ASK THE DOC

September is National Venous Health Month

American Venous Forum www.VeinForum.org

WHY YOU NEED A PHYSICIAN WHO HAS RESIDENCY TRAINING AND IS BOARD-CERTIFIED TO TREAT VENOUS DISEASE:

Years of experience and teaching gives a physician the knowledge of the many presentations and consequences of vein conditions.

The venous system, with the lymphatic system, is responsible for the return of blood and fluids from the legs to the heart. Problems may be subtle or dramatic and range from a dull ache to swelling and skin changes. There may be a clot or valve dysfunction. These can result in ulcers (sores) in the ankle area. With vein disease, an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.

1 in 3 Americans over the age of 45 has some kind of vein disease!

Signs and Symptoms of Venous Disease:

• Achy, heavy or tired legs

• Cramping or pressure

• Itching, burning sensation

• Swelling

• Dry, flaky skin

• Discoloration around the ankles

• Hard tissue in the lower leg

• Ulceration