Painful varicose veins on the legs of a woman who is considering finding a suitable doctor for circulation issues.

Finding a Suitable Doctor for Circulation Issues

A pain management specialist is a doctor for circulation issues who plays an integral role in blood vein treatment, working with other experts.

In fact, today’s collaborative ecosystem ensures the most thorough treatment for patients suffering from venous pain in their arms and legs. Vascular surgeons and interventional specialists bring specialized knowledge in pain control techniques to complement their procedures.

Additionally, venous pain management specialists focus on treating aches, tenderness, and the burning sensations stemming from vein disorders. Their expertise includes:

  • Diagnosing and treating pain caused by conditions like venous insufficiency.
  • Employing interventional pain management techniques for vein-related pain.
  • Prescribing medications and other therapies for chronic venous pain management.
  • Collaborating with other vein specialists for a comprehensive approach.

Compared to other medical experts, pain management specialists and circulation doctors are specialized in a wide range of all-inclusive pain control methods.

A Doctor for Circulation Issues Uses Mapping Ultrasounds

A venous mapping ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that a doctor for circulation issues uses to assess your veins. It utilizes sound waves to create a detailed map of your veins, revealing their size, depth, and blood flow.

The data and information it relays from your arms and legs is essential for proper treatment that targets vascular conditions. These include a variety of venous insufficiency conditions, Deep Vein Thrombosis, dialysis access, or even vein harvesting.

Venous mapping ultrasounds are painless and take about 30 to 90 minutes. You’ll lie on an exam table, and a technician will move an ultrasound probe along the area being examined after applying some gel to your skin. The images generated are displayed on a computer screen in real-time.

The procedure typically focuses on superficial veins, which are close to the skin’s surface, and deep veins as well. For leg mapping, the examination extends from your groin to your ankle. Usually, no special preparation is required, as you’ll only need to wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access.

“There are no harmful side effects of vein mapping,” according to Cleveland Clinic. “This imaging test is noninvasive and painless, so there are no needles, dyes, anesthesia or incisions. Ultrasound does not use radiation like some other imaging tests.”

What are the benefits of venous ultrasound mapping? Besides being painless, it provides detailed information about vein structure and function. It helps in accurately diagnosing a range of venous conditions. Overall, it’s an effective way to visualize your entire venous system, making it a valuable tool for vascular specialists.

“Arterial and venous mapping is a painless, noninvasive way to get images of your blood vessels and assess your blood flow,” Cleveland Clinic adds. “The test doesn’t require special prep or downtime afterward.”

What a Vein Mapping Diagnostic Can Diagnose and Accomplish

Any doctor for circulation issues will advise that a vein mapping ultrasound is a versatile diagnostic tool capable of diagnosing several vein-related conditions. These include:

  • Venous insufficiency. It identifies malfunctioning valves causing blood to flow backward.
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT. It detects blood clots in deep veins.
  • Varicose Veins. It visualizes enlarged, twisted veins near the skin’s surface and deeper.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease or PAD. While primarily for veins, it can help diagnose artery blockages.
  • Vein suitability. It assesses vein size and condition for procedures like dialysis or bypass surgery.
  • Chronic Venous Disease or CVD. It evaluates the progression and severity of chronic venous disorders.
  • Venous reflux. It identifies areas of backflow in veins.
  • Vein obstructions. It detects areas where veins are compressed or blocked.
  • Post-Thrombotic Syndrome. It assesses vein damage after suffering from DVT.

A vein mapping ultrasound is also highly accurate:

  • It exhibits high sensitivity and specificity. It’s excellent at detecting venous reflux and thrombosis conditions.
  • It’s accurately detects blood clots. It pinpoints the location, size, and extent of clotting in both deep and surface veins.
  • It also detects blockages. It visualizes areas where blood flow is impeded.
  • It provides reproducible results. Thankfully, there’s low variability between different technicians performing the exam.
  • It gives real-time visualization. It shows blood flow in real-time, providing dynamic information about vein function immediately.
  • It’s the gold standard. It’s considered the top non-invasive method for diagnosing many venous disorders because of its high accuracy.
  • It detects subtle abnormalities. It can find issues not apparent through physical examination alone.

While no test is perfect, a vein mapping ultrasound stands out as one of the most precise, non-invasive methods for diagnosing blood vessel blockages and other conditions. Its ability to provide exhaustive anatomical and functional data makes it a fundamental diagnostic tool.

Any Doctor for Circulation Issues Will Integrate Technological Advancements

Advancements in ultrasound imaging have revolutionized how any doctor for circulation issues diagnoses and treats vascular conditions. Detailed and accurate high-resolution ultrasound vein mapping with 3D and 4D imaging has been developed for enhanced visualization of blockages and abnormalities.

In particular, the potential of tomographic 3D ultrasound imaging to revolutionize vascular surgery has been thoroughly explored over the past few years. Tomographic 3D ultrasound offers advantages over traditional 2D ultrasound, including improved visualization of complex vascular anatomy, real-time 3D imaging, and the ability to measure blood flow and vessel wall thickness. These features make it a valuable tool for planning and guiding vascular interventions, improving patient outcomes.

“Notwithstanding these restrictions to its use, Rogers believes the minimally-invasive, 3D mapping technique ‘may well be a go-to test in the future arsenal for vascular physicians’,” according to one expert quoted in Vascular News. “Although, ‘there is still a long way to go’.”

Recent developments within this technology include:

  • Artificial intelligence integration. AI algorithms are being developed to analyze vein mapping images, improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency by detecting potential blockages.
  • Photoacoustic imaging. This emerging technology combines light and sound to create detailed images of blood vessels without contrast agents.
  • Wearable ultrasound devices. Continuous monitoring of blood flow for real-time vein mapping and early blockage detection is becoming increasingly important.
  • Augmented reality vein visualization. Vein maps projected onto a patient’s skin in real-time can be helpful, aiding procedures and improving accuracy.
  • Multimodal imaging. Combining ultrasounds with MRI or CT scans for more comprehensive vein maps and better blockage detection is increasingly popular.
  • Portable vein mapping devices. Advanced handheld devices enable point-of-care vein mapping in various settings.

These advancements are enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of vein mapping, benefiting patients with difficult cases. They also minimize procedure times and deliver a comfortable experience.

A Host of Medical Experts for Various Vein Conditions

A variety of medical specialists focus on the venous system, with each doctor for circulation issues having his or her specialized expertise:

  • Vascular surgeons: These are the primary experts on venous insufficiency, with extensive training in diagnosing and treating all vascular diseases. This includes complex surgeries, managing Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Varicose Veins, and Deep Vein Thrombosis.
  • Phlebologists: These doctors specialize in vein disorders. They diagnose and treat conditions like Chronic Venous Insufficiency, performing minimally invasive procedures. They also manage varicose and spider veins, leg ulcers, and Restless Leg Syndrome related to vein issues.
  • Interventional radiologists: These specialists use imaging techniques to guide minimally invasive vein treatments like Endovenous Ablation and Sclerotherapy. They also use ultrasound and other imaging technologies to diagnosis and treat Deep Vein Thrombosis.
  • Cardiologists: While primarily focused on the heart, some cardiologists also treat venous disorders, managing venous insufficiency that overlaps with cardiovascular issues. Cardiologists also perform diagnostic tests and treat Deep Vein Thrombosis that affects your heart.

Above all, it’s important to choose a certified pain management specialist or other doctor who is experienced in vein disorders. While some health care professionals may seem more specialized than others, the best choice depends on your specific condition and severity.

Your Doctor for Circulation Issues: The Expert on Venous Diseases

Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and Varicose Veins are all vascular diseases that are unhealthy for your veins, according to any certified doctor for circulation issues. In fact, these conditions are interrelated:

  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency or CVI: This occurs when leg veins struggle to return blood to your heart due to weakened walls and damaged valves, leading to blood pooling. Symptoms include swelling, pain, skin changes, and ulcers, and risk factors are your age, obesity, pregnancy, and prolonged standing and sitting. Treatment ranges from compression stockings to procedures like Sclerotherapy or vein ablation.
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT: This is a serious condition with blood clots in deep-leg veins, sometimes leading to Post-Thrombotic Syndrome, a form of CVI. Symptoms include leg pain, swelling and warmth, and risks come from immobility, surgery, certain medical conditions, and genetics. Treatment involves anticoagulants to prevent blood-clotting from growing, as well as minimize your risk of a Pulmonary Embolism.
  • Varicose Veins: These are enlarged, twisted veins visible under your skin, often a sign of underlying venous insufficiency. Affecting about one in three adults over their lives, Varicose Veins cause aching and heaviness. Treatment includes conservative measures, Sclerotherapy, or sometimes surgical removal.

“Although a staggering number of people are affected by DVT and proceed to develop long-term symptoms, many are not promptly identified for treatment,” states a report in Endovascular Today. “Instead, they often become lost in the health care system due to the lack of effective treatment options or the absence of an established referral pathway.”

