Debunking common varicose veins myths and treatment misunderstandings by Richard Evans Vascular, New Zealand’s trusted vascular health specialists.

Varicose veins myths: the more common misunderstandings

Common Varicose Vein Myths: What You Need to Know

There are many misunderstandings or varicose veins myths about treatments. Here we look at the more common ones we hear about.


Hard surfaces and standing all day

Standing all day might give you sore legs but it is inactivity that causes pooling of venous blood in the legs and may exacerbate problems with varicose veins.  If you stand or sit for long periods during the day, wearing compression socks and making sure you build activity into your day will all help to relieve symptoms. You do not want them too tight or too loose. A professional will measure your legs or buy online from a shop where you can supply your measurements.


Patient,Gets,Measured,For,Medical,Grade,Compression,Socks,Post,Misunderstandings,About,Varicose,Veins,Treatment,Varicose,Veins,Myths.
The best fit will give the best results.

Varicose veins myths – beige or white compression stockings

While we can order nude-coloured compression socks or thigh-high hose, 90% of our clients prefer to wear black compression socks.  Trousers and socks worn over the top and then they’re just like wearing normal socks.  If you prefer to wear a dress or skirt, black compression hose look like a dense denier pair of tights.


Patient,Choosing,Medical,Grade,Black,Or,Beige,Compression,Socks,For,Varicose,Veins,Myths.
You can choose beige or black compression socks.

Varicose veins myths – older people get varicose veins

People of all ages can develop varicose veins. Having said that they do tend to run in whānau/families and have a strong genetic basis. Varicose veins are more common in people over the age of 50 years.


Long recovery time after treatment

We use Venaseal to treat varicose veins. It’s minimally invasive and a day procedure. Because of no anaesthetic, recovery is quick. Previously, varicose veins were stripped in an operation.

Mild discomfort is treated with over-the-counter medications, such as Panadol and Nurofen. Following the post-procedure instructions we give you, including wearing compression stockings and walking often, there is no need to take more than a day or two off work. We can also give you a medical work certificate if needed.


Big varicose veins need surgery

These days, most varicose veins (98%) can be treated with minimally invasive methods such as Venaseal. There are some exceptions to this, for example, very large junction points between the surface and deep veins and varicose veins that emerge from the pelvis in women, also called pelvic varicose veins. Your specialist will discuss these situations with you following your ultrasound scan.

 

by admin

Manual lymphatic drainage therapy for lymphoedema and varicose vein recovery, promoting better healing and improved results for patients in New Zealand.

Manual lymphatic drainage and its results with lymphoedema

Taking a holistic view of varicose vein treatment has benefits for better outcomes. Here we look at manual lymphatic drainage, a practice that links to better recovery, especially for those with varicose veins and lymphoedema.

After varicose vein treatment a patient who has manual lymphatic drainage can look forward to: less swelling, better circulation, less pain, faster healing and fewer complications. For patients with lymphoedema this will also help the healing process and make them more comfortable.

What Is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) – a specialised type of medical skin massage done by trained therapists. It is gentle and non-invasive, using light pressure to stimulate the lymph vessels that lie just under the skin below the epidermal layer. Stimulating these surface lymphatics increases the flow of lymph fluid, enabling the filling of the deeper lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic fluid in these lymphatics is then transported back to the rest of the body. This touch will be light but powerful.

Legs,And,Manual,Lymphatic,Drainage,Massage,For,A,Patient,With,Varicose,Veins,Lymphoedema.

 

MLD is a specialised type of medical skin massage by trained therapists.

MLD increases the lymphatic flow. This increase is about twice as effective as walking and a lot more effective than when your legs are at rest. This increase in lymph fluid flow lessens your leg swelling, improves your skin and helps reduce the risk of skin infections, also called cellulitis.

MLD has proven to be effective in reducing oedema (swelling) as well, it soothes and relaxes. It helps reduce pain and improves our defences and immune system health to speed up healing.

How can MLD benefit people with varicose veins?

Manual lymphatic drainage can improve circulation by enhancing the lymphatic flow and helping remove cellular waste and excess fluid from the affected area. This can help reduce pressure on your skin and improve blood flow. Varicose veins may occur when blood pools in the veins due to damaged valves that prevent blood flow. MLD used before your varicose vein treatment can get the body ready for treatment. And, therefore, promote a better result, with faster recovery.

Legs,Of,Elderly,Woman,Standing,On,The,Beach,Varicose,Veins,Manual,Lymphatic,Drainage,Helps,With,Recovery.
MLD used before your varicose vein treatment can get the body ready for treatment.

Other benefits of MLD after varicose vein treatment include: 

    • Reduced swelling - varicose veins may contribute to swelling in the legs, ankles and feet. Oedema caused by varicose veins is called venolymphoedema. After varicose vein treatment, many patients will continue to have some leg swelling. MLD can help reduce the swelling by getting rid of excess fluid.
    • Pain relief - varicose veins may cause aching and discomfort, especially after standing or sitting for long times. Varicose vein treatment often will not resolve all of these leg symptoms, especially if lymphoedema is present.  MLD can help reduce any remaining swelling to help reduce this pain and discomfort.
    • Prevention of complications - untreated varicose veins can lead to ulcers, phlebitis, blood clots and skin discolourations. MLD can help reduce the risk by improving circulation, reducing pressure on the veins and promoting healing.

