Detailed scan for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) as well as Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT)
The best test currently available for thrombosis (clot) in the legs is a color flow duplex ultrasound. At Alsara Vein Clinic, we utilize very high-resolution ultrasound capable of diagnosing clots in even the smaller deep veins in the calf.
Dr. Gupta is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. All clinical staff has specialized education and training for the management of venous diseases including all types of blood clots. Urgent Care centers, Primary Care Providers, Patients, and their relatives routinely call us for same-day appointments.
At Alsara Vein Clinic, we treat vein problems all day, every day. Unlike duplex ultrasound performed at an Emergency Room that focuses only on deep vein thrombosis (DVT), we check for DVT and SVT. Do not let yourself or your loved one be another victim of an undiagnosed dangerous blood clot.
Superficial Thrombophlebitis and Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clots) are other potential complications from varicose veins.
Varicose veins are prone to developing Superficial Thrombophlebitis (SVT) as well as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Superficial Thrombophlebitis is characterized by redness of the skin, tenderness, and pain along the affected superficial vein just below the skin surface. As opposed to deep veins, blood clots in the superficial veins are less severe and generally do not break off and go to the lungs.
Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT on the other hand is a more severe condition. The vein in the leg still becomes inflamed and forms a blood clot. However, Deep Vein Thrombosis has the potential to cause a “pulmonary embolism” – a potentially life-threatening condition – if the clot breaks loose and travels to the right side of the heart and eventually migrates to the lungs.
Embolism: a blood clot that travels from the site where it was formed
Thrombus: a blood clot that forms in a vessel
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): 5 X higher risk of DVT in people with Varicose Veins
Pulmonary Embolism (PE): blood clot travels through the heart and blocks a blood vessel in the lung
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): 1.7 X higher risk of Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
A landmark study was published in JAMA, a very reputable medical journal, that demonstrated how people who have varicose veins have five times (5X) higher risk for clots in the deep veins that can be potentially fatal. Those blood clotscan take off and get lost in areas like the lungs and cause conditions like Pulmonary Embolism.
In the initial stages of varicose veins, people may only see some spider veins or ropey veins, and sometimes there are no visible veins. You may have pain, heaviness, tiredness, restless legs, leg cramps, etc. More advanced stages are when you have skin changes, discoloration, bleeding, ulcers that are slow to heal, and blood clots.
Restless Leg Syndrome? Alsara Vein Clinic has helped many patients achieve relief.
Varicose Veins and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) have many symptoms in common: an urge to move your legs, that creepy-crawly feeling, itching, tingling, and restlessness. These symptoms may be an indication of poor circulation, even if you have no visible varicose veins. Phlebologist and Vein Specialist Dr. Sam Gupta can help diagnose and treat restless leg syndrome and symptoms. 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.
Varicose veins are a common cause of secondary RLS
Jumping can be good... as long as you have control over it!
Varicose veins are a common cause of secondary RLS (restless leg syndrome). For those who have varicose veins, the symptoms of restlessness in legs center on the fact that leg muscles and tissue are not getting enough oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood. That "pins-and-needles" feeling is their body's way of telling them they need more blood flowing through their legs, and it creates an urge to move, making it difficult to sleep at night. In addition to cramps ("Charley horse") and restlessness in the legs, varicose vein sufferers may also notice heaviness, excessive tiredness, and aching in the legs. Left untreated the underlying venous insufficiency (pooling of blood in legs) may cause swelling, clots, and sores.
Primary Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Some patients have Primary RLS (restless leg syndrome). This means that the cause is unknown. In addition to varicose veins, there are other secondary causes of RLS including iron deficiency anemia, kidney failure, side effects of certain medications (such as medications used to control depression), peripheral neuropathy, and dehydration (inadequate fluid intake or caffeine intake).
If you experience restlessness in your legs, consult with a Vein Specialist to see if varicose veins may be the cause. A duplex ultrasound examination in the comforts of the office setting can help determine if varicose veins are present.
