Leg Pain and/or Restless Legs Syndrome is a very common symptom of deeper vein problems. We've helped thousands achieve relief.

Even if you cannot see any visible or bulging varicose veins, your ongoing leg pain and/or restless legs syndrome may still be due to venous insufficiency. Other symptoms may include heavy legs, aching legs, tired legs, burning sensation in legs, itching, leg cramps or "charley horse", leg inflammation, swelling feet or ankles, skin discoloration, sores that heal poorly, skin ulcers, bleeding, even blood clots.

An estimated 60% of women and men suffer from vein disease.

How can I know if this is my problem?

We offer Consultations with a Board Certified Provider. They will visually examine your legs, evaluate your symptoms, answer any questions you may have, and determine whether an ultrasound "mapping" of your leg veins is necessary.

Ultrasound scanning is done in the office, is pain-free, and the results are available immediately. The Phlebologist (leg vein specialist) will perform a detailed examination, make a diagnosis, and then will discuss with you the best treatment options. Treatment is designed for each patient based on the results of the examination and ultrasound scan. Every patient is different, so an individualized treatment plan is essential.

How are varicose veins treated?

Fortunately, the days of painful vein stripping are over. Now, the treatments available are much safer, more effective, and patients are able to resume activities right away. We offer several minimally invasive, non-surgical, in-office procedures to ensure immediate and long-term results, including EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation), USGS (Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy), VenaSeal Closure System, and Microphlebectomy.

Leg problems don't wait – why should you?

If you're concerned about leg pain, endure leg pain or restless legs at night, or just wonder what is causing your lower leg pain or restless legs, claim your Free Consultation today and/or request an emailed informational brochure.

About Alsara Vein Clinic and Dr. Sam Gupta

Your Vein Specialist, Sam Gupta, M.D., M.P.H. completed his medical training at the Mayo Clinic and Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. He is one of the 795 Vein Specialists in the nation certified by The American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine. He has devoted his career solely to the diagnosis and management of the entire spectrum of vein disorders. Alsara Vein Clinic is focused on varicose vein treatment and serves the greater northwest Missouri area. Many patients who have come to us with symptoms of leg pain and restless legs have found lasting relief with our virtually pain-free in-office varicose veins treatment. We offer Consultations, no referral necessary.

Varicose Vein Treatments are coved by insurance including Medicare and Medicaid

Veins are all we do, all day, every day. We've treated over 12,000 patients, many of whom sought relief from leg pain and/or restless legs and had no idea what was causing it.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Good.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Good.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Good.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Good.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Good.

What made you choose us?

My regular doctor sent me to this clinic.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Phlebitis, burning, heaviness in leg.

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.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Polite and efficient.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Polite and efficient.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Thorough info, kind, professional.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Polite and efficient.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Polite and efficient.

What made you choose us?

Advertisement at festival / people with handouts.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Restless leg. Swelling, aching, foot cramps.

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.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

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.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Very good.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Very good.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Very good.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Good.

What made you choose us?

Doctor referral.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

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.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Friendly.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Knowledgeable & friendly.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Answered my questions.

What made you choose us?

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.

Medical Travel Info

Contact / Hours / Phone

• Consultation
• Ask the Expert
• Request More Info
• Feedback

• Medical Travel Info
• Map

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Excellent.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Excellent.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Excellent.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Excellent.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Excellent.

What made you choose us?

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.

President Donald Trump was recently diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). His diagnosis has sparked renewed interest in this common yet often overlooked condition. Many patients are now asking important questions: What is CVI? Is it serious? Who gets it? How is it treated? Let’s dive right in.

What is CVI?

Click to Play Video

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a medical condition in which the veins in the legs don’t function properly, making it difficult to pump blood back to the heart. This leads to circulation problems and a variety of leg symptoms.

