Veins, acting as “pipes,” have to frequently work against gravity to push blood back towards the heart especially when we sit or stand. These veins have valves that assist in the one-way flow back to the heart. Further, leg muscles especially calf muscles act like a pump much like a sump pump in our basement.
Over time, compounded by factors such as genetic predisposition, pregnancies, hormonal changes, prolonged sitting or standing, lifting weights, and age, some veins fail. Unable to move forward, blood begins to backtrack and pool in the legs causing the familiar symptoms of heaviness, achiness, and tiredness in legs, particularly in the evenings. Increased pressure on the vein walls makes them “gnarly” or varicose. Some veins that are close to the surface of the skin can be seen from the outside as ropy veins or spider veins.
Venous hypertension (increased pressure of the blood in failed veins) predisposes you to profuse bleeding. Elevated pressure causes fluid from veins to leak out into surrounding space much like flooding in our basement when a pipe breaks.
Remember that the blood in veins is deoxygenated (has “low” oxygen content) and replete with waste products. This blood needs to be sent back to the heart where it can be enriched and put back in circulation. When there is an increased buildup of venous blood in the legs, patients may notice itching, burning, leg cramps (charley horses), and restlessness. Persistent stasis (pooling) causes hyperpigmentation (discoloration of the skin due to deposition of the hemosiderin pigment from the breakdown of red blood cells), cellulitis (skin infection), thrombosis (blood clots), and poorly healing ulcers (sores) in the legs. This is comparable to staining on the walls from leaky pipes, growth of mold, cracks in the walls, and eventually its breakdown.
These unhealthy veins in the legs are unnecessary. In the past, they were removed surgically. Modern treatment options are much easier, safer, and very effective with no downtime. Almost all insurance including Medicare offers coverage for symptomatic varicose veins. Contact Alsara Vein Clinic at 816-396-0245 to set up a Consultation today.
Veins are “pipes” that are responsible for returning blood to the heart. Varicose Veins are damaged, swollen, enlarged veins that do not work properly allowing blood to pool in legs.
Veins in the legs are far from the heart and must work against the force of gravity to pump blood back towards the heart. Heredity is a common risk factor making veins prone to weakness and failure. Other risk factors include age, pregnancies, prolonged sitting or standing, and history of trauma or clots in legs.
Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins
Blood Clot
Compromised blood flow and inflammation can cause superficial thrombophlebitis. Patients may experience redness of the skin, increased tenderness and swelling.
Spontaneous Bleeding
Varicose veins cause increased pressure of blood in the veins and fragile skin over time. Terminal branches of veins are pushed closer to the skin surface. This is a perfect setup for spontaneous bleeding. Even a slight scratch can lead to profuse bleeding that is usually painless. Patients may lose a significant amount of blood very quickly.
Hyperpigmentation
Left untreated, varicose veins cause increased pressure of pooled blood in leg veins. Fluid leaks out of these veins and may result in painful swelling and discoloration of skin known as hyperpigmentation. Inflammation of skin may cause severe itching, burning and redness.
Lipodermatosclerosis
Continued inflammation of the skin over time causes the skin to become firm and leathery. Patients feel increased tenderness of the skin. The stiffening and hardening of the skin is known as Lipodermatosclerosis.
Venous Leg Ulcer
Long-standing venous hypertension causes damage to the skin which eventually breaks down to form an ulcer. These ulcers do not heal well and may cause itching, bleeding and infection. In rare cases, infection could lead to serious conditions such as osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) or sepsis (blood poisoning).
Varicose veins are typically located deep inside the leg and may not be visible from the outside. Initially, the symptoms include leg pain, tiredness, heaviness, itching, throbbing, or burning sensation in the legs. These symptoms are usually worse at the end of the day after a person has been sitting or standing for long periods of time and are usually better upon first getting out of bed. The recurrent increased pressure of blood in leg veins allows leakage which can cause swelling in the legs. The build-up of deoxygenated toxin-rich blood in muscles makes them prone to cramping and restlessness in legs. There is a higher risk of clot formation and bleeding that can be profuse.
Continued increased pressure of blood in the leg veins causes changes to the skin that are typically noticed in the mid-calf to the ankle area. This condition, known as stasis dermatitis, is characterized by severe itching and redness of the skin followed by hyperpigmentation (discoloration of the skin due to deposition of iron pigments). This is followed by induration (thickening of the skin) and dermal fibrosis (scar tissue): a condition known as Lipodermatosclerosis. There may be atrophie blanche (smooth, ivory-white plaques surrounded by hyperpigmentation). The final stages of chronic venous insufficiency are related to the breakdown of skin and the formation of poorly healing leg ulcers (sores). There is a higher risk of local skin infection (cellulitis), sepsis (blood poisoning), and osteomyelitis (infection of the bone).
