There are numerous causes for the itching, burning, cramping and skin discoloration that come along with varicose leg veins. Here are the most common:
Obesity
Diabetes
Heredity
Pregnancy
Lack of exercise
Excessive standing or sitting
When the valves inside veins that direct blood flow become incompetent, blood pools in the legs and feet. The stagnant blood causes swelling, skin discoloration and potentially open wounds & ulcerations.
Is Treatment Possible?
Yes it is! Treatments are also covered by Medicare and most health insurance. Check out the video and slideshow below to see the options available for you.
If you suffer from the pain from bulging varicose leg veins visit Top Clinic Chicago and see patient reviews and treatments from the highest rated Vein Doctors in the city and suburbs.
With the exploding number of Americans suffering from burning, itching, heaviness and throbbing in their legs from varicose veins, Top Clinic Chicago put together the slideshow below to inform and educate the public about the causes, symptoms and treatment options available.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 50% of Americans over age 50 have a vein disorder. They also reported 40-45% of U.S. men and 50-55% of U.S. women have venous insufficiency.
High rates of obesity are a contributing factor along with diabetes, pregnancy, standing or sitting all day and the one we can't avoid -- heredity.
Years ago people with bulging leg veins and the burning, itching and heaviness that comes along with them would be stuck with painful legs for life. Now, thanks to innovations in treatments for Chronic Venous Insufficiency, numerous minimally invasive treatment options are available. Most of these are covered by Medicare and insurance.
Anyone in Chicago, Northern Illinois or Northwest Indiana suffering from painful leg veins needs to visit Top Clinic Chicago for education about venous ulcer and varicose vein treatment options. Featuring video interviews with the best Vein Specialists and the patients they've helped, Top Clinic Chicago is an invaluable tool in the battle to defeat Chronic Venous Insufficiency.
While most of us know varicose veins as the twisted blue leg veins that bulge out grotesquely, many of the worst varicose veins can't be seen by the naked eye at all.
The problems in the circulatory system that causes the valves in veins to become incompetent usually begin in the deep vein system.
Symptoms from varicose veins include:
Leg Cramps
Itching Legs
Burning Legs
Throbbing Legs
Skin Color Changes
Ulcerations
Oftentimes the problem leg veins that cause the above mentioned symptoms won't show up on the surface of the leg. People suffering from pain and swelling in their legs need to find a Clinic in Chicago specializing in varicose vein removal to get an ultrasound of their venous system.
If the ultrasound examination shows circulation issues due to varicose veins you and your Vein Doctor can move forward on a treatment plan.
In the YouTube video below we interviewed a Suburban Chicago Woman who began feeling stabbing pains in her legs during pregnancy. She didn't have large blue leg veins sticking out, but she did have pain & heaviness in her legs before treatment at a Chicago Varicose Veins Clinic. After just 1 treatment her symptoms were gone and her varicose vein treatment was covered by insurance.
At her 2 week follow-up visit she said, "The pain in my legs is gone! No more pain on my commute to and from work. My skin is smoother too. I'm so excited! I would definitely recommend this treatment to anyone in Chicago with varicose veins."
Years ago she would have suffered with the pain in her legs for the rest of her life. Thanks to the great minds in modern medicine, innovations in treating varicose veins have given her and millions of other people a new symptom free life.
Unfortunately you can't. Varicose veins are caused by numerous factors, including heredity. However, you can lessen your chances by staying in shape. Regular cardiovascular exercise strengthens the circulatory system while keeping off excess weight.
Obesity is one of the leading causes of vein disease with all the extra weight placing pressure on the venous system and making normal circulation extremely difficult. Pregnant women often get varicose veins as well, because of the extra weight and the pressure the baby puts on the venous system.
In the YouTube video below we interviewed a Chicago woman who had "pins and needles" stabbing pains in her legs that began during pregnancy. After an ultrasound exam of her venous system it was determined she needed to have a complex surgical and laser vein removal treatment combination that is covered by Medicare & most insurance.
"The symptoms started during pregnancy. It felt like pins and needles stabbing my legs. If I sit for too long my legs also get tired and heavy," she said.
Normally she would only need Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), but her veins were swollen to 6 times the normal size. So her Vein Surgeon had to surgically remove a segment of the vein and tie it off while closing the other end with EVLT, removing the diseased veins from her system all together.
