If you are one of the 80 million Americans suffering from varicose or spider veins but have feared seeking treatment will result in painful surgical procedures, rest assured that non-invasive treatments are available. Technological developments in vein treatment procedures have provided vein care physicians with many non-surgical procedures to eliminate unsightly varicose and spider veins.

Recent medical advancements have presented vein care specialists with technological leaps in treatment options, including the implementation of Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). Before Endovenous Laser Treatment was available, patients seeking vein treatment were subjected to vein stripping, a painful and lengthy surgery that requires anesthesia and a long recovery period and offered lower effectiveness.

Some of the benefits of Endovenous Laser Treatment include:

• A simple procedure
• Minimally invasive
• Minimal risk of scarring and infection
• Quick examination and treatment time
• Rapid recovery
• Immediate resumption of daily activities

Differing from vein stripping, EVLT does not involve surgical removal of the veins; instead the treatment permanently seals off the incompetent vein using targeted heating. The procedure involves a thin fiber threaded through the diseased vein. The heat is applied causing the vein to swell and stick together, closing it off. Blood flow is redirect to healthy, functioning veins. Once the vein is sealed off over time it will be dissolve by the body and disappear.

If you have considered seeking treatment for your varicose vein, contact Boulder Vein Center today or call 303-449-VEIN (8346), to speak with a certified vein care specialist. Boulder Vein Center’s experienced staff will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that will most effectively remove your varicose and spider veins using the least invasive technique possible.

Posted in Varicose Veins on May 11th, 2012 · No Comments

Boulder Vein Center is the first vein treatment center in Boulder to carry the new VenaCure 1470nm Laser. The new model offers an easier to use laser system with added features to allow for more veins to be treated in one sitting. The new VenaCure 1470nm Laser utilizes water to absorb excess laser energy, minimizing the risk for heating in nearby veins causing collateral damage.

Treating varicose veins with the new VenaCure 1470nm Laser offers:

• More than 20 safety features
• Faster procedure set-up
• Protective barrier to prevent particles from interfering with the laser
• Internal sensors which monitor wattage for constant energy output
• Sound pulses for audible tracking which increases repeatability of treatment
• Aiming beam with variable modes and brightness increases visibility in patient
• Real-time on-screen display of treatment energy for increased physician efficiency

In 1993 AngioDynamics created the world’s first commercial high-power medical diode laser, and now, nearly 20 years later, an upgraded and improved laser, the VenaCure 1470nm has been released. The lasers built by AngioDynamics have established themselves as the leading minimally invasive, quick and effective tools for treating varicose veins and other venous disease. Boulder Vein Center is proud to partner with this progressive company.

With use of the VenaCure 1470nm Laser, Boulder Vein Center provides our patients with only the most state-of-the-art, efficient and effective technology. This allows us to offer the best service to our patients.  Contact Boulder Vein Center today at 303-449-VEIN (8346), or visit us online to learn more about the new VenaCure 1470nm Laser or schedule an appointment for a complimentary leg vein screening.

Posted in Varicose Veins on May 8th, 2012 · No Comments

The Boulder Vein Center offers only the latest treatment techniques for all types of vein disorders. Each treatment plan is individually designed to meet the needs of the patient following a thorough examination. Only after the severity of the vein disease is established can effective treatment options be determined.

Foam sclerotherapy and laser treatments are well-established as highly effective treatments for varicose veins. In some cases a combination of laser treatment and foam sclerotherapy is used to treat the diseased veins.

Combination therapy involves the use of both state of the art laser treatment and time tested foam sclerotherapy. These treatments can be used in conjunction with one another for the treatment of extensive varicose veins. Using these minimally invasive treatment options together allows for increased treatment of infected areas in one session, rapid removal and excellent cosmetic appearance. Additionally combination therapy reduces the risk of veins returning.

Patients preparing for combination therapy are advised to stay well hydrated and exercise the legs as much as possible. Following treatment, heavy lifting and intense exercise is discouraged for about a week. While recovering, patients are also advised to wear compression stockings for at least 10 days to promote circulation and speed healing. The patient care instructions provided by the doctor are designed to reduce complications and improve the overall cosmetic appearance, it is in your best interest to follow them carefully.

The Boulder Vein Center utilized the latest advances in vein care technology to provide state of the art varicose vein treatment options. Contact the Boulder Vein Center now at 303-449-VEIN to learn treatment options available for eliminating varicose veins.

