How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
Hard time sleeping, swelling, trouble walking up stairs, restless legs.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
No burning, no restless [legs], able to walk upstairs, no swelling.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
I appreciated the kindness towards me. The doctor explaining everything so I could understand it. Nothing better, everything was good.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
Restless leg kept me awake.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
Decreased restless leg, no swelling, less aching.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
The ultrasound technologist was wonderful! She was professional, friendly, supportive, and kind. She explained the process step by step. She and Dr. Gupta worked well as a team. Kati called attentively to check on me/my status. Thanks to all for a painless & effective treatment and follow up.
My sister had vein procedures in Overland Park. She was the one who saw your clinic in St. Joe & told me about you..
What symptoms were you experiencing?
Leg got very tired when standing; pain.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
[Now] I can stand for longer periods of time and not be bothered with tired leg.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
My leg looks 100% better without the veins sticking out & lumps.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
It was an excellent experience for me. I was nervous about the procedure & everyone was so kind. It wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. There is nothing that I can see you need to improve on. You are all a very kind and caring bunch. The best part is when Kati & others served me coffee. That touches your heart . I recommend you to anyone that needs their veins taken care of.
When I walked in the door, the first thing I thought was ‘hmm, this is pretty cool!’. I had been to different places, and I came here and I am satisfied, very satisfied. Anyone that has leg problems, come see Dr. Gupta.
I have learned a lot, I always thought that varicose veins were on the outside. I didn’t realize they were on the inside! When you go in to have your treatment for your legs, they treat you like royalty because you get some cool glasses, awesome music, and a sucker. And it is cool, you don’t feel a thing.
I love each and every one of the staff. They’re here, they care, they got a heart of gold and I love ‘em. I really do. God-bless every one of them… they just can’t do enough for you. They always make sure you’re comfortable. And if anything’s wrong, all you have to do is call.
What I was feeling in my legs: they hurt like someone had kicked me; very uncomfortable. And I had my right leg done first, and I thought you kind of have that in the back of your mind ‘well we’ll see if this is going to work.’ Oh, did it work! Oh, I was so tickled, I’m ready to go dancing!
I recommend everybody to come here! Your legs are hurting? Go see Dr. Sam, Dr. Gupta. He’s awesome! I can walk a lot better, and not go ‘oh, oh, oh’. Hey, I’m ready to go, you know, and so, yes, I’m just tickled pink. I am just [in] seventh heaven. I can’t wait so I can go dancing!
Always courteous, helpful, and able to explain fees & billing.
Ultrasound Technologist:
Very kind, makes you feel comfortable.
Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:
Very patient, willing to educate regarding treatment.
What made you choose us?
We met in person and I felt very confident in the provider and staff the day I met them.
What symptoms were you experiencing?
Edema in bilateral extremities, restless legs. Some achiness, discoloration, and varicose veins.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
My legs would get swollen by the end of the workday. I experienced restlessness at night and pain in my lower legs. I am now more comfortable at the end of the day and no longer have restless painful achiness during the night.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
Better circulation and color in the legs. Minimal swelling, less restlessness and heaviness.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
I always feel like my concerns are heard. I felt like Dr. Gupta takes time to explain all procedures and the expected outcome. Kati is always very attentive and goes out of her way to make me feel comfortable and at ease. She know the procedures well and keeps me informed. I appreciate having quality state of the art care so close to home.
Restless legs, feeling of tightness in feet, feeling of figure-8 problems ankle & foot.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
Pain, numbness, tight feeling. Kept to normal routine only by wearing support stockings occasionally.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
Less restless legs.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
I appreciated the friendly staff. Everyone always had a smile. [I] don't think things could be much better. No changes needed.
I had pain in my legs and my doctor, Doctor Rivas, referred me to this clinic.
What symptoms were you experiencing?
Pain in my legs, swelling, bulging veins, and headache.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
I had problems [walking] and when I [would] stand up, [I} got pain and swelling. Now, I don't have any pain, and I don't have any bulging veins.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
It changed a lot, and I don't feel any pain and I can walk well.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
I appreciate all you do for me. Thanks for helping me. All looks good. And your service is wonderful. Nice people; your kind[ness] makes me feel like in a family. All of you do excellent work.