Early diagnosis of venous conditions is key to preventing them from getting worse and causing complications. The best treatment usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, compression therapy, and non-invasive medical procedures by a pain management specialist.

Wellness and Pain 

Meet your personalized doctor for circulation issues by visiting Wellness and Pain. We offer conservative treatments, routine visits, and minimally invasive quick-recovery procedures. We can keep you free of problems by providing lifestyle education and home care advice.

This enables you to avoid and manage issues, quickly relieving your inhibiting lifestyle conditions when complications arise. We personalize patient care plans based on each patient’s condition and unique circumstances. Wellness and Pain can help improve wellness, increase mobility, relieve pain, and enhance your mental space and overall health.

vein specialist

Vein Specialist: What They Do, Where to Find One

A healthy vascular system is important for maintaining good blood circulation. Your veins are responsible for collecting deoxygenated blood and returning it to the heart, where it acquires oxygen and nutrients to supply the entire body.

When your veins aren’t in optimal condition, you’ll typically see increased blood pressure and pain in your lower extremities. 

That’s why it’s a good idea to see a vein specialist regularly to monitor your vascular health.

What Does a Vein Specialist Do?

A vein specialist is a doctor whose primary focus is treating vein conditions. They offer treatments to address several vein conditions like:

  • spider veins/varicose veins
  • vein disease/vascular disease
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots

They also advise patients on lifestyle modifications to manage or prevent vein-related issues. This might include general tips on exercise, diet, and lifestyle habits to manage your vascular health.

Treatment options provided by these specialists range from conservative approaches, like compression therapy and medical massage, to minimally invasive procedures, such as sclerotherapy and radiofrequency vein ablation.

When Should You See a Vein Specialist?

You’ll know it’s time to see a vein specialist when you notice the following symptoms appear in your body:

Visible Bulging Veins

Visible swollen or bulging veins, particularly varicose veins, often indicate poor blood flow.

Consulting a vascular surgeon for varicose vein treatment can prevent these issues from escalating and reduce the risk of complications.

Persistent Leg Pain

Chronic leg pain or discomfort, especially with other symptoms, should prompt a visit to a vein doctor.

Early intervention by vascular specialists prevents the worsening of the condition and may involve treatments for conditions like pelvic congestion syndrome.

Skin Changes

Skin changes around the ankles, or non-healing wounds may indicate severe venous insufficiency.

A vascular surgeon can address these issues with advanced vascular surgery or other treatments to prevent complications.

Preventing Complications Through Early Detection

Seeing a vascular specialist early helps catch and treat venous disorders such as pelvic congestion syndrome before they become serious.

Regular check-ups with a vein doctor are especially important if you have risk factors.

Vein Treatment Options Available at Wellness and Pain

If you’re looking for expert vein treatment services in the New Jersey area, Wellness and Pain is here to help. We offer specialized vein treatments to address your varicose veins and restore your vascular system to good health.

If you notice you have these symptoms, now is a good time to call us:

  • Sciatica/Radiating Pain
  • Hip Pain
  • Knee Pain
  • Leg Pain
  • Leg Numbness
  • Swollen/Heavy/Tired Legs
  • Diabetes Leg Pain
  • Varicose/Spider Veins
  • Hair Loss Below the Knees
  • Cramping

We address these symptoms in two key ways: radiofrequency vein ablation and sclerotherapy. Here’s how these vein treatments work:

1. Radiofrequency Vein Ablation

Radiofrequency vein ablation treats varicose veins by targeting the underlying cause of the problem: faulty valves within the veins.

A vein specialist inserts a small catheter into the affected vein. Once in place, the catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat up and collapse.

This process seals the vein shut, rerouting blood to healthier veins. Over time, the body naturally absorbs the treated vein, reducing the appearance of varicose veins and alleviating associated symptoms such as pain, swelling, and heaviness in the legs.

2. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy treats both varicose and spider veins by injecting a special solution directly into the affected veins. 

This solution irritates the vein’s linings and causes it to collapse. Eventually, the vein gets absorbed by the body and fades away.

After some period, you’ll notice a huge improvement in your skin’s appearance, and the itching, burning, or aching sensation will no longer appear.

Get Specialized Vein Treatment With Wellness and Pain

Wellness and Pain is the leading vein treatment center in New Jersey that offers specialized vein services to address varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

Our vascular surgeons offer varicose vein treatments like sclerotherapy and radiofrequency vein ablation to address varicose veins and restore your vascular health.

To learn more about our services, feel free to fill out this form or contact us at (844)-949-2358

FAQ About Vein Specialist

Do vein specialists treat heavy legs?

Yes. Vein specialists can recommend the right treatment to address heavy legs/leg pain caused by varicose veins.

How do vein specialists diagnose vein conditions?

Vein doctors typically diagnose vein conditions through a physical examination and may use ultrasound imaging to assess blood flow and vein structure.

Is vein treatment painful?

Modern spider vein treatments are minimally invasive and cause little to no discomfort in patients.

Veins Treatment Center

Top Veins Treatment Center in New Jersey: Why Choose Us?

Healthy veins play an important role in recirculating deoxygenated blood back to your heart. 

When your veins are working properly, your blood can circulate freely and supply your muscles with the nutrients and oxygen they need to function.

However, several factors, such as age, gender, lifestyle, and genetics, can affect vein health and lead to numerous vein conditions.

If you currently suffer from a vein condition and you want to address it as soon as possible, we got you covered. Learn why Wellness and Pain is the best veins treatment center in the New Jersey area.

Understanding Common Vein Conditions

Our veins are responsible for returning blood to our hearts, but when they encounter problems, it can lead to a variety of uncomfortable and sometimes serious issues.

From varicose veins to more severe conditions like venous insufficiency, these problems can affect anyone and often worsen over time.

1. Varicose Veins

Varicose veins appear when veins near the skin’s surface become enlarged and twisted. These bulging veins often occur in the legs due to the pressure of standing and walking, which increases the strain on the lower body’s veins.

Varicose veins usually cause discomfort and a heavy feeling in the legs and thighs. This can sometimes lead to swelling or skin discoloration. 

While many see them as a cosmetic concern, varicose veins can indicate underlying circulatory problems requiring medical attention.

2. Veinous Insufficiency

Vein disease includes various conditions that affect the veins’ ability to return blood to the heart. It often involves chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), where veins struggle to send blood back to the heart, leading to blood pooling in the legs.

This can cause lower extremity pain and even lead to restless legs syndrome. If left untreated, vein disease can progress to veinous ulcers due to the excess swelling.

3. Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to the blood clotting found in the body’s deep veins. DVT often presents with pain, swelling, and redness in the affected limb, though some cases remain asymptomatic.

Treatment Options for Vein Conditions

Here at Wellness and Pain, we offer advanced treatments to address your vein-related conditions. These are:

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation offers a minimally invasive option to treat varicose veins. A specialist inserts a thin catheter into the affected vein through a small incision to deliver radiofrequency energy.

This energy heats the vein and causes it to collapse and seal shut. Blood naturally reroutes through healthier veins, improving circulation and reducing the appearance of varicose veins.

Laser vein surgery also acts on the same principle by using laser energy to shrink the varicose veins and seal them off.

The body eventually absorbs the treated vein. Since radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive vein treatment, patients experience quick recovery times.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an effective spider vein treatment wherein a specialist injects a sclerosing solution directly into the vein.

The solution irritates the vein lining, which causes it to collapse and stick together. Over time, the body absorbs the collapsed vein and improves the skin’s appearance.

Sclerotherapy works well for treating veins that are too small for other procedures. The treatment requires no anesthesia, and patients can resume normal activities almost immediately.

While multiple sessions might be necessary for optimal results, the procedure offers a reliable option for addressing cosmetic concerns related to unsightly spider veins.

How Wellness and Pain Can Help With Vein Treatments

As one of the top vein centers in New Jersey, Wellness and Pain understands the need for quality vein treatments. 

Our skilled vein specialists have years of experience under their belt and can safely perform radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy.

Whether you’re experiencing varicose veins or veinous insufficiency, our team at Wellness and Pain can accommodate your treatment needs.

If you experience symptoms like hip/leg pain or aching heavy legs, we also have treatment options to address these lower extremity conditions like:

  • Acupuncture therapy
  • IV hydration
  • Massage therapy
  • Chiropractic services

A healthy body starts with having good blood circulation, and with Wellness and Pain, you can feel confident knowing you’re in the hands of experienced vein specialists.

Reasons to Choose Wellness and Pain for Vein Treatments

Here at Wellness and Pain, we believe that each patient deserves the highest quality care possible. Our goal is to meet the needs and expectations of our clients by offering the following:

Specialized Expertise in Vein Health

Wellness and Pain stands out for its specialization of vein conditions. Our clinic is led by vein specialists with extensive training and knowledge in vascular health, making them capable of handling even the most complex cases.