Posted in Varicose Veins on May 3rd, 2012 · No Comments

A person’s weight does have a significant impact on skin and circulatory health. Specifically, being overweight can result in several issues, including varicose veins. These health problems can be attributed to factors such as changes in hormones, increased pressure on the legs and strain on the circulatory system.

Carrying extra weight, especially in the hips and waist, can contribute to increased pressure on the veins and a weakening of the valves. As the valves become weaker and muscle mass and tone is replaced with fatty tissue, the return of blood to the heart is obstructed, resulting in varicose veins. A sedentary lifestyle can also be a contributing factor to varicose veins. Without regular exercise the strength of the valve decreases quickly, preventing the blood from circulating efficiently.

Weight reduction may help to ease some of the symptoms associated with varicose veins. Many individuals have reported dramatic improvements in their varicose veins, and the related symptoms, after losing 10 to 14 pounds. Regular exercise is the most effective way of strengthening veins and improving circulatory health.

While varicose veins may seem like a merely cosmetic issue, they can cause more serious health issues. If you are currently overweight and suffering from varicose veins or experiencing lifestyle limiting symptoms including pain and swelling, make an appointment with a qualified vein specialist immediately. Boulder Vein Center offers state of the art vein treatments to relieve your symptoms and prevent further complications. Contact Boulder Vein Center at 303-449-VEIN to schedule an appointment today.

Posted in Varicose Veins on May 2nd, 2012 · No Comments

Overall, wellness is an important part of a healthy, active lifestyle. You do cardio exercise to strengthen your heart and use sunscreen to protect your skin, but what are you doing to maintain the health of your legs? Keeping your legs healthy is the most effective way to avoid vein disease and the associated complications.

Venous disease can occur in both women and men, regardless of age. Unfortunately some individuals may have a higher risk of developing venous disease. Factors including preexisting medical conditions, heredity, prior trauma to the legs or feet, surgery and pregnancy each make an individual more susceptible to developing vein disease. Luckily for these individuals there are lifestyle factors that can be adjusted to limit risk. Keeping up with regular exercise, staying active throughout the day, avoiding constricting clothes and shoes and wearing compression hose all work to maintain vein health.

To encourage circulation, a contributing factor to vein health, try incorporating these habits into your daily routine:

• Elevate your feet above the level of your heart whenever possible.
• Stretch your legs, feet and ankles every 45 minutes when seated. One good exercise is writing out letters of the alphabet in the air with your toes.
• Avoid extended periods of sitting or standing.

If you are concerned about your leg health or are experiencing symptoms, including varicose veins, leg pain, swelling of the legs or heaviness, associated with vein disease, make an appointment with a vein specialist immediately. Boulder Vein Center offers non-invasive vein treatments to relieve your symptoms and prevent further complications arising from untreated vein disease. Contact Boulder Vein Center at 303-449-VEIN to schedule an appointment today.

Posted in Awards on April 26th, 2012 · No Comments

Unfortunately not; no amount of exercise can do away with spider veins or varicose veins once they have formed.

However, regular exercise will help to prevent formation of spider and varicose veins in the future. Exercise supports circulation, strengthening the veins and improving muscle tone, both of which reduce the breakdown of veins. Exercises designed to strengthen the legs, including walking, running or cycling, have been shown slow the development of spider and varicose veins.

While daily exercise works to slow the development of spider and varicose veins, there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of formation. Behavioral and lifestyle changes may be implemented to reduce the risk of the breakdown of veins:

• Use moisturizers and sunscreen to slow the aging process of skin and breakdown of surface veins.
• Limit salt intake and stay hydrated to strengthen the circulatory system.
• Wear compression stockings to restore normal blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Maintain a healthy blood pressure.

If you have a family history of spider and varicose veins, each of the measures listed above should be implemented to fight the development of spider and varicose veins. In the case that these veins do develop, the experts at Boulder Vein Center offer state of the art, pain-free treatments to relieve your symptomatic and cosmetic vein disorders. Contact us or call 303-449-VEIN today to discuss your vein treatment options.

Posted in Varicose Veins on April 23rd, 2012 · No Comments

For many athletes varicose veins have become an unfortunate side effect of long hours spent training. Sports that involve hours of repetitive motions and leg strain can weaken the vein so it is no longer able to function and return blood to the heart, resulting in varicose veins.