Fortunately, she found the best Vein Clinic in Chicago for her varicose veins. At her 2 week follow up exam she was extremely happy with the results. "The pain in my legs is gone! I was shocked. It was what I wanted, but I didn't think it would work this good. I would definitely recommend this treatment to anyone suffering from varicose veins," she said.
We are fortunate to live in a large market with access to some of the world's best surgeons. Many people afflicted from pain, swelling and restlessness in their legs needs to know that Vein Clinics in Chicago specialize in treating varicose veins and these treatments are covered by Medicare and most insurance.
You can't prevent varicose veins altogether, but you can remove them and their symptoms after seeing a qualified Vein Specialist.
Among the many symptoms of varicose veins, leg cramps are one of the most common. Often described as feeling like a "charlie horse" these painful cramps can severely impact a person's life. Most patients complain of cramps at night and having extreme difficulty sleeping.
Bulging leg veins don't always show up on the surface. In order to find out the cause of your leg cramps it is best to see a Chicago Vein Specialist and get an ultrasound examination of your venous system. The exam is covered by Medicare and most insurance. If a problem is discovered your vein doctor can then develop a treatment plan.
Every patient's situation is unique. That's why it is so important to visit a Vein Clinic in Chicago IL or Suburbs and have a qualified vein doctor evaluate your venous system. Circulation problems are serious and you deserve to put your legs in the hands of the best Vein Specialists in Chicago.
Advances in medical technology over the years have proven effective at eliminating leg cramps and the other symptoms associated with varicose veins. Medicare and most insurance cover these procedures and the recovery time is minimal.
Yes, Medicare does cover non healing leg ulcers, but a few conservative therapy conditions must be met first.
For patients with venous leg ulcers compression stockings must be worn for 3 months. If the ulcer is still open and showing no signs of healing the patient should be treated at a Vein Clinic in Chicago to close the varicose veins that feed the ulcer.
While under the care of a Vein Specialist in Chicago the patient will typically undergo a laser vein removal treatment. The amount of treatments vary from patient to patient depending on the number of diseased veins in their legs. The procedure is relatively painless, requires no hospital stay and has a fast recovery time. These varicose vein removal treatments in Chicago have been proven effective and boast a 96-98% vein closure success rate.
Laser Vein Removal Side Effects Include
Bruising
Itching
Tightness
Check out this video where we interviewed a woman who had a leg ulcer that was open for 4 years before receiving laser vein removal treatment at a Vein Clinic in Chicago:
Another treatment option is a compression pump. These pumps act similar to compression stockings, but involve a device wrapped around the legs and are actuated manually or mechanically.
Regardless of the treatment option you choose there are a number of highly qualified Vein Specialists & Vein Clinics in Chicago available to heal your leg ulcers and get you back on your feet.
In most cases Medicare does cover varicose veins. Normally there is a 3 month period where patients suffering from symptoms of varicose veins use compression stocking or conservative therapy to see if that alleviates their symptoms. After this period if the symptoms persist your Chicago Vein Specialist can develop a treatment plan.
1) Varicose vein excision and ligation involves tying off the affected vein and removing the varicosity. Removal of symptomatic, malfunctioning, superficial veins restores the venous circulation to a more normal state and provides relief of symptoms of venous hypertension including cramps, swelling, burning, stabbing and heaviness.
2) Sclerosing injections, or sclerotherapy of varicose veins is performed generally for signs and symptoms of diseased vessels, as an adjunct to surgical therapy or for cosmetics.
Sclerotherapy treatment destroys the lining of the affected vein by injecting an irritant solution (either a detergent, osmotic solution, or a chemical irritant), ultimately resulting in the complete obliteration of the vessel. Too little destruction leads to thrombosis without fibrosis and ultimate recanalization. Too much destruction leads to vascular dehiscence.
3) Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (ERFA) has been developed as an alternative to vein ligation and stripping. The procedure is designed to damage the internal wall of the vein, resulting in collapsing of the vein.
The procedure is performed by means of a specially designed catheter inserted through a small incision in the distal medial thigh to within 1-2 cm of the sapheno-femoral junction. High frequency radiowaves (200-300 kHz) are delivered through the catheter electrode and cause direct heating of the vessel wall, causing the vein to collapse. The catheter is slowly withdrawn, closing the vein.