In the early stages, symptoms may be subtle such as heaviness, fatigue, aching, throbbing, itching, or burning in the legs. As the condition progresses, due to inadequate blood flow to calf muscles patients may experience leg cramps (often called “Charley horses”) or restlessness at night (Restless Leg Syndrome).

Without treatment, CVI can worsen and lead to leg swelling, skin discoloration, bleeding varicose veins, recurrent skin infections, blood clots and poorly healing sores (ulcers)

How Common is CVI?

CVI is extremely common, affecting 10–35% of adults in the U.S. Both men and women are at risk, but women often develop symptoms earlier due to pregnancies and hormonal changes. In fact, nearly 40% of women over age 50 have some degree of CVI.

Risk factors include family history of vein disease, age and prolonged standing or sitting

Treatment of CVI

In the past, treatment for CVI often required invasive vein stripping surgery in a hospital, followed by a long and painful recovery. Thankfully, modern medicine has transformed vein care.

Today, CVI can be treated in the comfort of an office setting with minimally invasive procedures. Diseased veins are safely closed, restoring healthy circulation. Patients typically return to normal activities immediately with no downtime, and minimal discomfort. Many notice improvements in their legs as soon as the next day.

A quick, painless duplex ultrasound can diagnose CVI, and your vein specialist will review personalized treatment options. Almost all insurance plans including Medicare cover treatment of symptomatic vein disease.

Call Alsara Vein Clinic today at 816-396-0245 for a Consultation. We offer same-day appointments.

Restless Leg Syndrome

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• Contact Us

Varicose Vein Treatments are coved by insurance including Medicare and Medicaid

• VEIN DISEASE - OVERVIEW
• Varicose Veins
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency
• Blood Clots
• Spider Veins
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Edema (swelling)
• Infection / Leg Ulcers
• Neuropathy

Many patients now recognize that varicose veins may not be visible from the outside. Most of our patients report experiencing tiredness, cramping (charley horse), restlessness, or swelling in the legs. Those whose condition has not reached one of the advanced stages often wonder if they are at increased risk of anything that could be limb or life-threatening.

Click to Play Video

At least one-third of our patients clearly have signs of advanced venous insufficiency – when varicose veins have progressed to a point where the chronic pooling of blood (stasis) in the legs causes skin changes. They may notice skin discoloration, thickening or hardening of the skin, recurrent skin infections, bleeding that can be profuse, and poorly healing sores in the legs. In addition, varicose veins may be an early warning sign of potentially deadly blood clots.

We routinely see patients with blood clots. Some are referred by their primary care providers and others present themselves with concerns about blood clots. Yet there are many patients who are surprised to find that they have a blood clot when we examine them using duplex ultrasound.

Introduction

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs to alleviate discomfort, ranging from aching and throbbing to itching and crawling sensations.² Articulating these sensations can be challenging for some patients.

Who gets it?

Initially documented in 1945, RLS, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease³, was reported to affect around 5% of the population. Recent studies, however, indicate a prevalence ranging from 3% to 15%. It tends to occur more frequently in women, with a nearly 2:1 female-to-male ratio. As age advances, there is a positive correlation with RLS prevalence. Genetics plays a role, as up to 25% of first-degree relatives of individuals with RLS report similar symptoms.⁴

Connecting Varicose Veins and RLS

Even in the 1940s, when Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) was first identified, Dr. Ekbom suggested that venous disease could be a potential cause. However, it took around fifty years to firmly establish this connection. A groundbreaking 1995 study published in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery treated 113 individuals with restless legs and ultrasound-confirmed vein disease using sclerotherapy.⁵ Surprisingly, 98% of participants reported immediate relief. Subsequent studies have consistently supported this link, uncovering RLS symptoms in individuals with primary and recurrent varicose veins¹. Addressing superficial venous insufficiency has proven effective in alleviating RLS symptoms for most patients. Nonetheless, it's essential to acknowledge that certain conditions, including iron deficiency anemia, pregnancy, kidney failure, various neurological conditions, and specific medications, can also contribute to RLS symptoms.