Luckily, some athletes have discovered a simple solution that both reduces swelling and leg strain and helps prevent varicose veins; graduated compression hose. Specifically used by skiers and cyclists, compression hose add extra support to encourage circulation, making it less painful for them to perform.

Compression hose can:

• Provide structure to vein walls, improving circulation. The compression not only forces the valves to shut, but the veins are molded in to a position of a normally functioning vein, encouraging blood to flow.

• Relieve pain by forcing fluid out of the leg.  Backed up fluids and pooled blood can cause nearly debilitating pain. The compression prevents fluid from collecting and causing this severe pain.

• Reduce swelling and restore range of motion.

To learn more about how compression hose may help you perform better as an athlete or if you are experiencing pain or swelling in your legs or any of the symptoms listed in our previous blog (link to symptoms of vein disease blog) contact Boulder Vein Center or call 303-449-8346 to schedule an appointment today.

Posted in Uncategorized on April 17th, 2012 · No Comments

Did you know that varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue?  You may not have realized that varicose veins are a symptom of underlying vein disease. When left untreated vein disease can cause severe medical issues. As vein disease progresses the vein becomes weaker, eventually resulting in blood pooling in the vein as the veins are unable to pump blood back to the heart. This pooling creates a buildup of pressure and can cause one, or more, of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Heaviness
• Throbbing
• Skin rash
• Leg cramps
• Tenderness and pain
• Restless or twitchy legs
• Burning along the veins
• Swelling in the legs and ankles

If your varicose veins are causing pain, swelling, or skin changes or you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, make an appointment to see a certified vein specialist immediately. Boulder Vein Center offers non-invasive, state of the art varicose vein treatments to relieve your pain and prevent further complications due to untreated vein disease. Contact Boulder Vein Center or call 303-449-8346.to schedule an appointment today.

Posted in Uncategorized on April 13th, 2012 · No Comments

Teaching is a rewarding job in many ways, but new studies have revealed that the long hours standing at the blackboard are making a significant impact on the circulatory health of these professionals. Countless hours spent on their feet has rendered a large number of teachers vulnerable to varicose veins. According to the Department of Community Medicine as many as 77% of teachers, primarily women, suffer from varicose veins.

The strain of standing for long periods of time puts the legs under significant pressure. The strain prevents the legs from circulating the blood back to the heart effectively. Without effective circulation, blood starts to backup and pool in the veins, resulting in varicose veins.

Unfortunately, once varicose veins are present, there is no way to reverse the condition apart from medical treatment. The good news is that, in the majority of cases, varicose veins cause only slight discomfort and the associated health risks are limited except for some extreme cases.

While there is no way to stop the formation of varicose veins, there are steps that can be taken to slow them. Regular exercise is important in maintaining healthy circulation and increasing blood flow. Following a day of standing, elevate the legs to reduce swelling. Allow gravity to move the blood and relieve some of the stress on the veins. Compression hose are commonly recommended for professionals who spend a great deal of time of their feet. These stocking, available in different strengths and colors, encourage blood flow and provide support. These methods will only provide temporary relief from varicose veins. To eliminate the discomfort and embarrassment of varicose veins, seek treatment from a qualified vein specialist.

If you are suffering from varicose veins as a result of being on your feet all day for work, Dr. Richard Fox and the team at Boulder Vein Center can help. Call 303-954-4850 to schedule a varicose vein screening and learn about the best treatment options for you.

Posted in Uncategorized on March 12th, 2012 · No Comments

The Boulder Vein Center is offering complimentary screenings to patients in the Boulder and Denver area, interested in eliminating their varicose and spider veins.

Boulder Vein Center Free Screenings Dates:

Thurs. March 8^th 1pm – 5pm

Tues. March 13^th 8am-5pm

Tues. March 20^th 8am – 5pm

Our varicose vein specialists will meet with you and help you understand your vein condition free of charge and with no obligation to continue treatment.

To learn more about varicose vein screenings, check out our blog posting on: What to Expect During a Varicose Vein Treatment.

At Boulder Vein Center, your satisfaction and comfort are essential to our practice. Contact our experts today at 303-954-4850 to schedule a free varicose vein screening. We’d be honored to provide you with the relief you’ve been looking for!

Posted in Uncategorized on March 7th, 2012 · No Comments