For patients whose ultrasound exam finds they need venous leg ulcer removal treatment in Chicago there are some solid procedures available that have an extremely high success rate and are covered by Medicare and most insurance.
While you are under light IV sedation your Chicago Vein Specialist threads a tiny laser fiber through the diseased vein with the aid of ultrasound guidance. RF energy is then pulsed through the laser fiber and the heat closes the problematic vein, cutting off the source of the ulceration.
Some patients need multiple treatments based on the amount of varicose veins they have in each leg. Recovery time and post-op pain are minimal. With slight bruising and itching being the most common complaints. Compression stockings are usually prescribed for a few weeks after to aid in circulation and healing.
Earlier in 2016 we spoke to a Suburban Chicago woman who suffered form a genetic blood clotting disorder and as a result had open sores on her legs for years before receiving venous ulcer treatment from a Vein Clinic in Chicago.
She said, "My ulcers caused pain I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. After my treatments the leg ulcers are healed and I've had no problems since. These treatments have been life changing. I'm ecstatic!"
While there are many qualified Vein Doctors in Chicago and the Suburbs, everyone has different criteria for the Doctor they choose. It may be language related or location specific. Either way, Top Clinic Chicago has you covered when looking for the best Vein Clinic in Chicago for you.
The Second City is second to none when it comes finding the highest qualified Doctors in the United States. For patients in need of varicose vein treatment in Chicago IL the search for the best vein clinic in Chicago depends on what is most important to them.
It is especially important to be treated by a Chicago Vein Clinic that has someone with these credentials to ensure patients in need of varicose vein removal treatment in Chicago are being seen by a Doctor who has the highest levels of training in the circulatory system and the knowledge and skill required to perform vein surgery. In the event of an unexpected problem, having an expert surgeon could be life saving.
Unfortunately for the many patients suffering from pain, swelling, itching and heaviness in their legs from varicose veins, Vein Clinics in Chicago do not accept Medicaid. It is one of the great shames of our healthcare system since varicose vein removal treatment in Chicago is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans.
Timely access to an ultrasound examination of the venous system is crucial for patients experiencing the symptoms of varicose veins. If left untreated symptoms can worsen and eventually lead to ulcerations and possibly require amputation. Chicago venous leg ulcer removal treatment has experienced many breakthroughs with advances in medical technology allowing Vein Specialist in Chicago to get patients back on their feet with minimal downtime.
How Do I Know If I Have Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are not always visible. People experiencing swelling in legs, feeling of heaviness in the legs, pain or cramps in the calves, itching in the legs, skin discolorations or uncomfortable swelling of the feet and ankles that subsides during the night should call a qualified Vein Doctor in Chicago and get an ultrasound examination of their venous system.
If evidence of vein disease is found at the Chicago Vein Clinic where you receive your exam, your doctor will develop and a detailed treatment plan. At that time Medicaid patients will be able to negotiate self-pay options for their varicose vein removal treatment in Chicago.
How Soon Can I Go Back To Work?
There is typically little downtime after receiving treatment at a Vein Clinic in Chicago. Compression stockings are to be worn for a few weeks to aid in circulation and help the healing process. Each procedure and patient are unique so the post-op recovery time will vary base on what type of varicose vein removal treatment in Chicago you receive.
While there a numerous providers available, it is recommended that patients shop around and find the Vein Doctor and Vein Clinic in Chicago that they feel most comfortable with. Because as we all know, peace of mind is priceless.
Many Doctors recommend compression socks and support hose to aid in circulation for people who work on their feet all day, but these measures alone are not enough to prevent varicose veins since they are caused by a variety of factors including heredity, pregnancy and obesity.
Innovations in varicose vein treatments in Chicago allow patients suffering from vein disease the ability to return to regular activities with little downtime after their procedures. Compression stockings are key to post surgery recovery.
After non-invasive treatment at a Vein Clinic in Chicago patients are required to wear compression stockings to aid in healing and circulation. The amount of time varies based on the procedure.
