or ankles, make an appointment with a vein specialist as this could be early signs of vein disease…especially if accompanied by achy, heavy, and swollen legs.

 

Early treatment of your vein disease may help lighten the brown stains caused by hemosiderin staining, and even keep them from getting darker. Once diagnosed, the goal is to reroute the blood to healthier veins and fade unwanted veins, stains, and pains. The sooner you treat your vein condition, the better you’ll feel and the fewer complications you’ll experience.

Filed under: Varicose Veins, Vein Health, Vein TreatmentTagged with: , , , , , ,

foods to eat to improve vein healthWe all know that a healthy diet is beneficial for your overall health. But did you know that eating certain foods can actually impact your vein health as well?

If you have varicose or spider veins, consider eating these foods to improve your vein health and prevent further vein damage.

Let’s look at some of the best foods to improve your vein health, as well as which foods to avoid. 

Food High in Rutin

Many specialists agree that the best foods for varicose veins are those high in rutin, a plant pigment found in certain fruits and vegetables.

Rutin is “vasoprotective,” meaning it protects blood vessels. It can strengthen weak capillaries that could develop into varicose veins. Rutin is also, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antioxidant. 

Food that contains rutin includes: 

  • apple
  • buckwheat
  • grapes
  • cherries
  • apricots
  • blackberries
  • avocados

Food High in Water

Drinking water is one of the best ways to improve your vein health. It helps circulate the blood by making it thinner and helps strengthen the muscles that support the veins. Choosing foods high in water content will help your veins stay hydrated.

Water-rich food includes: 

  • strawberries
  • cantaloupe 
  • peaches
  • oranges
  • broths and soups
  • zucchini
  • celery
  • tomatoes 

Food High in Vitamins & Minerals 

Your body needs vitamins and minerals (aka micronutrients) to function properly. They not only nourish the body but also reduce your risk of diseases, especially vein disease.

Eating nutrient-rich foods will give your body the power it needs to protect and strengthen the arteries, veins, and heart from damage that lead to varicose veins

Food that contains vitamins & minerals: 

  • Avocado 
  • Asparagus
  • Berries
  • Citrus Fruits
  • Leafy Greens
  • Bananas
  • Fish

Avoid Food High in Sodium

Sodium causes the body to retain water which increases your blood volume and blood pressure. This puts pressure on the venous system.

Food high in sodium includes: 

  • canned foods
  • deli meats
  • bacon
  • packaged seasoned meat
  • pizza
  • soy sauce
  • olives
  • pickles
  • condiments
  • salad dressings

Avoid Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates are stripped away of fiber that promotes strong, healthy veins. Fiber helps to reduce constipation, which puts pressure on the veins in your lower body.

Food with refined carbohydrates includes: 

  • white bread
  • white rice
  • pasta
  • chips and other snacks
  • baked goods
  • breakfast cereals

Avoid Food High in Sugar

High amounts of sugar in the blood cause an excess of insulin to be released into your circulatory system. Excess blood sugar causes the blood vessels to lose elasticity and narrow.

Food high in sugar includes: 

  • candy
  • cake
  • cookies
  • ice cream
  • yogurt
  • granola & granola bars
  • soda
  • sports drinks
  • fruit juice
  • BBQ Sauce
  • ketchup

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol causes dehydration, making the body work harder to move blood throughout the body. This puts extra pressure on the veins and makes varicose veins symptoms worse.

Eay Healthy Food AND Get Vein Treatment 

While a healthy diet isn’t a substitute for vein treatment by a vein specialist, paying attention to the foods you consume can help you manage your varicose veins. But the best approach to better vein health is to combine exercise, diet, and vein treatment. 

If your legs are painful, itchy, or swollen, it could lead to a serious medical condition, especially if you don’t seek medical help. In this case, food won’t help as much as vein treatment.

 

Delaware State riding a bicycle to healthier veins

At Delaware Advanced Vein Center, our medical staff has years of experience helping people with their spider and varicose veins. We would love to welcome you to our family of satisfied patients. 

Contact us today to schedule a FREE virtual consultation and vein evaluation.

Filed under: Vein HealthTagged with: , ,
Paying for vein treatment
Getting rid of spider veins or varicose veins can seem like a daunting task. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, compression stockings, or non-invasive procedures.
 
Before you even consider making a doctor’s appointment, you may have a lot of questions like:
  • What treatments are available?
  • Does insurance cover it?
  • And of course, how much is it going to cost?
Let’s dive into pricing and insurance for spider veins and varicose vein treatment.

Common Vein Removal Treatments and Their Cost

How much it will cost to finally say goodbye to painful, unwanted veins for good?
 
Now, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer because different procedures have different costs. Let’s break down the price tags associated with each.
  • What is it? A common treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. The vein is injected with a solution that breaks down the vein walls.
  • Does insurance cover it? No. It’s considered cosmetic.
  • How much does it cost? The average cost of a sclerotherapy treatment is about $350. The provider’s fee and geographic location will affect the cost.
  • What is it? Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) is a procedure used to treat varicose veins and patients with venous insufficiency. A catheter is inserted into the vein and delivers a high-frequency current to collapse it.
  • Does insurance cover it? Vein ablations for varicose veins are covered by most insurance plans. You will need to check your plan’s coverage as you may be responsible for a portion depending on your plan.
  • How much does it cost? The average cost of a vein ablation is about $1500-$2000 per vein out of pocket.