I went to an event ["Vein Education Session"] in Chillicothe where Alsara representatives were present.
What symptoms were you experiencing?
Restless legs.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
Had trouble standing for long periods of time. I can stand longer now.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
Less restless leg.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
Thanks for using your expert knowledge to treat my veins.
Dr. Gupta is a very kind, professional with his patients [who are] always put first.
Billing/Patient Account Services:
Very good.
Call Center/Patient Service Center:
Very good.
What made you choose us?
Went to Dr. Gupta's seminar. Very informative.
What symptoms were you experiencing?
Itching, pigmented skin, some swelling [in legs].
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
Less swelling, pigmented areas more feathered, still some itching.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
See previous answer.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
Excellent Dr. Gupta & staff always looking out for the best interest of the patient. Friendly & very helpful to answer any questions. Dr. Gupta takes his time with you and explains procedures in a "down to earth" fashion. Very caring!.
Very friendly and explained the proceeding in a friendly way.
Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:
All were friendly & made me comfortable.
Billing/Patient Account Services:
They took care of all necessary to let me know.
Call Center/Patient Service Center:
Very welcoming & friendly.
What made you choose us?
My daughter picked up a brochure showing some of the problems I was having.
What symptoms were you experiencing?
Ulcer on one leg, tiredness, heaviness in legs, cramps, sore feet.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
Sore, achy, hard to get into cars & step up on curbs. I couldn't walk very far to buy groceries or any shopping. [Now], I feel a lot lighter in my legs & feet. I can shop & not be exhausted.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
Just feels weightless and no cramping.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
I appreciated the feeling of family and friendship from the moment on entering the clinic. All the smiling faces and Dr. Gupta took enough time to explain what needed to be done in terms that an elderly lady could understand. I can't think of a thing that needs to be changed.
Well, I’ve been having a lot of problems with my leg. I had a big vein taken out of my ankle years ago. Then I got all the pain and I thought ‘I need to do something’ because I couldn’t stand that pain. A girl who lives by me brought me the paper with the doctor’s name [Dr. Gupta] in there and his picture. So I came out one morning – it was on a Monday – and I told him what I wanted. I was so shocked whenever they said ‘When do you want to have this done?’ and I said ‘Whenever’ and she said ‘How about in the morning?’ and I was back in here the next day. Seemed like it didn’t take very long for him to even do it. [During the procedure] I even sat and talked to him [Dr. Gupta]. I really did appreciate having it done.
It’s been four months or a little better now, and I feel great right now. Really, really glad. I just needed to get that fixed so I could get out and walk and get some exercise. Just couldn’t do that before. So, I hope that I can lose about thirty pounds, and then I’d be a happy camper.
[Dr. Gupta] is a really nice man to have for a doctor; very nice and polite, and so was the nurse. I like everybody here. I really do. And I really appreciated them [Alsara Clinic] coming to St. Joe. Very nice people.
If you have to have anything done, you really need to make an appointment and talk to everyone and just get your feel for what you would be going through; and it’s really not that bad. I enjoyed laying there and talking to him. I’ll be back to see them probably for my other one [leg]!
Booth at Josephine [Expo]. Talked with Dr. [Gupta] and staff, felt very comfortable.
What symptoms were you experiencing?
Lots of leg cramps, restless legs.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
Very tired after a day at work. I stand or walk all day on my job. Leg cramps (bad). Restless legs at night.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
Very few leg cramps. No more restless legs.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
You are doing a wonderful job. Everyone that works here is so nice. I love coming here. I always feel so welcome. Can not see that you need to change a thing.
Excellent. Everyone works so well for the benefit of the patient.
Ultrasound Technologist:
Excellent Everyone works so well for the benefit of the patient.
Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:
Excellent Everyone works so well for the benefit of the patient.
Billing/Patient Account Services:
Excellent Everyone works so well for the benefit of the patient.
Call Center/Patient Service Center:
Excellent Everyone works so well for the benefit of the patient.
What made you choose us?
Recommended by my primary health nurse practitioner, Beth Booker.
What symptoms were you experiencing?
Pain in my left leg and swelling in the leg.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
The vein problems were originally masked with the polio syndrome problems. Dr. Gupta found the vein problems and the pain stopped. I truly appreciate the careful care of me.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
No pain!!! No swelling!!!
