Alsara Vein Clinic has helped many patients achieve relief from Edema.
Edema (swelling) of the calf, ankle, foot, or leg is a common symptom of varicose veins that allows blood to flow backward and pool in the legs. Over time, some blood and other fluids can leak out of the vein into the surrounding tissue causing Edema (swelling). Edema Specialist and Vein Specialist Dr. Sam Gupta can help diagnose and treat Edema (swelling). Dr. Gupta is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.
At Alsara Vein Clinic, we treat vein problems all day, every day.
Leg, calf, foot, or ankle swelling (Edema) is a common sign of varicose veins.
The normal flow of blood in leg veins is against the force of gravity; from the foot to the thigh and then up towards the heart. When veins are stretched and enlarged (become varicose), they are too weak to overcome the force of gravity causing the blood to flow backward and pool in the legs. As the pooling continues throughout the day, the pressure inside the vein walls continues to increase. Eventually, some blood and other fluids can leak out of the vein into the surrounding tissue.
The pooling of blood, increased pressure and subsequent “leakage” causes swelling in the ankles and feet as gravity pulls the fluid down. As leakage continues, swelling can also be noted in the lower calf region and extend to the knee or even the thighs.
Swelling is more noticeable at the end of the day, especially if you have spent much of it sitting or standing still. When you elevate your legs, for example when you are sleeping, gravity is no longer a force working against the flow of the blood in your leg veins hence swelling is reduced. However, when you sit or stand, the swelling recurs. Other factors that can contribute to increased swelling include lifting or straining, pregnancy, heat (such as hot baths or sauna), and hormonal changes (that further relax and stretch the weak veins).
During the initial stages of edema, graduated compression stockings may be enough to diminish the tendency of the veins to stretch and control edema. Over time, patients may notice increasing leg fatigue, swelling, thinning of the skin, and discoloration of the overlying skin. Complications such as painful blood clots in the vein, bleeding from veins close to the skin surface, and nonhealing leg sores may develop. Many patients may also notice unsightly spider and varicose veins (Corona Phlebectatica).
Because of the potentially serious and long-term complications of varicose veins, proper treatment is important, and the best results are obtained before complications have already developed. A Vein Specialist can use a Duplex Ultrasound to check “leaky” varicose veins and treatment options.
Swelling in the legs can be a sign of poorly functioning veins. When the veins fail, blood that normally flows up toward the heart is pulled down by gravity to pool inside the legs. The backflow, called venous reflux, strains the vein walls and the plasma leaks out into the surrounding space leading to swelling in the feet, ankles, and calves. Leg swelling and associated skin changes are called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
Edema is primarily noted at the end of the day that can be improved with leg elevation. Left untreated, the recurrent and persistent accumulation of fluid inside the legs begins to stress the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system works as a safety valve to remove excess fluid from the legs. When both, the venous system and lymphatic systems fail, the condition is known as phlebolymphedema.
Lymphatic vessels carry protein-rich fluid and other macromolecules which leak out into the interstitial space. This can make the edema from CVI even worse. Furthermore, the lymphatic fluid triggers an inflammatory reaction that can cause the skin to become red and warm to touch, severe itching, and fluid leakage. Over time, fibrosis sets in, where some of the soft tissue and skin gets converted to hard “scar-like” tissue. At this stage, the condition is largely irreversible.
Modern treatment options available for diseased veins are safe, effective, and require no downtime. Almost all insurance companies offer coverage for the treatment of symptomatic vein problems. However, we do not have definitive treatments available for the management of lymphedema. Treatment of lymphedema, including phlebolymphedema, involves complete decongestive therapy (CDT) and lifelong conservative therapy. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment of edema offers the best chance for long-term symptom relief and protection against complications.
Lymphedema
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard for lymphedema management and is divided into two phases:
Phase I – Decongestion to decrease the swelling in the limb to as close to normal as possible with the assistance of a lymphedema therapist.
Phase II – Maintenance that involves continued care at home.
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.
Alsara Vein Clinic has helped many patients achieve relief from Edema.
The pooling of blood, increased pressure and subsequent “leakage” causes swelling in the ankles and feet as gravity pulls the fluid down. As leakage continues, swelling can also be noted in the lower calf region and extend to the knee or even the thighs.
During the initial stages of edema, graduated compression stockings may be enough to diminish the tendency of the veins to stretch and control edema. Over time, patients may notice increasing leg fatigue, swelling, thinning of the skin, and discoloration of the overlying skin. Complications such as painful blood clots in the vein, bleeding from veins close to the skin surface, and nonhealing leg sores may develop. Many patients may also notice unsightly spider and varicose veins (Corona Phlebectatica).
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.