What Can Affect the Cost of Vein Procedures?

  • Medical versus Cosmetic: If you have a medical diagnosis of vein disease, your insurance may cover treatment. You still may be responsible for your copay or deductible depending on your plan. If it’s purely cosmetic, insurance will not cover it. 
  • The Number of Treatments: The reality is, you may need more than one treatment to get the best results. It can require up to four depending on the severity of your veins.

Insurance That May Cover Vein Removal Treatment

Medicare, most HMOs, and other major insurance plans will cover vein treatment if medically necessary. You may need to get prior authorization before the procedure. In most cases, your doctor’s office will get the necessary authorizations for you. Find out what insurance plans we take.
 

How to Identify Your Insurance Coverage

The best way to find out if vein treatment is covered by your insurance plan is to call. Give them detailed information about what treatment you need. You may need the provider’s information and procedure code, which you can get from the doctor’s office that is going to do the procedure.
 

What to Do if the Procedure Isn’t Covered

If your insurance does not cover the vein procedure, you may be able to pay out of pocket. You can also set up a payment plan with your doctor’s office or apply for Health Care financing through Care Credit.

Why Vein Procedures Are Worth It

Remember, paying for spider or varicose vein treatment is an investment in yourself. It continues to prove worthwhile to a growing number of our patients.
 
There will be no more leg pain or discomfort. You can get back to activities you love and show off your vein-free legs!
Filed under: Spider Veins, Varicose Veins, Vein TreatmentTagged with: , , ,
Varicose Vein Burst Illustration

While varicose veins cause aching pain and discomfort, they sometimes lead to more serious problems and can even burst when left untreated.This is a critical time to seek medical help and finally get treatment for your varicose veins. Because if a vein pops once, it may happen again.

Here, we explain why varicose veins burst and the next steps to take for a safe and healthy recovery.

What Makes a Varicose Vein Burst?

varicose vein can burst from increased pressure within the veins. This build-up of pressure causes the walls of the vein to stretch, making it weak and prone to sudden rupture. A ruptured varicose vein can bleed into tissues and through the skin’s surface, especially if the skin is thin.

What Are the Symptoms of a Burst Varicose Vein?

Internal Rupture

If a varicose vein ruptures, but the skin is not broken, symptoms include bruising, dizziness, or fainting. If you experience these symptoms, visit your vein care specialist or the nearest emergency room to avoid excessive blood loss and other complications.

External Rupture

If a varicose vein ruptures and the skin is broken, significant bleeding will occur. Since veins burst from excess pressure, the bleeding can be rapid and profuse. In this case, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately to prevent excessive blood loss.

What to do When a Varicose Vein Bursts?

If your varicose vein has burst:

  1. Elevate the leg of the affected area on a stack of pillows or up a wall. This will help reduce swelling and blood loss.
  2. Apply pressure on the bleeding site with a towel or cotton t-shirt. This will help slow or stop the bleeding while you seek medical attention.
  3. Visit your vein care specialist or the nearest emergency room as soon as possible, to avoid excessive blood loss.

Medical treatment of ruptured varicose veins involves ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. Patients need to undergo a complete evaluation of the lower extremity veins to check for the underlying cause of the rupture. We encourage you to seek treatment accordingly to prevent future ruptures.

Varicose Vein Burst Illustration

How Can I Prevent a Varicose Vein from Bursting?

The best way to prevent a varicose vein from bursting is to get vein treatment. Not only does treating varicose veins and venous insufficiency help with your overall health, but it can also help you avoid some serious potential long-term risks like a ruptured vein or a leg ulcer.

Treat Your Varicose Veins Today

If you or a loved one suffers from leg swelling, rashes, or ulcers, see a vein specialist as soon as you can to prevent a potential vein rupture.

If you don’t have symptoms but do have the risk factors for varicose veins, see a doctor. A simple ultrasound test will determine whether you have varicose veins or not.

Remember, untreated varicose veins can lead to serious health problems. Don’t wait. With your varicose veins treated, you’ll feel better — and you’ll live a longer, healthier life with fewer complications.

Filed under: Varicose VeinsTagged with: ,

A woman's pedicured feet with spider veins
About 20 million Americans live with undiagnosed and untreated varicose veins. If you’re one of them, it’s time to take action.

One of the greatest dangers of varicose veins is that they’re slow and silent. Many people with the condition don’t experience any symptoms at all, even though their veins are damaged and affecting the cells and tissues around them.

Are you one of these people?

Are You At Risk for Developing Varicose Veins?