“I have a genetic blood clotting disorder. My legs get open sores and ulcers,” she says. “I had a venous leg ulcer that was open for 4 years. It was pain I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Every Doctor I talked to told me I’d have that open wound on my leg for the rest of my life or possibly lose my leg. Thankfully I came to Advanced Vein Clinics for a 2nd opinion.”
Deborah’s consultation included an ultrasound examination of her venous system. From there, Board Certified Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Dominic Tolitano developed her venous ulcer treatment plan.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is performed by Dr. Tolitano at Advanced Vein Clinics in Chicago South Loop, NW Suburban Wood Dale & Munster, Indiana and the entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The patient is given light IV sedation and a local anesthetic for comfort. The doctor then uses an ultrasound machine to guide the sterile laser fiber directly to the vein. Laser energy is distributed to the target vein to destroy it from within, leaving all healthy veins in the surrounding area untouched. Best of all, EVLT is covered by Medicare and most insurance.
Once the procedure is complete, a dressing and compression stocking are applied to reduce swelling and promote healing of the treatment site. Patients are encouraged to walk around after the procedure and most can resume regular activities right away. Any residual bruising or soreness can be effectively treated with over the counter pain medication. The patient will return to the office in seven days so Dr. Tolitano can evaluate the treatment area.
Dr. Tolitano says, “Many primary care Doctors don’t know about venous ulcer & varicose vein treatments and how great EVLT is for treating these conditions. In the hands of a trained Vein Specialist it’s a relatively simple procedure.”
Advanced Vein Clinics is fluent in Spanish and Polish. Dr. Tolitano’s Wood Dale vein clinic is just a short drive from Addison, Arlington Heights, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Franklin Park, Glendale Heights, Itasca, Lombard, Melrose Park, Mount Prospect, Northlake, Oak Brook, Oak Park, Park Ridge, Roselle, Rosemont, Schaumburg, Schiller Park and Villa Park, Illinois.
Dr. Tolitano’s Chicago South Loop vein clinic is just a short drive from River North, Bridgeport, McKinley Park, Washington Park, Marquette Park, West Loop, Hyde Park, University Village, Chinatown, Brighton Park and Midway Airport.
Dr. Tolitano’s Munster NW Indiana Vein Clinic and Med Spa is a short drive from Dyer, East Chicago, Griffith, Hammond, Highland, Hobart, Lake Station, Merrillville, Portage, Saint John and Schereville, Indiana and is just a short drive from Calumet City, Chicago Heights, Dolton, Evergreen Park, Harvey, Homewood, Lansing, Matteson, Oak Forest, Riverdale, Richton Park, Sauk Village, South Holland, and Steger, Illinois.
Among the many serious health issues facing the United States, Chronic Venous Insufficiency, the condition that causes varicose veins and venous ulcers ranks near the top.
Fortunately for people suffering from the pain, swelling and restlessness in their legs from varicose veins and venous ulcers, there are many great Vein Specialists and Vein Clinics in Chicago and the Suburbs. Best of all, many of these treatments are covered by Medicare & insurance. And for those who aren't covered, most Vein Doctors in Chicago offer affordable self-pay plans.
Advanced Vein Clinics is fluent in Spanish and Polish. Dr. Tolitano’s Wood Dale vein clinic is just a short drive from Addison, Arlington Heights, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Franklin Park, Glendale Heights, Itasca, Lombard, Melrose Park, Mount Prospect, Northlake, Oak Brook, Oak Park, Park Ridge, Roselle, Rosemont, Schaumburg, Schiller Park and Villa Park, Illinois.
Dr. Tolitano’s Chicago South Loop vein clinic is just a short drive from River North, Bridgeport, McKinley Park, Washington Park, Marquette Park, West Loop, Hyde Park, University Village, Chinatown, Brighton Park and Midway Airport.
Dr. Tolitano’s Munster NW Indiana Vein Clinic and Med Spa is a short drive from Dyer, East Chicago, Griffith, Hammond, Highland, Hobart, Lake Station, Merrillville, Portage, Saint John and Schereville, Indiana and is just a short drive from Calumet City, Chicago Heights, Dolton, Evergreen Park, Harvey, Homewood, Lansing, Matteson, Oak Forest, Riverdale, Richton Park, Sauk Village, South Holland, and Steger, Illinois.