Patients can trust us to receive care from only the most qualified vein specialists in New Jersey.

Advanced Treatment Options

Patients at Wellness and Pain benefit from the latest medical technology and treatment methods we offer.

This commitment to using up-to-date techniques ensures that patients receive care that is both safe and precise, leading to better outcomes.

Personalized Patient Care

Wellness and Pain prioritizes each patient’s individual needs. We value clear and open communication to ensure patients fully understand their diagnoses.

From there, we recommend available treatments and explain the recovery process to our patients to guide them in their medical journey.

Post-Treatment Support

After treatment, Wellness and Pain offers detailed follow-up care, which plays a critical role in the recovery process. We maintain regular contact with patients to track their progress and address any post-treatment issues they may have.

This ongoing support helps manage long-term health outcomes and reassures patients that they receiving continuous, attentive care. We believe in reinforcing patient trust as healthcare is more than just the treatment itself.

Convenient and Accessible Care

Located in New Jersey, Wellness and Pain offers flexible appointment scheduling to fit the busy lives of its patients. 

The clinic’s location and commitment to reducing wait times make it easier for patients to access the necessary care.

Get Specialized Vein Treatment in New Jersey With Wellness and Pain

Wellness and Pain prioritizes your vein health by offering quality vein treatment services in the New Jersey area. 

We focus on minimally invasive vein treatments to not only improve outcomes but also ensure the comfort of our patients.

If you suffer from veinous insufficiency or varicose veins, our team is here to help. Contact us at (844)-949-2358 or fill out this form for more information.

FAQ About Veins Treatment Center

When should I see a vein treatment center?

You should see a vein center if you notice symptoms such as persistent leg pain, swelling, or visible varicose veins. Early consultation helps prevent complications and addresses any underlying vein conditions.

Are varicose veins a serious medical condition?

Varicose veins are not always a serious medical condition, but they can lead to complications if left untreated, like ulcers or blood clots.

How often should I see a vein specialist?

If you have a history of vein problems, regular check-ups may be advised to monitor for any changes or complications. We recommend seeing a vein specialist at least once every six months.

Seek Immediate Relief if Your Legs Feel Heavy and Numb

Seek Immediate Relief if Your Legs Feel Heavy and Numb

When your legs feel heavy and numb, addressing the problem promptly is crucial. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to complications like chronic venous insufficiency, skin ulcers, blood clots, and permanent nerve damage.

Leg heaviness, often described as achiness, fatigue, or a feeling of fullness in the legs, can significantly impact your daily routine. For many patients, this discomfort is frequently accompanied by numbness, a loss of sensation, and tingling in the legs.

Early intervention is essential for many reasons, including:

  • Preventing progression and complications. Venous insufficiency, a common cause of these symptoms, can worsen over time if left untreated. Early intervention can help you manage the condition before it progresses to Chronic Venous Insufficiency, or CVI, which can lead to skin changes, ulcers, increased risk of blood clots, and even permanent nerve damage.
  • Improving your quality of life. Leg heaviness and numbness can significantly impact daily activities and mobility. Early intervention can alleviate these symptoms, allowing individuals to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
  • Addressing underlying conditions. Leg heaviness and numbness can sometimes indicate underlying medical conditions like Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, as well as Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD. Early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions are crucial for preventing pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs, or limb ischemia, which amounts to reduced blood flow in your extremities.
  • Minimizing long-term damage. Prolonged venous insufficiency can lead to chronic swelling, skin damage, and the formation of varicose veins. Early intervention helps minimize these long-term effects and preserves the health and appearance of your legs.
  • Cost-effectiveness. Early intervention and lifestyle modifications can often effectively manage leg heaviness and numbness, potentially avoiding the need for more invasive and costly treatments down the line.

What Makes Your Legs Feel Heavy and Numb?

Usually, your legs feel heavy and numb due to venous insufficiency, a condition where the veins struggle to efficiently return blood to your heart. This can lead to blood pooling in your legs, causing that familiar heavy feeling and potentially compressing nerves, leading to numbness.

As we age, the valves in our veins, which are responsible for preventing backflow of blood, can weaken. This makes it harder for blood to flow against gravity, leading to pooling and the sensation of heaviness.

Many factors contribute to both venous insufficiency and numbness. For starters, the nerves in your extremities can become less sensitive with age. Additionally, obesity, lack of exercise, and prolonged sitting or standing can exacerbate venous insufficiency.

“One of the major risk factors for its development is long-term sitting or standing in the same position and the nature of the work performed,” states a recent International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics study on venous insufficiency related to one’s occupation.

While excess weight puts additional pressure on your veins, inactivity hinders muscle contractions that aid in pumping blood back to the heart. Prolonged pressure on your legs can also compress nerves, leading to numbness.

Certain conditions like varicose veins, characterized by twisted and enlarged veins with damaged valves, are a common cause of both heaviness and numbness. Other conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis can also contribute to leg numbness.

However, out of a host of problems, including varicose veins, DVT, and other issues, PAD uniquely stands out. “The main symptoms of PAD are pain, achiness, fatigue, burning, or discomfort in the muscles of your feet, calves, or thighs,” according to Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine. “These symptoms most often appear during walking or exercise, and go away after several minutes of rest.”

Real-Life Examples: Men, Women, and Age

As you can see, many individuals’ legs feel heavy and numb when they’re dealing with an underlying health issue or have gone through a recent health scare.

“Numbness or tingling in the feet and legs could be due to a variety of conditions,” states an article in Healthline. “These include spinal injuries or pressure on the nerves, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Peripheral Artery Disease, and a stroke or transient ischemic attack.”

Some examples of underlying causes include:

  • A 65-year-old woman with a history of varicose veins complains of leg heaviness and occasional numbness, especially after prolonged standing. The likely cause is venous insufficiency due to weakened valves in her varicose veins, leading to blood pooling and nerve compression.
  • A 50-year-old man with diabetes experiences leg heaviness, numbness, and tingling in his feet. This may be due to diabetic neuropathy, a condition where high blood sugar levels damage nerves, leading to sensory disturbances.
  • A 40-year-old woman who recently underwent surgery and has been immobile for an extended period complains of leg heaviness and swelling. This could be a sign of DVT, a blood clot that can cause pain, swelling, and obstructed blood flow.
  • A 70-year-old man with a history of smoking and high cholesterol experiences leg heaviness and fatigue while walking. This may point to PAD, where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs.

While arterial diseases like Carotid Artery Disease and Renal Vascular Disease often receive a lot of attention, it’s important to recognize that veins can also experience problems that require care. After all, our veins play a crucial role in returning blood to the heart after it has circulated through the body.

Lifestyle Changes for When Your Legs Feel Heavy and Numb

While medical treatment might be necessary for underlying conditions when your legs feel heavy and numb, lifestyle changes can help alleviate the problem. These include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight. Losing excess weight reduces the burden on your veins and nerves.
  • Going out for regular exercise. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling promote blood circulation and nerve health.
  • Elevating your legs. Propping up your legs above your heart level for 30 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
  • Using compression stockings. These stockings gently squeeze your legs, providing external support to the veins and aiding blood flow back to the heart.
  • Making dietary changes. A low-sodium diet can help reduce fluid retention and swelling, which contributes to nerve compression.
  • Making sure you avoid crossing your legs. Crossing your legs for extended periods can impede blood flow and put acute pressure on your nerves.
  • Stretching. Gentle stretches can improve flexibility and help your nerves stay loose and free.

Seek Medical Attention Earlier Rather than Later

If your legs feel heavy and numb, minimally invasive procedures like vein ablation can close off problematic veins. Other non-invasive techniques include massage therapy and acupuncture therapy. You can get rid of numbness with these outpatient procedures by directing your blood to healthy vessels and tackling the affected veins.

Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor might recommend medications, compression therapy, or physical therapy. Medications are used to improve blood flow, address underlying conditions like diabetes or PAD, or even manage nerve pain.

Alternatively, compression therapy is where you apply specialized compression garments or devices to relieve pressure. Physical therapy is also popular, which increases strength, flexibility, and circulation.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Persistent swelling: this doesn’t subside with rest or elevation.
  • Pain or discomfort: aching, throbbing, or cramping in the legs.
  • Skin changes: discoloration, ulcers, or warmth in the affected leg.
  • Worsening numbness: numbness that spreads, intensifies, or is accompanied by weakness.
  • Other symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat.

Ultrasound imaging can quickly reveal the cause of your leg numbness within minutes. By gliding a gel-coated device over the affected area, a pain management specialist can visualize your tissues and organs in real-time, allowing your clinic to pinpoint the source of the problem.

Pain management specialists focus on restoring sensation and function to your legs. They often start with lifestyle changes and medications, but if your numbness persists, they may explore other treatment options. Ultimately, their goal is to help you regain comfort and mobility.