Explaining the connection

Impaired venous blood return in the legs, particularly in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), may drive the subconscious urge to move the legs (RLS), forcing you to use your muscles that help pump blood back to the heart. Inflammation associated with CVI could lead to overactive nerves, intensifying the situation. Nighttime leg cramps and pain, often linked to varicose veins, can further disrupt sleep, aggravating leg restlessness.

Determining if Varicose Veins might be responsible for Restless Legs

A straightforward and noninvasive duplex ultrasound in your Vein Specialist’s office can identify any underlying venous issues. The Vein Specialist will review a treatment strategy if venous insufficiency is found. Typically, the affected veins are closed using one of the FDA-approved treatment modalities to reroute blood flow through healthier veins.⁶

Conclusion

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a common issue often linked to varicose veins. You might also be encountering other symptoms of varicose veins and associated venous insufficiency, including sensations of heaviness, fatigue, aching, cramping, and swelling in the legs. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, leading to potential complications such as blood clots, bleeding, frequent skin infections, and slow-healing sores. Medications for RLS, such as Ropinirole and Pramipexole, may mask the symptoms without addressing the underlying problem. Reach out to Alsara Vein Clinic at 816-396-0245 for a complimentary Consultation.

Take the initial step towards relief and an improved quality of life.

1. Restless legs syndrome symptoms in primary care: a prevalence study. Nichols DA, Allen RP, Grauke JH, et al. Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2323–2329
2. Restless legs syndrome: diagnostic criteria, special considerations, and epidemiology:Sleep Med. 2003;4:101–119. 
3. Restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease diagnostic criteria Sleep Med. 2014;15:860–873. [
4. Treatment of Leg Veins for Restless Leg Syndrome: A Retrospective Review, Swaminathan et al, Cureus 2019
5. The effect of sclerotherapy on restless legs syndrome Dermatol Surg 1995 April 21 
6. The effect of endovenous laser ablation on restless legs syndrome Hayes et al Phlebology June 2008

Restless Legs (RLS) and Leg Cramps

Read More about Restless Leg Syndrome

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Varicose Vein Treatments are coved by insurance including Medicare and Medicaid

• Signs & Symptoms
• Leg Cramps & Restless Legs

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Very helpful, personable & accommodating.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Knowledgable, careful & considerate.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Knowledgable, careful & considerate.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Very helpful, personable & accommodating.

What made you choose us?

Referral from Urgent Care.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Blood clotting in leg veins.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Restless legs in the evening, painful muscle cramps in right calf and foot a couple of times per month. [After treatment] as of 3 weeks out, no problems with either issue.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Well, they both look a lot better! I'm thinking about becoming a middle-aged male leg model next summer.

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 nice to feel like everyone at the clinic knew me and cared how things turned out for me. No suggestions for improvement, other than hiring smaller "mosquitos".

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

The Front Desk was very friendly and helpful..

Ultrasound Technologist:

Explained everything she was doing. Love the service.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Was very concerned that everything was done.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Great service.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Great service.

What made you choose us?

Advertisement.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Leg cramps, pain, swelling, restless legs.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do?

I could not walk very far without hurting, loss of sleep.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

No restless legs, can walk without hurting. No 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?

Everyone was very friendly and informed me of what I needed to do. I appreciated being told what the colors on the [ultrasound] screen meant. I was very confident about my before and after care.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Excellent.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Excellent. I mainly had Kati but both girls are great.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Dr. Gupta is the best!

What made you choose us?

Meeting Dr. Gupta at Josephine Expo.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Very severe Restless Legs.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

On medications for my legs that really weren't working anymore.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Restless legs have improved greatly.

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 was always greeted & seen very quickly. No long waits in the waiting room or exam room. The staff was all friendly & knew me when I came in the door. I felt like I was their only patient. I have recommended your clinic to others.