"MLD is an effective treatment for managing varicose veins and lymphoedema. As these are long-term conditions, we encourage affected people to learn how to use this massage-like technique themselves daily. MLD moves lymphatic fluid via a special sequence throughout the body or out of an area that is congested," says Lymphoedema and MLD therapist Maria Mudford.  "However, MLD should also be used in conjunction with compression garments, careful skin care and exercise and nutrition for the lymphatic system. MLD as a stand-alone treatment helps with immune health as part of a pre and post surgery prehab and recovery tool." 

How can manual lymphatic drainage benefit those with lymphoedema?

MLD can help reduce the symptoms and also help prevent certain complications for those with lymphoedema. It is especially helpful for patients with lymphoedema because it allows fluid to drain away from the areas where it collects.

Movement and doing strength exercises can also help with lymphatic drainage. Because waste products, toxins and fluids are removed from the body, reducing the risk of swelling and inflammation post treatment. Richard Evans Vascular refers patients for MLD to approved therapists.

For more information: Lymphoedema Therapists is a group specialising in treating patients with lymphoedema. Search here for a therapist.

by admin

Pelvic congestion syndrome in men, a rare cause of chronic pelvic pain, treated by Richard Evans Vascular, New Zealand's trusted vascular health expert.

Pelvic congestion syndrome in men – rare but worth considering

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome in Men: Symptoms & Treatment

Pelvic congestion syndrome in men refers to symptomatic dilated veins in the male pelvis causing discomfort and pain. Compared with women it is uncommon but is worth considering as a cause of chronic pelvic pain or atypical varicose veins in the legs.

 

What other symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) should I look for?

Other conditions linked to pelvic congestion syndrome in men include:

 

    • Varicocele: or varicose veins around the testicles, usually affecting one side only. Testicular pain is a common symptom, and there may be an association with low sperm count and male infertility.

 

    • Varicose Veins: most varicose veins start in the legs but PCS can be a cause of atypical varicose veins that start in the pelvis and spread down into the legs .

 

    • Scrotal veins: these are varicose veins in the skin of the scrotum.
    • DVT: or deep vein thrombosis, when DVT has caused blockage or damage to the main veins in the pelvis, varicose veins or increased pressure within the pelvic veins may occur, causing symptoms.
    • Venous compression syndromes: examples are May-Turner Syndrome (MTS) and Nutcracker Syndrome (NS). With these the normal large veins are compressed by surrounding structures, causing a restriction in flow through the vein and increased pressure. Some inherited genetic syndromes such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), make MTS and NS more likely.

 

Select,Focus,the,Doctor,Is,Consulting,With,Testicular,Pain,Maybe,Caused,By,Pelvic,Congestion,Syndrome.
Other symptoms include varicose veins around the testicles.

 

What are the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome in men?

Pelvic congestion syndrome linked to chronic pelvic pain, may worsen if standing for too long or over exercising. A dull ache in the testicals, more often on the left side, and usually worse when upright, standing or straining. There may be a lump or you can see varicose veins. If you notice a lump please see your general practitioner (GP) as soon as you can.

Varicose veins or smaller spider veins may be visible on the scrotum. The scrotum may be swollen as a result. – pain is always linked with the swelling. Pain during or after ejaculation. You may also feel pain in the legs from varicose veins that began in the pelvis and then spread to the legs. Coupled with these symptoms, men may be stressed, anxious and suffer depression.

 

How does pelvic congestion syndrome affect trans men?

Pelvic congestion syndrome is more commonly associated with people assigned female at birth. However, it can occur in trans men who have had hormone therapy but retain their reproductive organs. The symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome in trans men are similar to those of females, including:

 

    • Chronic pelvic pain, often said to be persistent, dull and achy that gets worse during the day

 

    • Pain during or following intercourse

 

    • Irregular menstrual bleeding or worsening of menstrual symptoms in trans men who have not had a hysterectomy

 

    • Lower back pain that may move to the hips or thighs

 

    • Urinary issues like pressure or the need to go more often and sometimes with urgency.

Diagnosing pelvic congestion syndrome in trans men can be hard due to the overlap of symptoms with other pelvic-related disorders. The condition is also rare. Tests such as ultrasound or MRI are needed to see the pelvic veins and assess blood flow. Other treatment options for trans men who have not had hormone therapy may include starting testosterone therapy, as this can induce amenorrhea and help reduce menstrual symptoms.

 

What are the steps to diagnosis?

For any pelvic pain please see your GP first. They may refer you for an ultrasound scan. An ultrasound uses sound waves to assess tissues and blood flow. Your GP may refer you for a more detailed x-ray. The x-ray will look at your abdomen, pelvis and testicles and scrotum.

 

Doctor,Is,Using,Ultrasound,Machine,To,Scan,Pelvis,For,Pelvic,Congestion,Syndrome,In,Men.
Your GP may refer you for an ultrasound scan of your pelvis.

 

What are the treatment options for pelvic congestion syndrome in men?

Your GP may recommend some simple things you can do to relieve discomfort. Including not sitting or standing for long times, keeping a healthy weight and exercising regularly. Wearing supportive underwear may also help with symptoms.

Treatment depends on the cause and how bad the symptoms are. Some over-the-counter pain relief like paracetemol or ibuprofen may help. Minimally invasive treatments, like stents that open up narrowed or blocked veins and embolisation that close down leaking veins, can relieve pain. Finally, surgery may be suitable for people with worsening symptoms and for whom quality of life is being impacted.

 

by admin