Treatment of varicose veins may alleviate the symptoms of RLS (restless leg syndrome). One study found that 98% with RLS (restless leg syndrome) and varicose veins noted improvement after treatment of varicose veins with sclerotherapy.* Newer treatments such as endovenous laser ablation are more effective than sclerotherapy and offer longer-term solutions. The use of medications to mask symptoms of RLS (restless leg syndrome) may cause side effects without addressing the underlying cause. Other ways to manage symptoms of restlessness in the legs include calf exercises, weight loss, and the use of graduated compression stockings.
*Dermatol Surg. 1995 Apr;21(4):328-32. The effect of sclerotherapy on restless legs syndrome.
Injection Sclerotherapy and Varithena® Vein Treatments
Injection Sclerotherapy is a method of treating varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency using medication that is injected into a vein, causing it to close. Varithena® is a new, cutting-edge treatment option approved by the FDA in 2013. It is one of the most popular and effective treatments available to improve symptoms of superficial venous incompetence and the appearance of visible varicosities. Phlebologist and Sclerotherapy Specialist Dr. Sam Gupta can help diagnose and treat varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency with a variety of treatment modalities, including Sclerotherapy and Varithena®. 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.
Ultrasound Guided SclerotherapyInjection Sclerotherapy, also known as Echosclerotherapy, is a method of treating varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency using medication that is injected into a vein, causing it to close. Healthy veins then take over to correct blood flow back to the heart, resulting in symptom improvement. Using ultrasound guidance is essential in achieving long-term results and ensures the most complete treatment of all diseased veins.
How Does This Vein Treatment Process Work?
When the injectable agent comes in contact with the inside lining of the vein, the treated vein collapses and is soon replaced by a thin cord of fibrous tissue. The vein is now permanently closed. This process is called sclerosis, hence the name "sclerotherapy". The treated vein is then slowly absorbed by your body and eventually disappears.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (USGS) is a highly versatile treatment and useful to treat any residual varicose veins that may persist after Endovenous Laser Ablation varicose veins treatment. This ensures comprehensive treatment of the entire diseased network of veins for long-term benefit.
This USGS treatment assumes a major role in the treatment of venous insufficiency, as well as smaller veins, such as telangiectasias and spider veins. USGS is considered the "Gold Standard" for treating spider veins, which are smaller versions of varicose veins that are visible under the skin surface. The success of the sclerotherapy relies upon the experience and skill of the provider. Choosing the right sclerosant, target, volume, concentration, and “exposure time” make the difference between success and failure. Your Vein Specialist at Alsara Vein Clinic is highly skilled in administering USGS treatments.
Varithena® is a new, cutting-edge treatment option approved by the FDA in 2013. It is one of the most popular and effective treatments available to improve symptoms of superficial venous incompetence and the appearance of visible varicosities. Administered under ultrasound guidance, it damages the interior lining of the problem vein and causes it to close shut. Over a period of several months, the body will slowly absorb the treated veins by the process of fibrosis.
When is Varithena® recommended?
Varithena® is not used for all forms of varicose veins. It is approved for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins, accessory saphenous veins, and visible varicosities of the great saphenous vein (GSV) system above and below the knee. Typically, Varithena® is used for residual varicosities after the truncal veins have been sealed with other treatment modalities such as thermal ablation (EVLA, RFA) or VenaSeal™. Treatments are tailored to individual patients' needs and circumstances. Your Vein Specialist will make the determination for you.
What happens after treatment?
Post-treatment bandages are applied, and compression stockings are used for a minimum of 1 week. It is important to stay active and avoid prolonged inactivity. Also avoid excessively heavy weightlifting, high impact activities, and exposure to heat.
What are the risks involved in the use of Varithena®?
Localized numbness, tenderness, redness, tingling, and bruising are not uncommon. These changes are typically near the injection site and resolve over time.
Varithena
Alsara Vein Clinic specializes in injection sclerotherapy and Varithena® treatments of varicose veins.
Dr. Gupta is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. All clinical staff has specialized education and training for the management of venous diseases including all types of blood clots. Urgent Care centers, Primary Care Providers, Patients, and their relatives routinely call us for same-day appointments.
If you experience restlessness in your legs, consult with a Vein Specialist to see if varicose veins may be the cause. A duplex ultrasound examination in the comforts of the office setting can help determine if varicose veins are present.