Over the past few decades, extensive research has allowed us a much better understanding of the causes of leg ulcers. We now know that majority of ulcers in the legs are venous (varicose veins). Venous leg ulcers account for about 80% of all leg ulcers. These ulcers are typically painless unless there is an infection on top of the leg ulcer or physical irritation that can cause pain. Fortunately, we also have technology such as laser (Endovenous Laser Ablation) that allow us to treat the underlying problem at its source in a minimally invasive manner.
Vein treatments are safe, effective, virtually painless, and do not require any downtime. Your Vein Specialist at Alsara Vein Clinic has performed over 25,000 treatments and helped countless patients some of whom came with prior failed treatments or no hope that anything could be done. Call for a Consultation at 816-396-0245.
Dona is an "active" female who came to us in a wheelchair. She has lived with ulcers in both of her legs for several years. She has received wound care for numerous years without long-term relief; ulcers and skin infections became recurrent problems for her. She has also lived with substantial leg swelling, leg cramps and extreme sensitivity to touch. She has restless leg syndrome and was prescribed medications, such as Requip. Still, the discomfort in her legs (at night) remained.
She received endovenous laser ablation of the "leaky" (refluxing) axial veins in both legs at Alsara Vein Clinic in Spring 2018. By the start of Summer 2018, the ulcers in her legs had completely healed. The swelling is almost nonexistent and, for the first time in several years, she can enjoy pain-free legs both during the day and at night.
Another Smile Restored!
What made you choose us?
A nurse practitioner's recommendation.
What symptoms were you experiencing?
Swelling in lower legs, wounds that would not heal.
How were you affected by your legs previously?
Legs had been swollen for years, couldn’t walk much; skin so tight I couldn’t move knees or ankles.
What has changed after treatment?
Swelling & sores gone, wounds healed, able to bend knees & flex ankles – walking better.
Additional Comments: What did you appreciate?
Everyone at Alsara Vein Clinic put us at ease from the start, very helpful. We loved the casual professionalism and witty banter because we knew/felt deep down you really wanted to help.
What makes us different than other medical clinics?
No stuffy robotic atmosphere. You treated us like people, not numbers.
Sam Gupta, M.D., M.P.H. ("Dr. Sam"), Vein Specialist,completed his medical training at the Mayo Clinic and Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine.
Vein Specialist: Dr. Sam Gupta
Doctor Sam Gupta has worked for many years in various settings including Primary Care, Urgent Care, Emergency and Wound care departments. It was in these settings where he saw countless patients who came with symptoms and complications of venous disorders (such as clots, bleeding veins, frequent infection, and poorly healing sores in legs). Sam Gupta, M.D., Vein Doctor, received certification from the American Board of Phlebology in 2009. Dr. Gupta has devoted his career solely to the diagnosis and management of the entire spectrum of vein disorders, offering the best vein services and vein treatments available. Named America's Top Doctor in 2007-2009, Dr. Gupta, Vein Specialist, sets the standards for vein treatment in Saint Joseph, MO, and greater Missouri.
Dr. Sam enjoys spending time with his wife, Priya, and their two girls, Alisha and Sara, as well as their dog, Caeser. He enjoys music, traveling all over the world, and fitness exercises.
Dr. Gupta is a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine
A Message from Dr. Sam
Treating vein problems is my passion. Although the science of medicine is not perfect and our healthcare system is constantly changing, I have had the privilege of helping thousands of patients. Many came with unsuccessful vein treatments in the past and some were told that nothing more could be done. Restoring their health (and lost smiles) has been a very humbling experience.
The wealth of knowledge and experiences that I have gained in practice is priceless. Many patients have told me that my work has changed their lives. The truth is that along the way they have changed mine!
Life is a beautiful journey; I wouldn’t trade the experiences for anything in the world.
The doctor evaluation and ultrasound scan enable us to confirm that vein treatment will help you. This evaluation and scan along with treatments (if indicated) are covered by almost all insurance companies including Medicare and Medicaid. However, much like all your other doctor visits, copays and deductibles will apply.
Keep in mind that although treatments are virtually painless, safe, and effective, they may require a few visits to allow you some healing time.
So, if you have been procrastinating, face a brand new deductible on January 1, and still want to start the new year with new legs, the time to act is now.
Alsara Vein Clinic specializes in treating varicose veins, spider veins, and vein disease. Chat with our staff, grab some brochures, and watch Spider Vein Treatment and Patient Education videos.
