Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center

"I Could Not Recommend a Better Dr. and Staff"-5 Stars for Dr. Horowitz!

Learn How to Improve Your Overall Venous Health!

Treating varicose veins can improve your overall venous health. Visit these links for more information on the risk factors for venous insufficiency and how pregnancy causes varicose veins. Call the Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center at (407) 293-5944 for more information on your vein therapy options.

• Are you at risk for venous insufficiency? Find out by exploring this page from MedlinePlus.gov.
• This article from the Journal of Vascular Surgery discusses the risk factors for venous insufficiency.
• Check out this article from BabyCenter.com for more information on varicose veins during pregnancy.
• Learn all about skin changes during pregnancy at this page from the American Pregnancy Association.
• Visit this link from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health for more information on the causes and symptoms of varicose veins.

A Guide to Varicose Vein Management

Did you know that over 25 million individuals suffer from varicose veins in the United States? If you have painful varicose veins, you should seek treatment immediately.

This video provides an overview of the causes and symptoms of varicose veins. Varicose veins are the result of an abnormal weakening or dilation of the vein wall, as well as the pooling of blood within the veins due to gravity. The symptoms of varicose veins often include aching, tiredness, heaviness in the legs, stinging or burning, itching, and painful venous ulcers.

Here at the Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center, our vein specialists are proud to offer endovenous laser therapy for the treatment of troublesome varicose veins or venous insufficiency. Get the care you need by calling us at (407) 293-5944 today.

What You Need to Know About Varicose Veins and Pregnancy

Varicose veins are red, blue, or flesh-colored veins that look like twisted ropes on your skin. As with many other venous conditions, varicose veins are the result of damaged or weakened vein valves that cause blood to flow backwards and pool within the vein wall. Since pregnancy puts tremendous pressure on the vascular system, pregnant women commonly develop varicose veins. Continue reading to learn more about varicose veins and pregnancy:

How Pregnancy Affects Veins

Many women experience varicose veins during pregnancy due to the excess weight on the inferior vena cava—the large vein that carries blood from the lower half of the body into the heart. The increase in progesterone hormones during pregnancy also increases the risk for varicose vein development, as it causes the walls of blood vessels to relax, slows down blood-flow, and increases the chances of blood flowing backwards.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins during pregnancy commonly occur on the thighs, behind the knees, and around the rectum. While some women do not experience additional symptoms, some varicose veins may cause throbbing or aching pain, cramping, feeling of heaviness, swelling, restless leg syndrome, rash, or darkening of the skin.

Prevention Tips

There are several ways to reduce your chances of varicose vein development during pregnancy—including daily exercise to help improve muscle tone and boost circulation, elevating your legs whenever possible, and wearing compression stockings or support hose. It is also a good idea to avoid crossing your legs when sitting and long periods of sitting or standing. If you develop varicose veins during pregnancy, you’ll be glad to know that they generally disappear after giving birth.

Whether you’re suffering from venous insufficiency or varicose veins, the vein doctors at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center are here to help. Visit us online or call (407) 293-5944 for more information on endovenous laser therapy.

Who Is at Risk for Venous Insufficiency?

Your veins are responsible for transporting blood throughout your body. Venous insufficiency is a condition in which blood-flow becomes impaired due to damaged valves or the presence of a blood clot. Your vein specialist can determine if you are showing symptoms of venous insufficiency. Still, it is important to educate yourself on the risk factors. Here’s a brief look at who is most vulnerable to venous insufficiency:

Older Individuals

Men and women aged 50 and older are often at an increased risk of venous insufficiency. This is because the one-way valves within their veins weaken over time, ultimately allowing blood to flow backwards and interfere with proper circulation. Older individuals also tend to have decreased muscle tone in their lower extremities, which makes it more difficult for their veins to deliver blood to the heart.

Individuals with Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that appear as twisted, bulging cords beneath the surface of your skin. Varicose veins may be caused by direct injury or damage to the vein valves and increase the risk of venous insufficiency.

Overweight Individuals

Being overweight puts unnecessary stress on your veins, making it more difficult for them to efficiently deliver blood to your heart due to damaged valves. Putting on extra weight not only increases your chances of varicose vein development, but also increases the risk of venous insufficiency.

Inactive Individuals

Lack of physical activity increases the risk of venous insufficiency by decreasing muscle strength, enabling weight gain, and allowing blood to pool until it forms a clot. Regular exercise is important for maintaining healthy veins and for your overall wellbeing.

The best way to determine if you are at risk for venous insufficiency is to schedule an initial consultation with your vein doctor. Give the Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center a call at (407) 293-5944 for more information on our vein care and vein therapy services.