Understanding osteoporosis

BY DEIRDRE CARLSON VARICOSE VEINS NOT JUST A COSMETIC ISSUE

Veins are blood vessels that return blood from organs in the body toward the heart, an imperative bodily function. I’m sure we have all heard the term varicose or ‘spider veins,’ but do you know the root cause of this common problem, its symptoms, or possible treatment options? No worries; we’ve got you covered.

WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?

Varicose veins occur when veins become enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with blood. Varicose veins typically appear swollen and raised, have a bluish-purple or red color, and are often painful. The condition is very common with approximately 25 million cases in the U.S. per year, and disproportionately affects women. Around 25 percent of all adults, however, have varicose veins, and in most cases, varicose veins appear on the lower legs. Left untreated, they typically worsen over time.

CAUSES OF VARICOSE VEINS

Veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. When these valves fail, blood begins to collect in the veins rather than continuing toward your heart and the veins become enlarged. The veins there are the farthest from your heart, and gravity makes it harder for the blood to flow upward.

YOU COULD BE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE IF YOU ARE:

• Pregnant • Going through menopause • Age 50+ • Stand for long periods of time • Obese • Have a family history of varicose veins

SYMPTOMS OF VARICOSE VEINS

The primary symptoms of varicose veins are highly visible, twisted veins, usually on the legs. You may also have pain, swelling, heaviness, and achiness over or around the enlarged veins. In some cases, people develop swelling and discoloration. In severe cases, the veins can bleed significantly and ulcers can form.

TREATING & PREVENTING VARICOSE VEINS

In general, your doctor will likely advise making changes to your lifestyle first before trying more aggressive treatments. These could include avoiding standing for extended periods of time, losing weight, exercising to improve circulation, and using compressions socks and/or stockings. If lifestyle changes aren’t working, if varicose veins are causing a significant amount of pain, or your overall health is threatened, your doctor might suggest surgical intervention. The preferences for doctors are minimally invasive treatments (see sidebar) prior to invasive surgery.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS

SCLEROTHERAPY, using a liquid or foam chemical injection to block off a larger vein

MICROSCLEROTHERAPY, using a liquid chemical injection to block off smaller veins

LASER SURGERY, using light energy to block off a vein

ENDOVENOUS ablation therapy, using heat and radiofrequency waves to block off a vein endoscopic vein surgery, using a small lighted scope inserted through a small incision to block off a vein

ASK A SPECIALIST:

THE MANSHADI HEART INSTITUTE

2633 Pacific Ave., Stockton (209) 944-5530 DrManshadi.com

STOCKTON CARDIOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP

415 E. Harding Way, Ste. D, Stockton (209) 944-5750 StocktonCardiology.com

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ALL LIFE’S JOURNEYS, EVEN THOSE WITH GREAT HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT HAVE AN END.

Allergy, Immunology & Asthma Medical Group are saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Jerold Yecies. Jerold passed away on March 12, 2020. He practiced in Stockton for 47 years and felt very privileged to deliver his prestigious care to all his patients. He was dedicated to staying at the forefront of emerging science and treatments for asthma and allergy. He saw a full day of patients the day before he passed away and that is exactly as he would have wanted it. It was his life’s work. Jerold was always a man of honor and integrity, very highly respected and much loved by staff and his patients. He treated everyone with respect and dignity. We loved to hear him speak so lovingly and proudly of his family and of his travel adventures.

Dr. Yecies’ partners, Dr. George Bensch, Dr. Gregory Bensch and Dr. Michael Balduzzi will be available to continue allergy & immunology care with the same dedication that he provided. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. We send healing prayers and comforting hugs to his beautiful wife, Judith Yecies and the entire Yecies Family.

ALLE RG Y IM M U N OLOG Y & AST H M A MEDICAL GROUP

ALLE RG Y IM M U N OLOG Y & AST H M A MEDICAL GROUP (209) 951-5353 www.allergyimm.com