Varicose Veins and Pregnancy

Varicose veins and leg swelling are commonly associated with pregnancy. Many of our patients remark: "These veins showed up after my third child," or "I blame this problem on my kids!"

It's true. Increased blood volume, hormonal changes and weight on the pelvis from the growing uterus all influence the formation of varicose veins. These factors come together to increase pressure in the lower extremity veins, and cause failure of the one-way valves that normally regulate the pressure in leg veins.

Vein issues may arise after pregnancy as well. One of our recent Bethesda patients came to us three months postpartum and was diagnosed with phlebitis, a painful, unsightly blood clot in a superficial vein. Blood can pool in the dilated veins that result from pregnancy, increasing the risk of blood clots in those locations.

Compression therapy during pregnancy and through the postpartum period, when the veins will eventually regress, is important in preventing blood clots. Once the baby is delivered and the patient's schedule permits, evaluation and correction of problem veins will eliminate the varicose veins and prevent further risk of clotting, pain, leg swelling and discoloration.

Patients of childbearing age who have varicose veins should be evaluated and treated, if possible, before getting pregnant. It is not true that women should "wait until after they've completed their family" to have varicose veins treated. Likewise, it is not true that "patients with bad varicose veins should not risk another pregnancy." In both cases, prompt evaluation and treatment will eliminate vein problems as factors in family planning decisions.

Varicose Veins and an Unusual Cause of Leg Swelling: Case Study

A patient at CVL's Leesburg, Virginia office came to us after many months of ankle and foot swelling. She had been to numerous other physicians and had many tests, none of which indicated a medical problem. Yet, the swelling was so extreme that she had to buy two different pairs of shoes because the left  was so tight!

As part of the standard testing for patients with leg or foot swelling, we ordered a venous ultrasound scan. This test looks specifically at the direction of blood flow in the leg. The reversal of flow in the veins, often seen with varicose veins, can lead to swelling even in the absence of visible varicosities.

This patient's ultrasound showed a strong suggestion of vein compression in the pelvic region, a recognized process leading to leg swelling. The condition is known as May-Thurner Syndrome, which involves compression of a left iliac vein in the pelvic region. It is easily treated on an outpatient basis, using a small stent placed in the problematic vein.

Interestingly, this medical condition is not widely appreciated as a cause of leg or foot swelling, as awareness of it as a possible cause requires a deeper knowledge of venous disease than even most well-trained physicians possess. When seeking treatment for varicose veins or leg swelling, be sure to seek advice from a specialist in venous disease - that is, a board certified phlebologist. Many specialists are starting to treat varicose veins, but your best choice is a vascular specialist who has spent many years pursing the treatment of venous problems.

If you have questions about your own leg veins or would like to arrange a free evaluation, please see us at any of the Virginia, Maryland or West Virginia locations.

Before Skin Damage Occurs, Rethink Waiting to Treat Varicose Veins: Case Study

A new patient finally came to CVL's Frederick, Maryland office after facing his fear of what he believed would be highly uncomfortable treatment of his large, painful varicose veins. He was at high risk due to his family history of varicose veins; both of his parents underwent surgical vein stripping many years ago, and he was unaware of the newer Venefit Procedure (formerly VNUS Closure), which has enabled highly effective and relatively painless treatment. He came to see me after developing a painful skin ulcer on his ankle. The ulcer had prevented him from working for the past three weeks.

As a first measure, we check patients with these symptoms using an ultrasound exam to determine where the venous reflux begins. Then, using the Venefit Procedure, we eliminate back flow in the veins.

In addition to treating the underlying cause, compression stockings and good wound care will further support healing of this patient's sore. Of course, treatment of the varicose veins before the ulcer develops is the preferable approach. Patients with varicose veins should seek evaluation before signs of skin discoloration or sores develop. Even patients with restless leg syndrome who have varicose veins find significant relief after the veins are treated.

Importantly, these procedures are covered by insurance and allow immediate return to normal activity. Because of the ease of Venefit, we also find that many doctors rethink varicose vein treatment for their patients and encourage action as soon as possible, leading to a much better quality of life.

If you have varicose veins and would like a free screening or complete evaluation, contact us and either Dr. McNeill or Dr. Rosenberg will be happy to answer your questions.

Does Being Overwieght Cause Varicose Veins?

Capitol Vein & Laser Centers' patients often ask whether being overweight causes varicose veins. This is a common misconception surrounding venous disease, as many varicose vein patients are of normal weight.

Some are even highly athletic. Olympic swimmer Summer Sanders is a perfect example of a patient who is in peak physical condition - but who who had veins causing symptoms that included leg aching, throbbing and swelling. Heredity and multiple pregnancies are the primary factors that influence your chance of developing varicose veins.

The new Venefit Procedure (previously know as VNUS Closure) is the most established and well-respected method to treat varicose veins caused by saphenous vein reflux. This office based procedure, done under local anesthesia, allows immediate recovery. Microphlebectomy and sclerotherapy can be used after the Venefit Procedure is completed to return your leg to normal.

Once patients realize how common varicose veins are, and how well insurance usually covers the medical procedures, they rethink their varicose veins and seek evaluation.

A free vein screening or full evaluation by Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. McNeill can be obtained at our Leesburg, Virginia vein center or at our locations in Bethesda, Frederick, or Charles Town locations.