By seeking medical attention at the first signs of persistent leg heaviness or numbness, you can increase the chances of successful treatment, prevent complications, and maintain optimal leg health. Remember, early intervention is key to ensuring a healthy and active future.

Wellness and Pain 

Discover the right treatment for when your legs feel heavy and numb by visiting Wellness and Pain. We offer conservative treatments, routine visits, and minimally invasive quick-recovery procedures. We can keep you free of problems by providing lifestyle education and home care advice.

This enables you to avoid and manage issues, quickly relieving your inhibiting lifestyle conditions when complications arise. We personalize patient care plans based on each patient’s condition and unique circumstances. Wellness and Pain can help improve wellness, increase mobility, relieve pain, and enhance your mental space and overall health.

Advanced cardiac diagnostics in NJ being performed by a doctor on a patient's chest via an ultrasound.

Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics in NJ

What You Should Know About Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics in NJ

Any provider of advanced cardiac diagnostics in NJ will tell you that doctors visualize your heart like a car engine. If your heart is the powerhouse keeping you going, a cardiovascular assessment is the mechanic’s high-tech tool to inspect things. There are two main reasons why someone might need this inspection.

Unusual noises, trouble starting, or sluggish performance will arise when something isn’t right with your vehicle’s engine. Similarly, bodily symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat can signal a heart issue. Advanced diagnostics help pinpoint the exact problem.

Even healthy adults may undergo an evaluation, especially if they have a family history of heart disease or risk factors. Risk factors include high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

One preventative measure is to get an echocardiogram. This type of advanced cardiac diagnostic, and others, go beyond basic electrocardiograms and chest X-rays. Echocardiograms and other tests can provide a deeper look at the structure and function of your heart and potential issues.

“In the 21st century, the field of cardiovascular imaging is evolving at an accelerated pace,” the experts point out. The American College of Cardiology says advances in nuclear imaging, MRI, computed tomography, and echocardiography have added to improved diagnoses. “The future of cardiovascular diagnostics is trending toward non-invasive multimodalities,” the college says. “With the constant innovation and development of novel therapeutics, the landscape of cardiovascular medicine is changing.”

These tests can help doctors diagnose a variety of heart conditions. Some of these conditions include coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

 

Basic vs. Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics in NJ

Health and wellness centers typically focus on preventative care, but some offer advanced cardiac diagnostics in NJ. Many have invested in this equipment so they can go above and beyond in their diagnostic testing services. Some common tests you might encounter include an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, Holter monitor, and blood tests.

An electrocardiogram is a very basic test that measures electrical activity in your heart. It’s not super advanced, but it can be a good starting point for detecting abnormal heart rhythms or damage.

Similarly, an echocardiogram is a more advanced test. It uses ultrasound waves to create images of your heart. An echocardiogram can display the size and shape of your heart chambers. It also shows how well your heart muscle is pumping and whether your heart valves are working properly.

That’s not the only high-tech tool in the toolbox. A Holter monitor is essentially a portable electrocardiogram that you wear for 24 to 48 hours. Constantly recording your heart’s electrical activity, it helps identify arrhythmias that may not show up on a standard electrocardiogram. While not the most advanced, it provides a more extended look at your heart rhythm than a basic electrocardiogram.

Also, blood tests can reveal risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or blood sugar. While it’s not a diagnostic tool, a blood test helps doctors determine if further diagnostics are needed.

It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact number of advanced cardiac diagnostic tests that have been developed. The field is constantly evolving, with new technologies and variations continuously emerging. Some tests have sub-specialties depending on the information they target. For example, there are multiple types of stress tests.

Fortunately, there is a broad range of advanced cardiac diagnostics available. Each test offers a unique window into your heart’s health.

 

Three Cardiac Diagnostics Stand Out in Popularity

Three popular advanced cardiac diagnostics in NJ stand out. Many adults with health issues have stumbled across these options in an effort to live healthier, preventative lifestyles.

An echocardiogram, mentioned above, is perhaps the champion of cardiac diagnostics due to its versatility and patient-friendliness. It helps doctors visualize your heart valves and their movement, helping detect abnormalities. Unlike some tests, an echocardiogram is non-invasive and doesn’t involve needles or radiation. It’s a painless procedure where a transducer is placed on your chest to capture sound waves.

A cardiac stress test is popular because it assesses how well your heart responds to stress. It can indicate potential problems with blood flow to the heart muscle. Doctors can identify the risk for a heart attack by uncovering a narrowing area or blockage in the coronary arteries. In addition, there are different types of stress tests available, catering to individual needs and limitations. Some involve exercise on a treadmill, while others use medication to simulate exercise.

A cardiac computed tomography scan, or CT scan, is an imaging technique providing detailed cross-sectional pictures of your heart’s anatomy. Excellent at visualizing coronary arteries, it allows doctors to detect even small blockages that might be missed by other tests.

 

Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics in NJ is an Evolving Field

The field of advanced cardiac diagnostics in NJ is constantly innovating, offering more sophisticated tools than ever before. Some of the more cutting-edge diagnostics are popular today for their immense technological advancements.

Cardiac myocardial perfusion imaging is a technique going beyond simply visualizing the heart’s structure. It uses radioactive tracers to assess blood flow to the heart muscle. It provides a functional view of the heart, revealing areas with reduced blood flow that might indicate coronary artery disease. This is a step up from just looking at the arteries themselves. Additionally, it utilizes emission tomography scans, offering higher resolution images.

Cardiac fractional flow reserve, a diagnostic tool that takes things a step further, measures pressure difference across narrowed coronary arteries. This test is a step above just looking for a blockage. It measures its functional impact on blood flow. Doctors can then determine if a blockage is severe enough to warrant intervention. Fortunately, it uses a specialized pressure wire, making it less invasive than traditional angiography.

Lastly, a cardiac CT angiography with advanced reconstruction techniques offers 3D images based off 2D visuals. This allows for much sharper and clearer images of coronary arteries. It can also improve the accuracy of detecting blockages, especially smaller ones. On top of this, a doctor can control the radiation doses using modern-technique scanning, making the procedure safer.

 

Specific Clinical Situations Determine Your Diagnostic

Specific clinical situations at advanced cardiac diagnostics in NJ influence the choice of cardiac testing.

First, consider your average unhealthy adult suffering from a symptom. Depending on the characteristics of one’s pain, doctors might choose a basic electrocardiogram to check for abnormal heart rhythms. It can also assess heart function and rule out valve problems.

If your coronary artery disease risk is high, a stress test or cardiac CT scan will do the job. These evaluate blood flow and potential blockages.

Additionally, while not strictly a diagnostic tool, a blood test can reveal risk factors for heart disease. If your markers are elevated, doctors might recommend a Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test to assess your blood vessels’ health.

Nonetheless, an echocardiogram is often the frontline investigation used to assess the heart’s current functionality given your symptoms. It can identify potential causes like heart failure or valve disease. Depending on the findings, a chest X-ray might be included. X-rays look for lung issues that sometimes contribute to shortness of breath.

As you consider any family history of heart disease, an echocardiogram can be a valuable tool for preventative screening. Look into this test if you have a long family history of weakened heart muscles.

“Echocardiography is a non-invasive imaging modality that has revolutionized the field of cardiology,” according to Loma Linda University Health. It can provide detailed, real-time images of how your heart is functioning. “Echocardiography often marks the crucial first step in a patient’s journey toward diagnosis, treatment, and improved heart health.”

Your doctor will always customize the most appropriate advanced cardiac diagnostics. They are based on any patient’s specific situation, circumstances, medical history, and your doctor’s expertise.

 

Wellness and Pain

Find your advanced cardiac diagnostics in NJ by visiting Wellness and Pain. We offer conservative treatments, routine visits, and minimally invasive quick-recovery procedures. We can keep you free of problems by providing lifestyle education and home care advice to help you avoid and manage issues, quickly relieving your inhibiting lifestyle conditions when complications arise.

At Wellness and Pain, we personalize patient care plans. We improve wellness, increase mobility, relieve pain, and enhance your overall health, based on each patient’s condition and unique circumstances.

Schedule an appointment today!

A senior gentleman speaking with one of his vascular disease specialists in New Jersey in their office.

Vascular Disease Specialists in New Jersey

Get to Know Your Vascular Disease Specialists in New Jersey

While surgery performed by vascular disease specialists in New Jersey can range from simple procedures to more complex solutions, these experts go much further in all they do for their patients, advising on various ways to diagnose vascular conditions and promoting healthier living.

If your primary care physician diagnoses you with a vein problem, you’ll most likely be referred to a vascular surgeon. Experienced and highly trained vascular specialists diagnose and treat conditions and diseases associated with your vascular system, which transports oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout your body via arteries and veins.

Above all, conduct your due diligence before moving forward with any surgeon. A successful treatment for your condition begins with finding the right vascular expert for your situation.