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
I deeply appreciate the staff coming in twice during the pandemic shut down to handle my problems. After the procedures when I had no pain, I knew things had worked. Everyone was gracious. I could not have asked for a more competent, caring team. Thank you!
My nurse practitioner said you were using the "up-to-date" techniques that [another clinic] still did not use.
What symptoms were you experiencing?
Level 4 of the 6 Levels – my polio specialist said I needed treatment when I returned from Virginia to St. Joseph.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
I look forward to trying to go without compression stockings I have worn for 3 years. I love the feel of the stockings; so I may continue to wear them after the trial period without them.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
The spider veins are lessened in color and the deep purple color around the ankle is now lavender in color.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
I appreciated the procedure without pain–any pain afterward. I expected some pain but I ended up not even needing to take ibuprofen!!!! That's phenomenal for a pain freak like me. Many, many thanks for such good care.
Neuropathy in Legs? – Could be due to failed veins
Understanding the Connection Between Neuropathy and Venous Insufficiency
Veins play a crucial role in circulating blood back to the heart. In the legs, they must work against gravity to push blood upward. When some veins fail to function properly, they may allow fluid to leak into surrounding tissues, irritating nearby nerves and potentially leading to neuropathy-like symptoms in the legs and feet. However, unlike true neuropathy, which involves permanent nerve damage, neuropathy-like symptoms linked to venous insufficiency tend to fluctuate throughout the day. These symptoms usually intensify with prolonged sitting or standing, particularly in the evening, and tend to improve with leg elevation or in the morning before lowering your legs below heart level.
The failed (varicose) veins are often not visible from the outside and can only be seen with the help of ultrasound. Several factors contribute to the development of varicose veins, including genetics, aging, prolonged standing, pregnancy, and excess weight. Common symptoms include leg heaviness, fatigue, aching, cramping, and restlessness. As pressure builds in the affected veins, blood can pool, leading to fluid leakage into surrounding tissues and causing swelling (edema). If left untreated, varicose veins can progress to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which may result in skin discoloration, recurrent infections, bleeding, blood clots, and non-healing leg ulcers.
Duplex Ultrasound
A frequently overlooked complication of venous insufficiency is neuropathy.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, neuropathy is a condition that affects one or more nerves, resulting in symptoms like numbness and weakness. In cases of peripheral neuropathy affecting the legs and feet, individuals may experience tingling, burning sensations, pins and needles, numbness, or muscle weakness. These symptoms often worsen at night or after extended periods of sitting or standing due to fluid buildup from leaky veins, which increases pressure and inflammation. Additionally, impaired circulation from dysfunctional veins deprives nerve tissue of oxygen and essential nutrients, further contributing to nerve damage.
Unlike neuropathy caused by diabetes, infections, vitamin deficiencies, or injuries—which are often permanent—neuropathy linked to venous insufficiency can fluctuate throughout the day and may be reversible. Symptoms tend to worsen with prolonged sitting or standing but often improve when the legs are elevated. Research* indicates that 65% of patients with both conditions experienced significant improvement or complete resolution of their neuropathic symptoms after receiving vein treatment.
The good news is that at Alsara Vein Clinic, a simple duplex ultrasound can help determine whether venous insufficiency is contributing to neuropathy symptoms. Treating diseased veins is a safe, virtually painless process with no required downtime. All procedures are performed in a comfortable clinic setting, and most insurance providers—including Medicare and Medicaid—cover treatment for symptomatic varicose veins.
*Improvement of Neuropathy after Venous Ablation – Dobson et al, Journal of Vascular Surgery March 2020
We are excited to announce that we will be at a new location in St. Joe, effective January 1, 2022. Our new address is:
1105 S. Belt Hwy, St Joseph MO 64507
You placed your trust in our care and, with your support, we grew into a highly reputable and successful practice. Your vote of confidence enabled us to win the Readers’ Choice Awards in many relevant categories and the 2021 KQ2 Best of St. Joe Award. We now routinely see patients who drive hours and even fly from other states and abroad for their care. To continue fulfilling the growing needs, we realized that we needed a new site. Accordingly, we secured a new building at 1105 S Belt Hwy in April of 2021. However, both the interior and the exterior of the building had to be gutted to meet the Alsara Clinic standards for a clinic site. In addition, the ongoing pandemic and various supply chain issues caused timelines to be affected.