Signs and Symptoms

The initial signs and symptoms may include:

• Aching
• Burning or numbness
• Cramping or 'Charley horse'
• Heaviness
• Itching
• Leg pain
• Restlessness in legs
• Tiredness

• Swelling in feet ankles and calves

• Left untreated, may result in skin discoloration, bleeding veins, sores that heal poorly, and blood clots.

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• Contact Us

Varicose Vein Treatments are coved by insurance including Medicare and Medicaid

• Signs & Symptoms
• Leg Cramps & Restless Legs

Click to Play Video

I was born and raised in St. Joseph. I work at Missouri Western State University. I have two children and six grandchildren.

I had had pain in my leg for quite some time. I had been to my primary care doctor and [was] told that I had phlebitis. They would give me medication and it would never completely go away. It finally got to the point that I began to worry whether or not I had a blood clot, because it was very sore to touch and it was a bit warm. So I went to an urgent care clinic and was told ‘no, it’s not a blood clot’ and sent home. And I just felt like there was something else going on.

And so – after my friend had been here and had such a great experience – I thought maybe this is what I need to check out. So I made an appointment and came in for a consultation and, sure enough, two blood clots were found the day that I was here.

The two big things that I noticed with my problems that I had in my leg were: it was very painful to touch. It would also be sore in that area. Sometimes, when I walked, I would have pain. And then at night I had terrible leg cramps, and I would have restless legs. They would be twitching all the time.

The pain in my leg would bother me quite a bit when I would be driving or sitting for a long period of time. And I have to travel a lot for my job. And there were times my leg would just be so sore just sitting in the car.

Well, when I first heard about it from my coworker, and she was explaining how you had helped her and what a positive experience that she had had, I started thinking ‘you know, maybe that’s what I really should check into and see if that might be able to solve my problems. If I came to you, I could find out for sure what was going on with my leg. And so, of course, I was a little apprehensive coming, and I was apprehensive with the treatment, but honestly, it was not a big deal at all, and it was so worth doing it.

I would say that my experience from the first time I walked in the door until now has been very positive. Everyone has been very professional. The staff I consider friends, as well as the people who are taking care of me. Dr. Gupta has been excellent in educating me and making sure that I was comfortable. And I’ve always been encouraged to be back in touch if I have any concerns about any issues with my legs.

The outcome from my treatment has been that I am able to go to sleep at night knowing that I am not going to wake up with any cramping in my legs. I have no problems with the restless legs anymore, and it’s just nice to be able to relax. The biggest change it’s made is that I am able to sleep at night, and get a good night's sleep, and not have to worry about waking up because of cramping.

Not only would I recommend that someone with vein problems come here, but I have recommended someone with vein problems come here. We were having a conversation about the problems in my legs and the problems in her legs, and she hadn’t really considered that it could be a vein issue. And since then, she has gone for treatment, as well, so.

Click to Play Video

I’m a cardiovascular tech and I’ve had some leg and feet issues ever since I was about 18 years old. And so, throughout the years, I have tried to find what the issue was; what was causing the problem. That is when I learned about your clinic.

Many treatments that I have tried, we went into lab work to x-ray, we’re never able to find the problem in anything. I had waited several months, kind of let things go to see if my doctor would end up doing any more testing. That was another great reason whenever I came here for my consultation, that we were going to go further here. Once you guys did my ultrasound, that is when Dr. Gupta said that I had some issues and he wanted to try the treatment. I have a lot of relief in my legs now.

Once I was billed with my insurance, I was very surprised that there was little cost to me.

I was a little bit nervous whenever I made the appointment and we were going to continue with the treatment. But the more that Dr. Gupta explained to me with very great detail, I felt more and more comfortable, and I was ready to make the appointment and go further with it. My first impression that I had after Dr. Gupta had said that we were going to try the laser procedure, that I felt a little bit of relief and I had great hope that I would be able to be active again.

