Answering Your Most Common Vein-Related Questions
Whether you’re preparing for your first appointment or are looking for information on your condition, our team here at Albert Vein Institute has compiled a list of our most asked questions!
Are Vein Conditions Hereditary?
Studies show that if you have one parent with varicose veins, your risk of developing them goes up by 40 percent. If both your parents have them, your risk can rise to up to 90 percent. Additional common causes of varicose veins include:
- Hormone levels
- Weight
- Age
- Injury to your legs
Do I Need a Vein Specialist?
Many venous conditions may present noticeable signs such as swelling, cramping, or bulging veins, but others can be more subtle and left undiagnosed and untreated.
Suppose you have any concerns about your veins or circulation. In that case, you should seek a vein specialist's help to ensure nothing is out of the ordinary — especially if you have a family history of venous insufficiency.
When Should I Start Vein Treatments?
Late winter to the beginning of spring is the best time of year to start treatments. However, you should not delay seeing your vein specialists for routine visits and check-ups.
As Coloradans, summer means taking advantage of various outdoor activities that keep you on your feet. With treatments eliminating the appearance of your bulging veins, you'll regain the confidence to wear whatever you'd like, whenever you want.
Can Varicose Veins Be Invisible?
The early stages of varicose veins don’t always show themselves on the surface of your skin, so it’s best to keep an eye out for other symptoms of vein disease besides simply visible veins.
Other symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Cramping
- Swelling
- Heaviness
- Restlessness
Is My Job Causing My Varicose Veins?
Prolonged standing can increase pressure in your legs while sitting for too long of a time can cause blood to pool in your veins rather than returning to your heart as it should.
Some of the top industries that can lead to varicose veins include:
- Teaching
- The medical field
- Office workers
- Cashiers
- Laborers who spend long hours on their feet (such as construction workers.)
How Do Compression Stockings Work?
Compression socks wrap snugly around your legs and ankles so that veins have extra support to improve circulation. As you move around and flex your leg muscles, the pressure from the socks pushes on your veins to help push blood back to your heart.
Will My Vein Care Needs Change as I Age?
While adults of any age can develop varicose and spider veins, these two vein conditions often come with age. This is because the primary cause of varicose veins is damage to your vein valves.
The one-way vein valves that keep blood from flowing backward lose their elasticity and strength as we get older. Over time, increased pressure due to the amount of blood within the vein builds up, resulting in bulging varicose veins.
How Can I Prepare for Vein Surgery?
When our patients schedule a vein surgery to treat their vein condition, we make sure they’re prepared by offering a comprehensive guide to be used before and after their procedure.
If you’re preparing for your vein procedure with our specialists at Albert Vein Institute, follow these instructions to help you understand better how to maximize your recovery.
Should I Get Varicose Vein Treatment While Pregnant?
Women should wait until after they've had their baby to undergo any varicose vein treatment. There are several ways you can manage your varicose vein symptoms safely until your baby arrives:
- Walk daily to get your blood flowing (unless your doctor says otherwise.)
- Change your seated position often.
- Elevate your legs.
- Eat plenty of fiber.
- Avoid tight stockings.
- Watch your salt intake.
- Wear flats instead of high heels.
Read More: Why Do Pregnant Women Get Varicose Veins?
Colorado’s Best Vein Care
Albert Vein Institute is a nationally accredited IAC vein center of excellence, dedicated to meeting patients' needs in a comfortable and safe atmosphere with state-of-the-medical-arts techniques under the experienced supervision of Dr. James D. Albert.
If you struggle with vein disease-related issues, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Lone Tree or Colorado Springs offices.
For more vein tips and information, read our blog.