 

Vein Specialists vs. Vascular Disease Specialists in New Jersey

Vein specialists versus vascular disease specialists in New Jersey are similar-yet-different from each other, and knowing the differences can help as you choose the right medical professional. While specific qualifications vary, these highly trained professionals must meet a certain degree of medical standards.

In addition to four years of medical school, vascular surgeons usually spend five to seven years in a residency program in general surgery. A fellowship in an accredited training program, which amounts to additional subspecialty instruction, usually follows after the foundational studies in vascular studies, followed by a multi-day examination and completion.

Upon fulfilling all requirements, a nonprofit medical organization that is widely recognized certifies any professional surgeon. To keep a certification, surgeons must usually retake exams every ten years.

Atherosclerosis, Carotid Artery Disease, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Peripheral Artery Disease, spider veins, and damage to blood vessels caused by injuries are just a few of the many conditions diagnosed by vascular disease specialists in New Jersey. Many also perform arterial bypass grafts, aneurysm repairs, vein-blockage removal surgeries, and other needed procedures.

Compare all that to a vein specialist, which is someone who specializes in venous insufficiency, a root cause of varicose veins. Cardiologists, dermatologists, and interventional radiologists all fall under the umbrella term of “vein specialist.”

In their medical residency and fellowship, vein specialists receive specialized, rigorous, and advanced training in endovenous procedures. It’s common for them to be accredited in vascular surgery, interventional surgery, or interventional radiology. These occupational specialties usually have practitioners who are board-certified as well.

While vein specialists are professionals with knowledgeable skills in their particular area of work, they are not approved to perform surgeries. It’s important to note that some are not always trained to diagnose and treat arterial or venous diseases; it depends on their certifications, education, and training.

 

Choosing the Right Vascular Surgeon for Your Situation

Choosing a surgeon isn’t as easy as picking one at random. Thankfully, vascular disease specialists in New Jersey are usually board certified, dedicating their entire careers to improving your health. In the field of vascular surgery, they commit to providing excellent patient care and continually educating themselves. They also educated their patients on the latest technologies and patient care.

To gain a clear picture of any surgeon’s education, background, and experience, it’s important to conduct a thorough research. An exemplary vascular surgeon usually undergoes training and certification under a nationally known board of experts in the field. On top of this, renowned organizations typically accredit the imaging and diagnostic facilities vascular specialists use.

In short, any vascular specialist, no matter their specialty, should possess a board-certified medical degree. This degree can be for internal medicine, vascular medicine, vascular surgery, or another area that focuses on treating vascular diseases. These medically skilled professionals should be able to identify vein problems as soon as possible. Not only that, they should have no history of professional misconduct. These qualities aren’t an exhaustive list, but you get the picture.

A Vascular Specialist, the journal of record for the Society for Vascular Surgery, has pointed out for surgeons across the nation: “Taking the high road in patient care means making sure that patients receive the most appropriate care, provided in the most appropriate setting, by those with appropriate training.” It goes on to urge vascular specialists and doctors to pursue a more in-depth analysis of appropriate vascular surgery procedures. This includes further determining how to continue providing high-quality and cost-effective treatment. In addition, how to develop new tools that will help primary care teams be more attuned to patients.

 

Vascular Disease Specialists in New Jersey: Reputation and Best Practices

If you’re considering vein treatment of any kind, it’s imperative to find vascular disease specialists in New Jersey who have extensive experience treating all types of conditions. In general, vascular surgeons are capable of providing you with the utmost detail in their treatment, care, and attention.

However, conducting in-depth research on any surgeon’s experience is the key to finding out whether it aligns with what you are looking for. Ask the surgeon how many procedures he or she has performed and what types of vascular surgical categories they fall into.

In the medical community and among their patients, outstanding vascular surgeons must possess a world-class reputation. Ask your primary care physician for more information whenever they refer you to a vascular surgeon, and identify the qualities that led the physician to recommend that particular surgeon.

Checking the surgeon’s reviews online will also provide you with more information about his or her services. If you read reviews, always keep in mind that people typically post their thoughts online if they had a great experience or a bad experience.

Technological advancement and expertise are also paramount. With the development of new technologies, treating several vein issues has become much easier. Over the past several years, medical lasers have been increasingly used for vein treatment, resulting in faster recovery times, and the use of ultrasound equipment in diagnosing and treating veins represents another major paradigm shift.

Consider alternative treatment options offered by vein facilities and vascular surgeons if you’re interested in these technological approaches. Depending on your preferences and comfort level, they can customize a non-invasive procedure for you. It’s important that your clinic can handle a variety of patients in a comfortable and convenient manner.

 

Recommendations, Referrals, and Your Comfort Level

There’s something to remember when a friend or co-patient gives you a referral for vascular disease specialists in New Jersey. You should determine whether the patient discovered the surgeon through primary care or other means. Ask about their pain before and after the procedure. You should also confirm how the surgeon acted during consultation, surgery, and follow-up. With this information, you can then decide whether the surgeon is a good fit for your needs.

When it comes to procedures, comfort is defined differently by different patients. When you meet your surgeon for the first time, you should feel comfortable. You should expect them to act professionally and answer any questions without talking down to you. You can expect a top-notch surgeon to not only answer questions but also give an overview of what you can expect.

It’s also important that you feel comfortable with the surgeon’s staff, as both should be equally helpful. During the procedure or recovery, these are the individuals who will ensure you don’t experience any unwarranted discomfort. Healing will go much more smoothly if you have a good experience with the people who work with your vascular surgeon on a daily basis.

According to the Journal of Vascular Surgery and other academic sources, quality vascular specialists and surgeons have a long history of being pioneers in groundbreaking medical advancements, masters of surgical instrumentation, skilled diagnosticians of blood flow, and cutting-edge innovators. Most importantly, they are lifesavers. The occupation has a genuine track record of seeking to advance excellence and innovation in vascular health through education, advocacy, research, and public awareness.

 

Wellness and Pain Can Help

Top vascular disease specialists in New Jersey take pride in caring for their patients at Wellness and Pain. We offer conservative treatments, routine visits, and minimally invasive quick-recovery procedures. We can keep you free of problems by providing lifestyle education and home care advice to help you avoid and manage issues, quickly relieving your inhibiting lifestyle conditions when complications arise.

At Wellness and Pain, we personalize patient care plans based on each patient’s condition and unique circumstances to improve wellness, increase mobility, relieve pain, and enhance your mental space and overall health.

A close-up of an elderly woman in an exam room having her calves examined because her legs feel heavy.

Legs Feel Heavy?

Do Your Legs Feel Heavy? Here’s What’s Happening Under the Surface…

When your legs feel heavy, it’s usually a symptom of venous insufficiency — but it can also happen from a combination of other factors. Leg heaviness, aching in the lower extremity of your body, and tiredness and fatigue are common symptoms that can sometimes hit you all at once.

It’s even worse when you stand or sit for a long time, although it may feel better when you lie down or elevate your legs. Those suffering from “heavy legs” say their legs are achy, tired, crampy, and stiff. Besides feeling heavy, your legs can also look swollen from circulatory problems, pale or bluish from poor circulation, and bumpy from varicose veins.

Every now and then, many individuals get heavy legs for various reasons. It’s possible you sat too long or worked out too hard during your daily exercise. But you should see a pain management specialist or doctor if the pain lasts more than a few days or your symptoms are bothersome.

Poor blood circulation throughout your lower limbs often causes aching heavy legs. People commonly refer to this condition as “heavy leg syndrome.” In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, tingling, numbness, mild edema (trapped fluid), and varicose veins (twisted or enlarged veins) characterize venous insufficiency. Although your discomfort is usually mild, it still hurts.

Though heavy legs are a common phenomenon, eventually one’s Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) can cause phlebitis (inflammation) and thrombosis (blood clot formation). One-way valves keep blood from flowing backward down your legs, but if these valves get damaged, blood can pool and cause various types of pain, including heaviness.

Your aching heavy legs from an underlying vascular disease is usually treatable, and symptoms will likely improve if you follow your doctor’s treatment plan.

 

Some Underlying Causes When Your Legs Feel Heavy

People often mistake “heavy legs” for fatigue or simply as part of the gaining process. Many patients aren’t aware of the underlying health issues that contribute directly to when their legs feel heavy. A pain management specialist should monitor you regularly if you have a vascular disease.

Over the years, the varicose veins you are seeing can cause Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), which can also happen if something damages your valves, such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Additional venous problems include:

  • A condition called “Superficial Venous Insufficiency” (SVI), which causes leg discomfort from increased venous pressure or pooling of blood in the superficial veins of the legs, happens because blood isn’t properly pumped back to the heart. Usually it’s accompanied by swelling, throbbing, and aching in the legs.
  • Despite similar symptoms to SVI, Deep Venous Insufficiency (DVI) affects your deep veins. The difference between SVI and DVI is often hard to tell until a pain management specialist or doctor diagnoses you. SVI and DVI can happen together or separately.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can also cause aching heavy legs. Plaque buildup in the arteries makes it hard for the body to deliver oxygen to your lower extremities (hips, legs and feet). As a result, you get the heavy, aching feeling associated with PAD. Symptoms like these are typically associated with increased activity levels, such as walking.