Actually, for the treatment – laser procedure – there was no pain, [a] quick recovery, and I also had quick relief of all of the symptoms that I was experiencing. I would say, once the recovery process – about after 3 days – I could tell a difference. I would say, give it about one week, and I felt a major relief. The main thing after the treatment that I can tell that has helped the most is I don’t feel as if I’m an elephant standing on two little feet. All the pressure is gone and the weight has come off of my legs. It feels extremely good!

During the laser treatment, I guess “mosquito bites” is a good example for [the initial numbing pin pricks]. They were small. There weren’t many. Once you had the complete numbing process, there was nothing that you could feel. During my recovery, after we had the treatment here at the office, everyone – the staff – helped me get my leggings on so I could leave, and I went on about my Friday evening to a painting class. There was no downtime.

[Before], it was just a lot of the restless leg. I felt like my legs were numb. I felt like I needed to get up, walk around, get some movement. There’s a lot of difference, anywhere from being in the car rides to just doing your normal activities, or me being at work just standing for long periods of time. [Now], a lot of it is gone.

Between Dr. Gupta and his polite bedside manner, and the staff – they’re great too, I’ve recommended and I’ve told people about your office. It’s a great place. Helped me a lot. I can say, Dr. Gupta will sit and talk to you and explain everything thoroughly to help you feel more relaxed about the treatment that you’d be having.

I have a feeling, if I would not have had the procedure done, that I would still be at home trying to avoid a lot of activities, not getting out there and doing as much as what I could be doing or what I had been doing, so, it’s just been a big relief to me.

Unhealthy veins are like weeds in a garden

Left untreated, they continue to worsen and turn into a serious problem.

Maybe you’ve seen the blue or purple squiggly veins on your legs that look like lines on a roadmap and wondered how to get rid of them. Maybe you are experiencing pain, cramps, restlessness, or have sores on your legs, and you were told by your Primary Care Provider that you have varicose veins. Perhaps you wondered “What the heck are varicose veins anyway” and “How do I get rid of them?”

What is a Varicose Vein (and CVI)?

In simplest terms, varicose veins are faulty blood vessels that have become overstretched and swollen with blood.

When your heart beats, it pumps blood through arteries to every part of your body carrying oxygen and essential nutrients. Since you have a limited amount of blood (about 5 liters in an adult), the deoxygenated blood returns to the heart via countless veins in your body. The veins in your legs are farthest from the heart and must work against gravity to push blood back to the heart. Compounded by other risk factors, some veins wear out over time and become “varicose”. The pooling of blood in varicose veins may cause symptoms such as heaviness, tiredness, itching, burning, cramping, restlessness and pain. Left untreated, the increased pressure of blood in the leg veins can leak out, causing problems such as edema, skin discoloration, sores in legs that heal poorly, and frequent skin infections. This condition is called Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).

Who gets them?

Although varicose veins affect both men and women, they are slightly more common in women who tend to have them at an earlier age. This may also have to do with the fact that men are less inclined to seek timely medical care. Hence, it is not a surprise that men have more advanced stages of varicose veins and CVI by the time they see a vein specialist compared to women. People in general are more likely to get them as they get older.

Frequently there is a genetic predisposition to vein problems. That means that if your mom or your sister has them, you are more likely to also have them. Things that put pressure on your legs and feet — like being overweight or standing for a long time, every day, without exercise — can also cause varicose veins. Pregnancies also make veins worse due to increased pressure of the uterus and the extra blood volume.

Do I need these veins?  How do I get rid of them?

Once a vein is varicose, it is a diseased blood vessel much like a “weed” in your yard. Just like weeds compete for space and nutrients in your yard (and are formidable competitors!), varicose veins have weakened walls that facilitate easy entry of blood but instead of pushing the blood back in circulation, the blood tends to pool in them causing a wide variety of problems including life-threatening blood clots.

In the past, varicose veins were “stripped” much like pulling weeds from the yard. This was a painful, imprecise, and invasive surgery with significant downtime, scarring, and risk of complications. Even worse, many patients required additional treatment due to other veins rapidly becoming varicose.