My team and a group of highly competent contractors are working tirelessly to make the site ready for our use in January 2022. I humbly ask for your patience while preparing the state-of-the-art clinic for valued patients like yourself. We will continue to serve patients at the existing (old) location on Frederick Ave until December 31, 2021. We will be at the new location at 1105 S Belt Highway on January 1, 2022 but will be closed for routine patient care from January 1–16, 2022, to allow the necessary time for setup. Emergent care for our patients will still be available at the new site temporarily at the lower level (South Entrance) effective Jan. 1, 2022. When ready, the clinic will be on the upper floor (West Entrance).
The new building is centrally located close to all that St. Joe has to offer. It has two floors and ample parking. Our phone numbers, fax, email, and web addresses all remain unchanged. We look forward to seeing you at the new Alsara Clinic Location in 2022.
Stay safe and always remember... life is a beautiful journey!
Sam Gupta, M.D., MPH Diplomate – American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine
1105 S Belt Hwy • St. Joseph, MO 64506 •www.MyVeinDoc.com• 816.396.0245 • Fax 816.558.6544
I am a grandma. Adeline is my littlest granddaughter. She’s 16 months old. And I have three other grandchildren – all girls.
I decided to come to Alsara [Vein Clinic] because I was experiencing pain in my left leg. And I was experiencing swelling [edema] around my ankles and in my legs.
My daily activities included a lot of walking and running after the grandbaby. And in the evening time, I would get very tired with my legs. And when I sat down to raise them up, then they would hurt, and I’d have to switch them back all the time, back and forth. So, I knew that that wasn’t a normal thing.
I thought the clinic was extremely clean, efficient. All questions were answered. Everyone was very friendly. It was just a pleasant experience. The other thing that I noticed was that I got a lot of information. And my sister-in-law came with me the first time that I got the first leg done, and she had been through the same process with a Kansas City doctor. But she got information coming with me that she didn’t have with her own doctor. And then, last Wednesday, I spoke to a church friend, and she was having something done here in town – similar – and then Saturday I asked her how she was feeling, and she said she was having a little pain in on leg. And I said ‘did they tell you about ice?’ She said ‘no’. And I said, well, ‘go ahead and use ice’. So, just a lot of information is given for care, for aftercare, that I don’t think some of the other doctors give their patients.
I’m very happy that I had it done. I’m glad that I decided to take care of what needed to be taken care of. And I’m happy that it’s resolved.
It has changed my life in the fact that I’m able to run around more after Adeline, and stay on my feet, not experience the discomfort of the evening time when I put my legs up to finally rest.
I would advise anyone that was having leg discomfort or pain in their legs to seek treatment and get an idea as to what could be going on, what the problem is, and then follow through with it, because it’s not painful, it doesn’t hurt, and everything’s resolved in just a short amount of time.
Amanda was very helpful & pleasant. All the front staff was!
Ultrasound Technologist:
Kati is wonderful. She put me at ease. Very friendly.
Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:
Dr. Gupta is wonderful. I trust his knowledge & ability.
What made you choose us?
The information clinic that I attended one Saturday answered most of my questions. I appreciated the time they gave us.
What symptoms were you experiencing?
Swelling in the ankles, discoloration at the back of the left leg. Pain at that area. Legs hurting when elevated. I had to move them to get them comfortable.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
Legs hurt when I elevated them at night. But now they don't. Swelling has gone down.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
Swelling in the ankles has gone down.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
I appreciated the whole experience. I brought my sister-in-law because she wanted to help me. She has been through the same thing at a KC facility. She said Dr. Gupta & the staff were much more informative than her team in K.C. She learned a lot just being with me. I also noticed from the first visit that the Alsara Vein Clinic is so clean and welcoming. I appreciate all of you!
I came to the Alsara Clinic a couple of months ago, I was having some pain in my legs, some heaviness, just really not feeling good about even how my leg looked. I had a great recommendation from a friend of mine and decided to actually fly up from Texas to see Dr. Gupta and his staff. Walking in it definitely was very warm and welcoming. It was very state-of-the-art, felt very welcomed here, felt really like I could tell them anything.
