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There are many people treating vein disease in Houston such as cardiologists, radiologists and surgeons.
So how does one decide where to go? There is fortunately a credentialing organization called the IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission) that certifies centers for the treatment and management of vein disease. Texas Vein & Wellness has 2 of the 4 accredited vein centers in Houston!
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Yes! A board certified provider, who specializes in diagnosing and treating vein disease, will meet with you to evaluate and discuss your symptoms. Once treatment is deemed necessary, an ultrasound can be performed immediately, or an appointment will be scheduled for an in office procedure.
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Venous disease is one of the most common conditions affecting our health. According to the American College of Phlebology, 80 million people in the U.S. have some form of venous disorder. It can affect men and women of all ages and activity levels, and while it has a strong genetic component, venous disease can be aggravated by environmental risks, pregnancy, and other factors. Venous disease is common in people who have jobs that require long periods of standing, and the risk of venous disease increases with age.
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While vein disease is not usually life-threatening or limb threatening, it can lead to serious impairment of one’s quality of life. Vein disease is a progressive disease that does not correct itself or cure itself. The problem will continue to get worse as will the symptoms which range from swelling, heaviness, cramping, aching, ulcerations, restless legs and more. These superficial veins can also cause thrombosis or clot, leading to more acute symptoms.
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Healthy veins have valves that regulate the flow of blood from your feet back to your heart. For many reasons these valves become weak and allow blood to flow back towards the feet, hence the name reflux. The blood flowing backwards creates enlarged vessels and discomfort/pain in the leg. This “extra” blood in the legs is under increased pressure and can lead to the swelling, cramping, bulging veins, discoloration and eventually ulcers.
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Most health insurance companies do cover vein disease treatment. After booking your appointment, we will discuss your coverage and payment options if you do not have insurance. Click Here to see a list of all the insurances we accept.
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There are a variety of treatments available for vein disease. Since each case is unique, we must first analyze your legs using the latest in ultrasound technology and then create a customized treatment plan during your consultation. We are able to offer compression therapy, radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, VenaSeal, endovenous laser ablation surgery or a combination of treatments.
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In general, all venous procedure are relatively painless. No sedation is required for any. We administer local anesthesia around the vein, which the patient may notice. The actual ablation and closure of the vein is not even noticed by the patient.
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You should not scar. Bruising is natural sometimes after the procedure but should disappear quickly after.
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One may resume normal activities almost immediately. On the day of the procedure, you will leave with instructions to walk frequently and stay active. Heavy physical activity or workouts may be resumed in 3-4 days.
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Most symptoms should dissipate quickly. Within 6-12 weeks, your symptoms should be drastically improved. At Texas Vein and Wellness Institute we see 80-90 % improvement within the 6-12 week period.
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Radio frequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment closing the main weak vein, allowing blood to be diverted to the many other healthy veins in the leg. Phlebectomy is another option that focuses on removing smaller, superficial veins. Sclerotherapy is also performed, where we use an ultrasound-guidance to seal the vein wall of small varicose veins allowing them to fade away.
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We are approximately 95% successful in closure of the intended refluxing veins using the radiofrequency technique.
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There is always a chance of risk with any medical procedure. Complications are rare in vein disease. Infection, clotting and nerve injury are possible but highly unlikely especially in an accredited vein center.
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There are non-invasive treatments options such as use of compression stockings, herbal medications, and lifestyle changes and prevention techniques. We start with conservative techniques as the first line of treatment, but in many cases other treatment options are needed for relief.
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Depending on your insurance, you may need a referral from your primary care doctor. Feel free to set up an initial consultation or a free screening to get more information. Or call our office and speak with our team about your insurance rules.
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Click Here to see a full walk through of your appointments and the office.
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Yes there are lifestyle changes that can impact your symptoms. Avoiding high heels, avoiding tight clothes, raising your legs above your heart, walking frequently, and taking breaks from long periods of sitting all can improve your symptoms. All of these changes will lessen the flow of blood to your feet, resulting in less swelling, pooling, etc. Compression stockings are also very helpful during periods of exertion, long sitting times, planes, etc. While these steps may help with some of the symptoms, the underlying reflux can only be eliminated with some type of intervention.
Request an Appointment or Screening with a TXVWI specialist.
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