Varicose veins also deserve a quick explainer. Compared to surrounding veins, these look more prominent and knotty. Because of gravity and elasticity loss, blood begins to pool as circulation decreases, and blood clots are possible. In addition to obesity, aging, and hormonal imbalances, occupations requiring long sitting or standing can contribute to varicose veins.

 

Swollen Leg Treatment: A Healthier Life is Waiting

If you don’t get the right swollen leg treatment for when your legs feel heavy, it can affect your quality of life. Your tired leg sensations are one of the most common vascular peripheral symptoms in society today, affecting up to 40 percent of people in developed countries. Despite this health issue, you can get healthier.

If your symptoms last a long time, you should see a pain management specialist. By reviewing your symptoms, applying the right treatment, analyzing your medical history, and completing any needed tests, you can work toward being pain-free. Ultrasounds and other tests can show how blood flows through your veins, leading to vessel ablation, massage therapy, acupuncture, or intravenous hydration.

Vein ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that seals off (or closes) certain veins. Treatments include varicose veins, spider veins, and venous insufficiency in general. It can be accomplished with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or laser ablation, where a small probe is used to destroy the “problem veins.” This technological technique collapses a vein by heating it with radiofrequency energy.

Massage therapy and acupuncture therapy are also two options to consider for your aching heavy legs, depending on your circumstance.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t necessarily hit anyone suffering from varicose veins. In general, women, tall people, and overweight individuals are more likely to get it, as are people with a family history of CVI. In addition, those already having DVT in the legs, people who are middle-age or older, and those who are relatively inactive could eventually suffer from CVI.

 

Home Remedies for When Your Legs Feel Heavy

Before your pain management specialist develops a personalized treatment plan, some daily changes and home remedies can help when your legs feel heavy. Elevating your legs makes your body work less as it pumps blood through your lower extremities. You can ease some of the pressure by propping your feet above your heart level by using a reclining chair or stool.

As mentioned, if you sit or stand for too long, your symptoms might get worse. Since blood circulation may be improved by changing positions, always be on the alert for how you can switch things up while you’re sitting or standing. You can also wear tight compression socks or stockings to promote blood flow in your legs, which is especially helpful for people who work long hours.

You can also fight against heavy or swollen legs by integrating a healthier lifestyle, diet, or choices. Reducing salt intake (sodium) may eventually reduce discomfort caused by swelling if you’re consistent and apply other healthy food-eating habits simultaneously. Believe it or not, some doctors may also tell you to limit your water intake, depending on your medications. Smoking can negatively affect your circulation and make you feel heavy, fatigued, and tired over time — which means these symptoms may go away if you reduce or stop the habit.

To cap things off, stay active, stay away from hot baths, and work on losing some weight. The heat from hot water can widen your veins, which can make blood-flow difficult. Obesity is also a major risk factor for many of the underlying issues causing aching heavy legs — therefore, losing weight may help.

The last tip: Increase your activity levels. Moderate exercise keeps your blood pumping and improves risk factors (high blood pressure). To avoid overexertion, take rest days and breaks as needed.

 

Wellness and Pain Can Help

When your legs feel heavy, vascular disease can progress even if there aren’t any sideline symptoms. In fact, treatment may be immediately necessary if you haven’t taken action within weeks or months of noticing the heaviness.

A range of treatment options are available at Wellness and Pain. We offer conservative treatments, routine visits, and minimally invasive quick-recovery procedures. We can keep you free of problems by providing lifestyle education and home care advice to help you avoid and manage issues, quickly relieving the inhibiting lifestyle conditions when complications arise.

At Wellness and Pain, we personalize patient care plans based on each patient’s condition and unique circumstances to relieve pain, improve mobility and mental space, and improve your overall health.

A doctor vein mapping a young woman's forearm as part of her treatment for poor circulation in hands and feet.

The Right Treatment for Poor Circulation in Hands and Feet

Throughout the body, your heart pumps blood that’s rich with nutrients and oxygen — something you’ll learn about when receiving treatment for poor circulation in hands and feet. Your health and mobility are maintained as a result.

There are, however, a number of reasons blood circulation problems can occur and progress further, including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), weight gain, and aging. Your hands and feet may not get the nutrients they need when your circulation isn’t working properly.

 

Edema and Treatment for Poor Circulation in Hands and Feet

The medical term for swelling is “edema,” where inflammation or injury can cause body parts to swell and force you to explore treatment for poor circulation in hands and feet. The condition can affect a small area or the entire body. Edema can be caused by medications, pregnancy, infections, and many other medical conditions.

Symptoms of edema are fluid leaks into nearby tissues by small blood vessels. As a result, the tissue swells due to the extra fluid. There are many places in the body where this type of blood circulation problems may occur.

A person with peripheral edema usually suffers from swelling in their legs, feet, and ankles, but it can also affect their arms. There may be an issue with your circulatory system, lymph nodes, or kidneys causing this. In pedal edema, fluid gathers in your lower legs, causing blood flow issues in feet. Pregnant women or older individuals are more likely to suffer from it. You may have less feeling in your feet, which can make it harder to move around.

 

Some Other Forms of Edema

Lymphedema, which causes swelling in your arms and legs, is most often caused by damage to your lymph nodes, which help filter germs and waste from your body. Cancer treatments such as surgery and radiation may cause the damage. Lymph nodes can also be blocked by cancer and lead to fluid buildup.

Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid accumulates in the air sacs in your lungs. You have trouble breathing when you lie down because of that. You may feel suffocated, have a fast heartbeat, and cough up foamy spittle, sometimes with blood. Immediately call 911 if this incident occurs suddenly.

Fluid accumulation in the brain causes cerebral edema, which is a very serious condition. A blood vessel can get blocked or burst if you hit your head hard, or you can get an allergic reaction or have a tumor.

In macula edema, fluid builds up in the center of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Fluid leaks into the retina when blood vessels are damaged.

Although edema has complex causes and symptoms, it can profoundly impact a person’s life and should be taken seriously as a result. Blood circulation therapy offered by a pain management specialist is oftentimes the only solution.

 

Severe Tingling in Hands and Feet: Episodic or Chronic

Another common and bothersome symptom is tingling hands or feet, which usually all but beckons one to look into a diagnosis and proper treatment for poor circulation in hands and feet. There’s a possibility such tingling is benign and temporary; it all just depends on the patient and his or her circumstance.

Your arm may be crooked under your head as you fall asleep, putting pressure on your nerves. Crossing your legs too long may put pressure on nerves. Once you remove the pressure that caused the “pins and needles” effect, the painful sensation will leave you. Sometimes specialists can uncover blood circulation problems this way.

However, in many cases, tingling in the hands or feet (or both) can be severe, episodic, or even chronic — meaning circulation problems in hands and feet are also on the horizon for those who are suffering. Aside from pain and itching, it may also cause numbness and muscle weakness. There are many causes of tingling, including traumatic injuries, repetitive stress injuries, bacterial or viral infections, toxic exposures, and systemic diseases such as diabetes.

Often affecting the hands and feet, peripheral neuropathy affects nerves that are distant from the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy comes in more than 100 forms. Eventually, the condition can worsen, reducing your mobility and even making you disabled. Peripheral neuropathy affects tens of millions of American adults every year.

Symptoms and causes of tingling in the hands and feet shouldn’t be ignored, as they can indicate something deeper is happening.

 

Blood Clots and Treatment for Poor Circulation in Hands and Feet

In a sense, your blood’s circulation must shut off quickly to prevent spills, after a cut or injury. You’ll learn all about this when you go in for your first treatment for poor circulation in hands and feet. It’s a seemingly impossible job for your circulatory system, but your body takes care of business immediately.

These blood clots become useful when they stop bleeding. However, in extreme cases, they can also cause big problems. They can lead to issues like heart attacks and strokes. Several chemical interactions govern the life cycle of a normal blood clot:

  • When its growth is stopped by reactions. As a result, extra clotting factor proteins are offset by other proteins, which prevents the clot from spreading further than it needs to.
  • When clots grow. Clotting factors in your blood cause a chain reaction when they signal each other. Dissolved substances in your blood then form fibrin strands. Platelets and cells tangle themselves in this net and form a sort of plug. There is an increase in the toughness and durability of the clot.
  • When (slowly) your body breaks it down. The clot becomes unnecessary as the damaged tissue heals. Platelets and cells of the clot are taken back by your blood after the fibrin strands dissolve.
  • When a plug is formed by platelets. When a blood vessel is damaged, triggers are released in your blood that turn on tiny bits called “platelets.” To stop blood from leaking out, they stick together and change shape to form a plug that fills in the broken part. A platelet’s activation also releases chemicals that attract more platelets and other cells.