[Varicose and spider veins] was something I had dealt with for years. My mother actually had varicose veins and I really didn’t understand that that was a hereditary issue. So he [Dr. Gupta] really helped me realize, I can do something about this, and really feel like I can work out and walk and feel good afterward instead of, just laying on the couch for the rest of the evening because my leg didn’t feel good.
[The treatment] was painless. They sat and chatted with me through it. I didn’t even know it had really started because I was laying on the bed, and then it was over. I was able to get back up and go about my day for the rest of the day. So hardly any recovery time. It was great.
It really has impacted my life. My husband and I travel quite a bit, I walk six to eight miles-a-day, I hit the gym almost every day, and now I feel like I can do that without any pain. I have to admit, too, varicose veins on my left leg, they were unsightly, and I wear a lot of shorts. I live in Texas and we wear a lot of swimsuits and we travel, so just knowing I have confidence that I can feel my best and look my best, and I have to thank Dr. Gupta and his staff for that.
I would definitely recommend Dr. Gupta; but not only him, really his staff. From the time you walk in – the front desk receptionist, the office manager, techs, the nurses, Dr. Gupta – they all make you feel very welcome. I really appreciated them and can tell that they really enjoy their job, and I think that that’s perfect to have that sort of passion for your job, and that comes across with the staff and Dr. Gupta.
If you are having some issues, get it taken care of, or at least come in. I know that Dr. Gupta does have free consultations, and so it’s an hour out of your day, it will make your life feel so much better when you get something taken care of in your legs: your varicose veins or your spider veins. It really has improved my life quite a bit.
Tired legs, some cramping, general achiness, feet, and ankle swelling.
How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?
The main thing I couldn't do was climb a lot of stairs and walk long distances. [After treatment,] swelling is much less, aches are gone, no cramping.
What improvements have you seen in your legs?
Generally feel better, don't tire as quickly, no pain or cramps.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?
Friendliness, concern for my comfort, explaining my issues and treatment fully.
When I walked in the door, the first thing I thought was ‘hmm, this is pretty cool!’. I had been to different places, and I came here and I am satisfied, very satisfied. Anyone that has leg problems, come see Dr. Gupta.
Well, I’ve been having a lot of problems with my leg. I had a big vein taken out of my ankle years ago. Then I got all the pain and I thought ‘I need to do something’ because I couldn’t stand that pain. A girl who lives by me brought me the paper with the doctor’s name [Dr. Gupta] in there and his picture. So I came out one morning – it was on a Monday – and I told him what I wanted. I was so shocked whenever they said ‘When do you want to have this done?’ and I said ‘Whenever’ and she said ‘How about in the morning?’ and I was back in here the next day. Seemed like it didn’t take very long for him to even do it. [During the procedure] I even sat and talked to him [Dr. Gupta]. I really did appreciate having it done.
Veins play a crucial role in circulating blood back to the heart. In the legs, they must work against gravity to push blood upward. When some veins fail to function properly, they may allow fluid to leak into surrounding tissues, irritating nearby nerves and potentially leading to neuropathy-like symptoms in the legs and feet. However, unlike true neuropathy, which involves permanent nerve damage, neuropathy-like symptoms linked to venous insufficiency tend to fluctuate throughout the day. These symptoms usually intensify with prolonged sitting or standing, particularly in the evening, and tend to improve with leg elevation or in the morning before lowering your legs below heart level.
Unlike neuropathy caused by diabetes, infections, vitamin deficiencies, or injuries—which are often permanent—neuropathy linked to venous insufficiency can fluctuate throughout the day and may be reversible. Symptoms tend to worsen with prolonged sitting or standing but often improve when the legs are elevated. Research
I am a grandma. Adeline is my littlest granddaughter. She’s 16 months old. And I have three other grandchildren – all girls.
I came to the Alsara Clinic a couple of months ago, I was having some pain in my legs, some heaviness, just really not feeling good about even how my leg looked. I had a great recommendation from a friend of mine and decided to actually fly up from Texas to see Dr. Gupta and his staff. Walking in it definitely was very warm and welcoming. It was very state-of-the-art, felt very welcomed here, felt really like I could tell them anything.