In the last 15 to 20 years, our increased understanding of venous disease, modern tools available for accurate diagnosis, and minimally invasive treatments have revolutionized how we treat vein problems in legs. After your vein specialist has performed a detailed ultrasound scan of your legs, he/she will create a “road map”. Then, using tools such as Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), your Vein Specialist can seal the underlying varicose veins at their source, much like closing the large root of weeds from the inside. Any smaller, persistent veins can then be treated using injection sclerotherapy that is analogous to using a weed killer in your yard. Some unsightly varicose veins are removed by microphlebectomy, the careful removal of unwanted veins through tiny openings using very fine instruments without the need for sutures or risk of scarring.

Current treatments are very safe, effective, and provide long-lasting relief without any downtime or painful recovery. Since varicose veins and CVI are serious problems, almost all health insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, offer coverage for necessary scans and treatments.

Contact Alsara Vein Clinic at 816-396-0245 to set up a Consultation today.

– and bikini contests!

Where did summer go? It seems like only yesterday the snow had finally melted, after a prolonged winter, and here I am talking about fall. In fairness, this summer was an extraordinarily busy time for us at Alsara Vein Clinic. We saw more new patients in July than any other month in the past. Every one of my staff members worked extra, long hours to ensure each patient received top-notch care, even in the face of increased patient volume and the numerous urgent requests to see a patient the same day.

I am humbled by both the confidence that numerous referring providers have in our care and the trust of patients who refer family and friends. For example, Jim*, a 76-year-old gentleman, came to Alsara Vein Clinic after exhausting all options at hospitals and other clinics in the area. With a tracheostomy collar in place, he was unable to talk and breathe at the same time, yet he had much to discuss. After providing his medical history, he cleared his “airway trash”, drew a deep breath, and concluded by saying, “I am hanging by the last straw. My neighbor across the street advised me to come to you. You took care of him when he had no hope that anything could be done.” Since then, the topic of his conversation has been anything but medical. Taking swift breaks to inhale, he seemed more interested in talking about his friends, family and his many aspirations although, as he politely stated, “I realize that I won’t be able to participate in a bikini contest anytime soon!”

Later that week I saw Tom**, a 58-year-old, who had avoided seeking care as he was sure that leg amputation was going to be the only option available, given the advanced stage of chronic venous insufficiency in his leg. It seems that every clinic day has its fair share of patients with swelling, severe leg cramps, and restlessness. We also see many male patients with clots, bleeding, and poorly healing sores in their legs, all of which are features of advanced, chronic venous insufficiency.

A detailed duplex ultrasound scan (Mapping) provides us with a “road map” of all the key veins in the legs. The goal of every treatment modality is to get rid of the underlying varicose veins and restore proper blood flow by routing blood to the healthy veins. The new, modern, minimally invasive treatments allow us the opportunity to eliminate the diseased veins safely and effectively with very little downtime; these are also much safer than surgeries used in the past. Over the last 10 years, further advancements have occurred in our understanding of venous diseases and the options available to treat them. For instance, the latest 1470 nm laser used at Alsara Vein Clinic offers a 40-fold improvement in energy absorption, compared to older generation lasers, resulting in even less bruising and discomfort. All treatments including Endovenous Laser Ablation and Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy are performed in the comfort of the office setting and patients can resume normal activities immediately.

I feel very fortunate for the technology and scientific knowledge backed by the experience of successfully treating thousands of patients over the past decade. Although participating in a bikini contest is not completely ruled out for Jim*, I suspect that he will put his legs to much greater use in the years ahead!

Concerns about your legs? Call Alsara Vein Clinic at 816-396-0245 to set up a Consultation today.

Sam Gupta, MD, MPH

* Jim is an actual patient of Alsara Clinic and has graciously given permission to use his quotes, story and images.
** Tom – his name changed to protect confidentiality.