Symptoms of blood flow issues in feet, which can also cause blood clots, indicate your circulatory system needs immediate treatment.

 

What Does Healthy Blood Circulation Look Like?

To function efficiently, your body requires a steady flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood — especially if you never want to find yourself researching treatment for poor circulation in hands and feet. We’ll get into this more, but problems with the heart, arteries, or veins can affect the circulatory system. These factors can cause symptoms like pain, numbness, or cold extremities.

Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease all affect the circulatory system, resulting in blood circulation problems.

The body’s organs, muscles, and cells require proper circulation to function properly. A vast network of blood vessels carries oxygen-rich blood throughout the body via arteries, veins, and capillaries from the heart, which is at the center of the circulatory system.

Essentially, the heart distributes blood throughout the body, and your veins return blood to the heart. Upon dispensing oxygen to body tissues and cells, blood returns to the heart to be pumped to the lungs for reoxygenation.

A number of factors can impact how efficiently your heart pumps blood through your body. For example, problems with the heart itself, arteries, or veins can all affect the circulatory system. A blockage, damage to arteries or valves, or problems with the squeeze function of the heart can restrict blood flow and prevent blood from reaching organs, resulting in poor circulation and related health problems.

Blood flow can also be affected by some inflammatory processes. An overproduction of white blood cells during chronic inflammation can cause swelling that leads to plaque buildup and/or fatty deposits on artery walls. Vascular and arterial walls can be microdamaged by this buildup.

 

Some Factors That Affect Blood Flow

There are several factors that can contribute to circulation problems in hands and feet, including:

  • The condition of varicose veins. Varicose or bulging veins are usually caused by high blood pressure damaging or weakening the veins.
  • Being overweight or obese. According to research, obesity contributes to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia (a condition causing changes in thinking and memory that can be similar to Alzheimer’s disease and caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain). High blood pressure is also associated with obesity.
  • Diabetes. Blood vessels and nerves that control the heart can be damaged by high blood sugar levels over time. Diabetes can reduce the elasticity of artery walls directly through its effects on the mechanisms inside. Blood circulation therapy is especially advised in this case.
  • Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, often causes poor circulation to the heart, brain, and limbs. Plaque (cholesterol and other fatty substances and waste products) build up on arterial walls, making them thicker and stiffer, which restricts the flow of blood and oxygen to organs.
  • Hypertension. Especially in the United States, high blood pressure contributes greatly to health problems related to poor circulation. According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure, along with smoking, helped reduce life expectancy in the United States between 1990 and 2019. Remember that treatment for poor circulation in hands and feet is a great solution to look into.

In addition, aging naturally increases the size of the heart’s tissues and stiffens its arteries. In older people, dysfunctions in the linings of the heart and blood vessels become more prevalent, which can lead to even more blood circulation problems and sometimes heart disease.

 

Wellness and Pain Can Help

A range of treatment for poor circulation in hands and feet is available at Wellness and Pain. We offer conservative treatments, routine visits, and minimally invasive quick-recovery procedures. We can keep you free of problems by providing lifestyle education and home care advice to help you avoid and manage issues, quickly relieving the inhibiting lifestyle conditions when complications arise.

At Wellness and pain, we personalize patient care plans based on each patient’s condition and unique circumstances to relieve pain, improve mobility and mental space, and improve your overall health.

A woman massaging her bulging veins while sitting on the edge of her bed.

Bulging Veins: Treatment, Specifics, & Details

Consult a vein specialist as soon as you notice the pain from bulging veins or other venous issues. In addition to leg swelling, cramping, itching, and fatigue, they can also assess your vein symptoms.

As well as making recommendations on when to receive vein treatment, they can also offer advice. In order to achieve the best health outcomes, early intervention is usually recommended.

You can also receive minimally invasive, office-based vein treatments to alleviate symptoms and reduce health risks such as blood clots and ulcers — all by searching for and discovering the best doctor for varicose veins.

 

Before Treatment for Bulging Veins, Ask These Questions

Your vein specialist will conduct a physical examination, order imaging tests as necessary, and review your medical history before making personalized treatment recommendations for bulging veins.

Your center for varicose veins should be able to answer any questions you have about their personal medical background, the health of your veins, or any recommended treatments.

Here are some questions to ask your vein specialist:

  • During my recovery, what can I expect?
  • Is there a way to prevent vein problems in the future?
  • Treatments have many benefits, but what are they?
  • In what ways can I be treated?
  • Do you perform vein treatments for a long time?
  • What is the pain associated with vein treatment?

Chronic venous insufficiency specialists are here to answer all of your most pertinent questions.

 

Varicose and Bulging Veins vs. Spider Veins

Because veins are responsible for carrying blood that is low in oxygen to the heart and lungs, bulging veins are a health issue that needs to be addressed. Pools of blood can bulge these veins when this system fails.

Varicose veins are bulging veins that appear on the surface of the skin, and they are often accompanied by other symptoms such as aching, heavy, and tired limbs. The thighs and legs are the most common places to find them.

They can also be found deeper beneath your skin’s surface. Due to damaged valves in varicose veins, more blood is held at a higher pressure than normal. A swollen leg and tired, achy feeling are caused by this extra pressure.

A ruptured vein may cause an ulcer on the skin in rare cases. A blood backup can also cause blood clots and vein infections if varicose veins are left untreated. The numbness in some patients’ legs can prevent them from detecting leg injuries because of varicose veins. Searching for the best doctor for varicose veins should be your priority.

It’s possible that varicose veins are more common in some families, which means they are inherited. Varicose veins are caused by increased vein pressure. In addition to being overweight or obese, being older, being female, inactive, having leg injuries, smoking, or taking hormone replacement therapy, there are several other factors that may increase blood pressure.

 

Spider Veins

It is also common to see smaller veins on the surface of the skin that look like a spider’s web with many fine, short lines. Foot, ankle, calves, and thigh sprains are the most common, but they can also occur on the face.

It is possible for both types of veins to occur in men and women at any age, but women who are of childbearing age or older are more likely to suffer from them. A person’s risk of developing spider veins or varicose veins is also increased if they come from a family with these disorders. Various studies have examined whether varicose veins increase the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Varicose veins can be reduced or eradicated with a treatment plan designed by a doctor for veins in legs.

 

Selecting a Vein Specialist

The process of choosing a vein specialist can be intimidating for some patients, even though treatment for bulging veins can quickly reduce your suffering. Below are some suggestions on how to choose the best doctor for varicose veins, including what qualifications to look for in a vein specialist or doctor, along with why it is important to visit an accredited facility for treatment.

An expert in vein care may be able to provide you with excellent care. It is imperative that a specialist’s entire team is highly skilled, extremely experienced, and unfailingly compassionate. Together, you and your provider should strive to alleviate your pain and discomfort and improve your quality of life.

Choosing a professional center for varicose veins should be based on several factors. Additionally, they consider softer skills like trustworthiness and compassion, as well as medical expertise.

 

Training and Experience to Treat Bulging Veins

A varicose vein specialist specializes in diagnosing and treating bulging veins and related problems, including spider veins, varicose veins, venous stasis ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis. Although varicose veins and spider veins are rarely treated by vein surgery, vascular surgeons also treat venous conditions.

The treatment of vein disease is the specialty of a vein specialist. We might find it helpful to discuss what this entails in order to better understand what this means. Following medical school, students typically complete an internship followed by a residency. In order to practice medicine, they must pass a state licensing exam.

In addition to this, some doctors may choose to specialize in a very particular field, such as chronic venous insufficiency specialists — which requires additional medical training. Board certification involves demonstrating a mastery of advanced knowledge and skills. This is done through written, practical, and other criteria once a physician has completed medical school and postgraduate training. Physician specialists in the United States are certified by more than 24 boards.

Despite having received medical training, there is no doubt that real-life experience can hone doctors’ skills further. Ask a vein specialist how long they have provided vascular treatment and care. This will help you determine how much experience they have.

A doctor for veins in legs — one who has experience — usually believes in being fully transparent about their experience up front. To learn more about the unique backgrounds and qualifications of providers, you should be able to easily view their individual profiles.

 

Accreditation, Facilities, and Practice

Before providing quality care for bulging veins, medical facilities must receive accreditation. Hospitals and imaging facilities that perform vascular testing undergo evaluation. Then, they receive accreditation for a period of time.

Without modern state-of-the-art equipment, even the best doctor for varicose veins would find it difficult to provide leading-edge vein treatment. It’s important doctors consider the latest techniques and technologies. This way patients can receive treatments that are as minimally invasive and as comfortable as possible.

Real-time ultrasound imaging should guide some minimally invasive office-based vein treatments, including endovenous laser treatment.

 

Find a Caring Doctor for Bulging Veins

Location is an important factor to consider when choosing a specialist to treat your bulging veins. Most likely, you will require several appointments. These include an initial consultation, the actual treatment, and follow-up care if necessary. It is convenient for many patients to choose a provider with a network of treatment facilities.