Varicose veins treatment using Endovenous Laser Ablation, or EVLA, is a non-surgical and minimally invasive varicose veins treatment that offers an effective alternative to the surgical stripping of veins. It is performed in the office under local anesthetic using our unique numbing system. We also offer needle-free numbing for the best comfort. Endovenous Laser Ablation is the safest, most effective, and long-term solution that science and modern medicine offers for varicose vein treatments.
How Does the EVLA Procedure Work?
Under ultrasound guidance, a thin fiber-optic probe is inserted through a tiny entry point, usually near the knee. Laser energy is delivered to seal the faulty vein so that blood cannot flow through it. This eliminates unsightly bulging and enables the blood to be diverted to healthy veins in the leg, thereby alleviating any symptoms. Immediately after the procedure patients can resume daily activity. Most patients are able to return to work immediately.
Laser Treatment of Varicose Veins
Innovative ThermaLite 1470 nm Laser System
Alsara Vein Clinic exclusively uses the leading edge EVLA technology (1470 nm laser system), which decreases discomfort and bruising, while maintaining the unparalleled efficacy and safety of laser technology. Studies have shown that Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is more effective in treating varicose veins than Radiofrequency Ablation (VNUS Closure). Traditional laser machines have utilized lower frequencies (810 nm or 980 nm) and target blood (hemoglobin) within the veins. However, there was more, although temporary, bruising and soreness noted with these laser frequencies than with radiofrequency ablation. The new ThermaLite 1470 nmlaser machines target water in the vein wall instead of hemoglobin, which results in much less discomfort, practically no bruising, and a fast return to normal activities. This is particularly important for people living active lifestyles who want to resume their activities right away and would like to wear shorts or skirts. The new 1470nm offers the best of both worlds. Alsara Vein Clinic has treated numerous patients using the new 1470 nmLaser with almost no discomfort or any bruising after the procedure. Our patients cannot be happier with the results.
VenaSeal™ is a revolutionary FDA-approved medical-grade superglue for the treatment of varicose veins. The VenaSeal™ Closure System is a non-thermal treatment option that seals – or closes – the diseased vein using a small amount of specially formulated medical adhesive that is delivered to the diseased vein. The adhesive permanently seals the vein, and blood is rerouted through nearby healthy veins. Unlike other treatment options, only a single injection of numbing medication is needed, and no compression stockings are necessary post-treatment, which reduces discomfort and recovery time. Many patients are able to return to normal activity immediately after the procedure.
VenaSeal
How do I get started with the Varicose Vein Treatment Process?
To determine whether or not the Laser Treatment or VenaSeal™ procedures we offer are right for you, please schedule a free consultation.
During this free consultation, you will meet with one of our board-certified vein specialists to assess your symptoms and discuss treatment options appropriate for you.
Click to view large image
Unable to move forward, blood begins to backtrack and pool in the legs causing the familiar symptoms of heaviness, achiness, and tiredness in legs, particularly in the evenings. Increased pressure on the vein walls makes them “gnarly” or varicose. Some veins that are close to the surface of the skin can be seen from the outside as ropy veins or spider veins.
Remember that the blood in veins is deoxygenated (has “low” oxygen content) and replete with waste products. This blood needs to be sent back to the heart where it can be enriched and put back in circulation. When there is an increased buildup of venous blood in the legs, patients may notice itching, burning, leg cramps (charley horses), and restlessness. Persistent stasis (pooling) causes hyperpigmentation (discoloration of the skin due to deposition of the hemosiderin pigment from the breakdown of red blood cells), cellulitis (skin infection), thrombosis (blood clots), and poorly healing ulcers (sores) in the legs. This is comparable to staining on the walls from leaky pipes, growth of mold, cracks in the walls, and eventually its breakdown.
What made you choose us?
Alsara Vein Clinic exclusively uses the leading edge EVLA technology (1470 nm laser system), which decreases discomfort and bruising, while maintaining the unparalleled efficacy and safety of laser technology. Studies have shown that Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is more effective in treating varicose veins than Radiofrequency Ablation (VNUS Closure). Traditional laser machines have utilized lower frequencies (810 nm or 980 nm) and target blood (hemoglobin) within the veins. However, there was more, although temporary, bruising and soreness noted with these laser frequencies than with radiofrequency ablation. The new ThermaLite 1470 nmlaser machines target water in the vein wall instead of hemoglobin, which results in much less discomfort, practically no bruising, and a fast return to normal activities. This is particularly important for people living active lifestyles who want to resume their activities right away and would like to wear shorts or skirts. The new 1470nm offers the best of both worlds. Alsara Vein Clinic has treated numerous patients using the new 1470 nmLaser with almost no discomfort or any bruising after the procedure. Our patients cannot be happier with the results.
