Show Off Your Legs This Summer!

by Annette Pinder

Half of men and woman ages 50 and older have varicose veins. They are most often seen in those with a family history of vein problems, women who have had children, and men and women that sit or stand for long periods of time at work.

For some, varicose veins are simply a matter of cosmetics, without significant symptoms, other than small spider veins (small, red, purple, and blue vessels easily visible through the skin of the legs or face). For others, varicose veins may be a result of venous insufficiency, a medical condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart. When this occurs, veins become enlarged, gnarled, and resemble the twisted roots of a tree due to the faulty one-way valves in veins that carry blood to the heart. When blood backs up in the vein, stretching it, the vein valves become splayed, worsening the leakage resulting in more varicose veins and more pooling of venous blood in the legs.

According to Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian, of the Vein Treatment Center, "Patients typically see a vein specialist because they are experiencing uncomfortable leg aches and pain, leg heaviness and tiredness, itching and burning from an inflamed varicose vein, leg throbbing and cramping, restless legs and/or swelling of the legs and ankles. The presence of varicose veins or these symptoms are indicative of venous insufficiency which, left untreated, can cause long term consequences such as brown discoloration of the skin, chronic leg swelling and, in some people, leg ulcers."

"For years, primary care physicians wisely told their patients the cure wasn't worth the pain of having a vein stripping procedure, but times and technology have changed, enabling individuals to have healthier legs and a better quality of life. Minimally invasive treatments can be performed in the comfort of a medical office setting,” says Dr. Karamanoukian.

While many technologies remove (ablate) or treat venous insufficiency, few medical centers in the country offer state-of-the-art catheter based technologies. The Vein Treatment Center offers three of these options – EVLT, VNUS Closure and Clarivein™. Clarivein™ combines mechanical and chemical venous ablation to literally obliterate varicose veins. FDA approved, safe and effective, it provides excellent clinical results. There is no risk of thermal (heat) injury, nerve damage or parathesia (uncomfortable sensations), and only a small area of the skin is anesthetized. “Only one needle-stick is required, minimizing discomfort and bruising — 98% of my patients return to work within 24 hours, and resume all physical activities such as walking, jogging, and bicycling immediately,” says Dr. Karamanoukian.

Dr. Karamanoukian wants people to know that there is no reason to live in pain due to venous insufficiency or to hide unsightly spider veins. Access to one of the most comprehensive vein treatment centers in the United States right here in Western New York, provides people with the resources and technology to treat these conditions more effectively.”

WNY Resource:

The Vein Treatment Center is designated as A National Center of Excellence for Vein Disorders. Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian is a member of the American College of Phlebology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Phlebology. He has authored many books about venous disease. His offices are conveniently located in Clarence and Williamsville. Call 716-839-3638 to make an appointment and visit www.VeinGuide.com and www.VeinsVeinsVeins.com to learn more.