You may be more likely to develop the condition if you:

  • Are overweight
  • Are inactive
  • Are age 45 or older
  • Have a family history of varicose veins
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Sit or stand for long periods of time

Signs of Untreated Varicose Veins

While clear signs of varicose veins may develop slowly over time, the condition will cause painful, uncomfortable symptoms like: 

  • Achy, heavy legs
  • Burning
  • Throbbing
  • Muscle cramps
  • Swelling
  • Itching 
  • Skin discoloration 
  • Pain after sitting or standing for long periods of time

Whether you’re experiencing these symptoms or not, untreated varicose veins can pose some potential major health risks that could leave you in pain, hospitalized, or in severe cases, death.

When to Worry About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins damage an essential system in your body: the blood vessels. The consequences of untreated varicose veins can be very serious, and some can eventually be fatal. They include:

leg illustration with a blot clot on the calf1. Blood Clots

When you have varicose veins, your blood is unable to cycle back through correctly to your heart and pools in the lower body, usually the legs. This creates “stagnant blood flow”. There are two types of blood clots: superficial blood clots (or phlebitis), and deep vein clots known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

Clots in deep veins can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing potentially life-threatening issues like a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. This is one of the most serious health risks associated with untreated varicose veins.

If you experience signs of a deep or superficial blood clot, don’t ignore it! A thorough examination, including a leg ultrasound and treatment, can help prevent a blood clot from enlarging and becoming potentially lethal. 

leg illustration of a burst and bleeding ulcer 2. Bleeding

Some experience bleeding when varicose veins close to the surface of the skin burst. While this isn’t usually a very serious health risk it’s important to seek medical assistance and treatment so it doesn’t continue. If a varicose vein does bleed stop the bleeding quickly by doing the following:

  • Elevate Your Leg: Lie down flat and raise the leg high. You can use a few pillows for support. 
  • Apply Pressure: Place a clean cloth or towel on the bleeding area and apply firm pressure, for at least 10 minutes.

If the bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop, see a doctor immediately.

leg illustration with an ulcer on the lower leg

3. Ulcers

About 70 percent of leg ulcers are caused by vein problems, specifically venous insufficiencySymptoms include swelling, rashes, and brown discoloration on the affected areas. This debilitating condition can cause people to not only miss work but also miss out on life. Imagine living with daily dressing changes, chronic drainage, or the foul smell that can accompany a leg ulcer.

Unfortunately, many suffer from leg ulcers for years before they see a doctor about it. Today’s treatments can help ulcers heal and stay healed.

leg illustration of leathery, darkening of the skin

4. Lipodermatosclerosis (Leathery Skin) 

Varicose veins are a key symptom of an illness called Lipodermatosclerosis (LDS). Those suffering from this disease often experience pain, hardening of the skin, changes in skin color, swelling, and tapering of legs above the ankles. 

LDS is a medical condition that actually means “scarring of the skin and fat.” It’s described as a skin and connective tissue disease. If left untreated, lipodermatosclerosis can lead to a chronic venous leg ulcer which is very difficult to heal. LDS also severely limits a person’s ability to walk or run, and can adversely affect his or her overall health. 

Read about a similar symptom called Hemosiderin Staining

Treat Your Varicose Veins Today

These complications sound scary — and they are. Fortunately, treating your varicose veins can help prevent many of these secondary problems, or at least manage them if they’ve already developed. 

If you or a loved one suffer from leg swelling, rashes or ulcers, see a vein specialist as soon as you can. If you don’t have symptoms but do have the risk factors for varicose veins, see a doctor. A simple ultrasound test will determine whether you have varicose veins or not. 

Don’t wait. With your varicose veins treated, you’ll feel better — and you’ll live a longer, healthier life with fewer complications.

Filed under: Varicose Veins, Vein TreatmentTagged with: , ,

why varicose veins hurtIf you have varicose veins, you’ve probably experienced some level of discomfort. While some varicose veins have no symptoms, more severe cases can be pretty painful!

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins often appear on the legs. Standing and walking increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body.
Veins have valves that help direct blood flow up towards the heart. If these valves are weak or damaged, blood can flow backward and pool in the vein. This makes the veins stretch or twist, causing bumps and bulges associated with varicose veins.

This can make your varicose veins hurt.

Reasons Your Varicose Veins Hurt

Warm Weather: Warm weather tends to dilate the veins, which puts more pressure on already strained varicose veins. This is why people with varicose veins experience more discomfort in summer.

Time of Day: As the day progresses and more blood pools around your ankles it can cause swelling and pain. People who suffer from varicose veins say that their legs feel more painful at night.

Being Dehydrated: Proper hydration promotes blood circulation. Those with varicose veins should drink plenty of water to keep the blood flowing and reduce discomfort.

Being Sedentary: Prolonged periods of sitting can aggravate your veins. The blood can’t circulate properly which can result in discomfort. So get moving!

Say Goodbye to Varicose Vein Pain

If you have continued pain and discomfort, seek professional medical attention. Medical treatment from a certified vein specialist is your best bet for relief. Venous insufficiency is a progressive medical condition that will not go away without treatment and can cause other serious medical problems down the road.

Filed under: Varicose VeinsTagged with: ,