Summit Skin & Vein Care Archives - Page 2 of 2

How to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis While Traveling

January 17, 2014 by SummitSkin

Although the major, holiday-induced travel season has come and gone, deep vein thrombosis remains a big issue for select individuals. Flying or traveling by train or car in cramped, uncomfortable conditions can result in more than a neck ache for some travelers. “Economy class syndrome” is a term that has been coined to describe deep vein thrombosis, a serious health complication that arises from long, stagnant periods of inactivity in crowded seating areas. Although some people have health conditions that predispose them to developing this condition, there are some preventative measures that can be taken to avoid deep vein thrombosis. Allow the experts at Summit Skin & Vein Care of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, to explain these precautions in detail.

How It Happens

Lengthy periods of stagnation can cause leg discomfort and, worse, deep vein thrombosis. The restriction of healthy blood flow can cause a deep-vein blood clot. Deep-vein blood clots can become a potentially fatal issue if it is dislodged into the lungs upon the return to normal blood circulation. When this happens, a pulmonary embolism can occur, which sometimes causes death. While health conditions like pregnancy, obesity, and heart disease can increase a person’s risk for the development of deep vein thrombosis, this condition knows no limits. In the right circumstances, even the healthiest of individuals can fall victim to deep vein thrombosis.

Traveling Tips:

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention Tip #1 – Stay Hydrated.

Staying fully hydrated is key to your comfort and safety while traveling. Dehydration can cause your blood to thicken, making you more susceptible to the development of serious blood clots like deep vein thrombosis. As a rule of thumb, avoid alcoholic beverages and drink lots of water as your travel.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention Tip #2 – Uncross Your Legs.

Crossed legs restrict your blood flow, whereas uncrossed legs enable the free flow of blood throughout your circulatory system. When your legs are confined, keep them flat to help promote good blood flow.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention Tip #3 – Flex Your Feet.

Even the most cramped conditions usually have space for you to flex your feet up and down while you are seated. This activity helps move your calves, prompting healthy blood flow throughout your body. In addition, taking a stroll down the aisle every so often is another way to restore normal blood flow.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention Tip #4 – Wear Graduated Compression Stockings.

The stretching of veins during prolonged periods of inactivity throughout travel are another factor that increase your chances of blood clots like deep vein thrombosis. The solution? Wearing graduated compression stockings can help prevent idle, leg-induced vein stretching that sometimes causes deep vein thrombosis.

We Can Help

Before you travel again, be sure to think about ways you can proactively protect yourself from deep vein thrombosis. This condition is serious and it should be avoided at all costs. Need assistance? Summit Skin & Vein Care of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is here to help.

Suffering from deep vein thrombosis or another vein-related health condition?

Contact Summit Skin & Vein Care of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, to learn about our vein quick scan and other services by calling (816) 533-4398.

Filed Under: Veins Tagged With: deep vein thrombosis, preventing vein disease, Summit Skin & Vein Care

What Are the Six Stages of Vein Disease?

January 10, 2014 by SummitSkin

Vein disease is a common and treatable health issue. However, the key to successful treatment is knowing the stages so you can identify and treat them accordingly. At Summit Skin & Vein Care of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, we are vein disease experts who are here to help you learn about the common symptoms of this health issue. Education is a powerful tool, so be sure to learn about vein disease today.

The Stages of Vein Disease:

Phase #1 of Vein Disease – Spider Veins

The earliest stage of vein disease begins with the development of spider veins. Just as the name suggests, spider veins create a spidery appearance in your legs. The cause for this is dialated skin capillaries. Typically, this causes more cosmetic problems than health problems; however, it can sometimes create pain.

Phase #2 of Vein Disease – Varicose Veins / Ropey Veins

The next stage of vein disease is the development of varicose veins. These veins have a telltale ropey appearance and are caused by stretched-out valves, which results in the two-way flow of blood. Left ignored, varicose veins can damage surrounding, otherwise healthy veins, causing discoloration of skin and the development of ulcers.

Phase #3 of Vein Disease – Edema (Swelling)

As mentioned, untreated varicose veins can evolve into other health problems, such as edema. This can create some discomfort. Although, at this point, there are usually no visible skin changes. If you are experiencing excessive swelling, be sure to contact a professional who can help treat any discomfort you may be experiencing.

Phase #4 of Vein Disease – Skin Discoloration

As varicose veins progress, skin discoloration is the next phase of vein disease. Here, tan or bronze-like discoloration usually develops in the lower legs.

Phase #5 of Vein Disease – Skin Changes with Healed Ulceration

As vein disease progresses, it is not uncommon for you to see some skin changes. The development of healed ulceration is normal. Unsure what this looks like? All this means is that an ulcer is covered by epithelial regeneration like scarring.

Phase #6 of Vein Disease – Skin Changes with Active Ulceration

The next and final stage of vein disease is active ulceration. At this point, the ulcer is usually visible — and subject to appear in a number of forms — and may be causing you some discomfort. If you are experiencing pain, be certain to visit a specialist and learn about the treatment of vein disease.

If you are in the early or late stages of vein disease, there is help. At Summit Skin & Vein Care of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, we provide a number of treatments that target various stages of vein disease. Also, do not miss out on our free vein screening, which enables us to analyze the current health of your veins.

For information about our vein disease treatment services, call Summit Skin & Vein Care of Lee’s Summit, MO, at (816) 533-4398.

Summit Skin & Vein Care is proudly serving Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Independence, Blue Springs, Harrisonville, Warrensburg, Clinton, MO, and their surrounding areas.

Filed Under: Veins Tagged With: Summit Skin & Vein Care, varicose, varicose vein treatment

Can Varicose Veins Return After Treatment?

November 5, 2013 by SummitSkin

Varicose veins are a problematic health issue that can be treated by way of Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA). While EVLA has been proven to be effective in the treatment of these veins, it does not guarantee the prevention of future development of varicose veins. When it comes to the treatment of varicose veins, Summit Skin & Vein Care of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, knows the results you can expect best. For complete details about the treatment of varicose veins, stay tuned. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Varicose Veins Tips, Veins Tagged With: Summit Skin & Vein Care, varicose vein treatment, varicose veins

What is Endovenous Laser Treatment?

October 28, 2013 by SummitSkin

If you have varicose veins, your vein specialist will probably suggest a treatment plan like sclerotherapy or endovenous laser treatment to remedy the situation before it leads to further discomfort or more serious vein complications.

As with any other medical treatment, it’s good for you to understand the basics of endovenous laser treatment before undergoing it yourself. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Varicose Veins Tips, Veins Tagged With: endovenous laser treatment, Summit Skin & Vein Care, varicose vein treatment, varicose veins