When making health-related decisions, trusting your doctor and the center for varicose veins that the doctor works at is crucial. You should be able to discuss a range of treatment options and receive specific recommendations from the vein specialist you choose. Your doctor will consider a variety of factors when making recommendations. These factors include your health history, medical imaging, lifestyle, and other related factors.

The expertise of vein specialists with extensive medical training and treatment experience has already been demonstrated. A vein specialist can evaluate your vein health, provide personalized treatment recommendations, and provide ongoing care to prevent additional problems. Consider seeking a second opinion if you are uncomfortable with a recommended treatment.

For your unique situation, you’ll need chronic venous insufficiency specialists who can work individually with you. It is impossible to find a vein treatment that is right for everyone. A quality doctor will evaluate your symptoms, discuss your options, and determine the best fit for your needs. Besides caring about you as a patient, they also care about you as a person.

 

Wellness and Pain Can Help

A range of options for bulging veins are available at Wellness and Pain. We offer conservative treatments, routine visits, and minimally invasive quick-recovery procedures. We can keep you free of problems by providing lifestyle education and home care advice to help you avoid and manage issues, quickly relieving the inhibiting lifestyle conditions when complications arise.

At Wellness and Pain, we personalize patient care plans based on each patient’s condition and unique circumstances to relieve pain, improve mobility and mental space, and improve your overall health.

A patient receiving vein ablation treatment in an operating room with doctors.

Vein Ablation Treatment: Procedure and Recovery

The purpose of vein ablation treatment is to reduce discomfort and alleviate your symptoms so you can get back to living a healthy life. The procedure also reduces complications as a result. Treatment for venous insufficiency will depend on the severity or stage of the condition.

Some of the benefits of vein ablation treatment include the fact that it’s a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require any incisions or stitches. The procedure usually takes place as an outpatient, and patients are able to resume their normal activities within a few days of the procedure. Moreover, researchers have proven its long-term effectiveness and safety for the treatment of varicose veins.

You should not only discuss the benefits of ablation in leg veins with your doctor but also how this unique treatment is applied and what you can expect.

 

How Vein Ablation Treatment is Performed

A vein ablation treatment procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into the affected vein. Using a laser or radiofrequency energy, doctors close off the vein. Eventually, the vein will collapse and disappear.

In essence, vessel ablation seals or closes veins using heat or laser energy. Using a small probe, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can destroy veins — also known as ablation RFA.

The two main types of vein ablation treatment are radiofrequency ablation and laser ablation. In spite of the frustration associated with recurrent varicose veins, rates of recurrence are low with newer techniques, and patterns of recurrence are easily recognized. Clinical outcomes are excellent when physicians treat these new refluxing veins with multiple tools.

Sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, and saphenous ligation are other non-invasive and somewhat invasive techniques. Sclerotherapy involves injecting saline water, foam, or a chemical solution into the affected vein to harden it. Other veins grow around it to bypass the one that the body is no longer using, as a result. A phlebectomy involves a surgeon removing the damaged veins through small incisions made near the vein. Lastly, a saphenous ligation involves tying off and removing the affected vein, allowing other veins to fill in for it.

 

Post-Procedure Recovery: Vein Ablation Treatment

Depending on the extent of the vein ablation treatment procedure, doctors use different types of anesthesia. For small varicose veins, local anesthesia is often used to numb the area around the vein. Patients with larger varicose veins or anxious about the procedure may require general anesthesia, which puts them to sleep. However, most doctors usually recommend non-invasive local anesthesia for a smooth procedure and healthy recovery period.

In the recovery room, the patient will rest after the procedure. They will need to wear compression stockings for several weeks afterward to prevent blood clots.

After the procedure, patients may experience some bruising and swelling, but these side effects usually disappear within a few weeks. After deep vein ablation surgery, varicose veins may recur. Overweight or obese patients are more likely to develop varicose veins if they have a family history of them.

In most cases, procedures are accomplished in a clinic or on a day-case basis. Overnight stays are rare. To reduce bruising and promote healing, doctors firmly apply bandages to your leg (or legs). It’s possible to replace the bandage with a stocking after a couple of days and wear it for up to one week. Wearing the stocking day and night may be easier during the first few days. You can then wear the stocking only during the day if the leg feels comfortable without it at night. Get up and move around your house, or even outside in a yard or garden, either laying with the leg elevated or elevating the ankle. Stand up slowly and avoid crossing your legs for an extended period of time.  Many patients find they can walk at least a mile, if not more, every day during the recovery process.

 

After Treatment

It’s possible for the treated deeper vein to become sore within three to five days after your vein ablation treatment procedure. Treatment reactions like this will settle in time as a result of the treatment.  For a few days, anti-inflammatory painkillers can ease the discomfort. Instead of stitches, skin glue or tape is usually used to close small cuts on the leg after a phlebectomy. In most cases, stitches can be dissolvable.

It can take up to four days to recover from ablation RFA or endovascular ablation (without any phlebectomies). However, a phlebectomy, which uses a small scalpel or needle to remove varicose veins, would also unavoidably result in some discomfort and bruising. As a result of vein removal, the severity varies.

In most all cases, the soreness will subside within five days or shorter, but it will take a while for the bruising to completely disappear. You can reduce this bruising by keeping mobile after the procedure and wearing the provided stockings. It’s rare for wounds that are this small to become infected.

 

Untreated Varicose Veins and Vein Ablation Treatment

Untreated blood circulation, venous disorders, and varicose veins can lead to even more pain — putting vein ablation treatment on your radar. Leg pain and heaviness are common symptoms of varicose veins, especially after prolonged standing. The pain, itching, and other symptoms of varicose veins can get worse over time, since varicose veins often progress.

 

Other Conditions to Look out for

Not treating your issues and avoiding ablation in your leg veins can lead to the following conditions:

  • The presence of edema. A varicose vein causes liquid (water and protein) to leak into nearby tissues, due to the added pressure within the vein.
  • There is a condition known as superficial thrombophlebitis (STP). Varicose veins often lead to phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein walls. Inflammatory superficial veins form clots directly under the skin, which can cause a red-hot hard knot under the skin.
  • The most common type of thrombosis is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The symptoms of DVT are caused by blood clots forming in deep veins of the leg. Symptoms include leg pain, swelling, redness, and tightness.
    • You should seek medical attention or vein ablation treatment as soon as possible if you have DVT.
  • The condition of stasis dermatitis. As a result of prolonged saphenous vein reflux, stasis dermatitis occurs. When it first appears on the inside of the ankles, it can progress to turn the entire ankle and lower leg red and brown.
  • Ulceration on the skin. The majority of venous ulcers occur around the ankles, where they simply do not heal. The brown and red skin color changes caused by stasis dermatitis result from long-term superficial venous insufficiency (improper functioning valves in the veins).

The United States is experiencing a major problem of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). Approximately 5 percent of all Americans have some changes associated with CVI. Adults with varicosities are estimated to have 5 to nearly 60 percent of them, with 35 to 45 percent of them experiencing clinical varicose reflux. Venous stasis ulcers affect about 500,000 people. A 92-per-hundred-admission rate for CVI is the average.

 

Tips for Dealing with Vein Pain at Home

For some individuals, vein ablation treatment is in sight but might be days or weeks away. The following are some steps you can take right now if you are suffering from venous insufficiency so you can manage the symptoms or slow its progression:

  • Dress loosely and avoid wearing high heels.
  • Keep your blood pressure under control by seeing a doctor regularly.
  • Keep an eye out for ulcer symptoms on your skin every day.
  • Maintain a daily skin-moisturizing routine.
  • Ensure that your diet is balanced, and do not exceed the daily salt or sodium recommendations.
  • Maintain a regular exercise schedule throughout the week.
  • You should avoid long periods of sitting or standing. Move around regularly during breaks.
  • Keep your legs elevated periodically throughout the day. Make it a routine to do so.
  • Keep your weight moderate.
  • With your doctor’s guidance, wear compression stockings or wraps to improve blood flow.

It’s easy to become disabled and for your venous insufficiency to worsen without having deep vein ablation. You may require clinical vein ablation treatment for several years in such cases. Even with ablation in leg veins, people can experience complications. Consult your doctor or health specialist first.

 

Wellness and Pain

When it comes to vein ablation treatment, you’re better off knowing all the facts up front and seeing a doctor who truly cares about you and your health. A quick evaluation may include a blood flow and circulation ultrasound test for vascular disease, or another simple test.

Practitioners at Wellness and Pain confidently provide these important evaluations, apply their professional expertise, and offer the caring and sensitive vein ablation treatment you need to improve and eliminate any symptoms you are experiencing.

Covered by Most Insurances and Most Unions

Wellness and Pain accepts most major insurance plans. Here is a list of some of the major insurance plans we accept. If you do not see your insurance plan listed, please call our office to confirm.

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