Varicose veins affect half of the people over age 50 and can start earlier, for example, following pregnancy in women. You may notice the darkened leg veins first as a cosmetic nuisance, a reason not to wear shorts. But for some people, varicose veins and related conditions can lead to significant leg pain, swelling and difficulty sleeping, along with more serious complications such as wounds, ulcers and dangerous blood clots.
Schneck Medical Center’s new Vein Center can help provide relief and long-term solutions for venous diseases. The Vein Center will host a screening from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, with three education sessions at the start of each hour. Free screenings will be limited to 30 people who register in advance.
Many people still think that varicose veins are just a cosmetic issue-and don’t seek proper treatment-and that treatment is painful. There’s also the misconception that treatments are not covered by insurance and Medicare, as well as one of the most misleading perceptions that once you get varicose veins, you’re stuck with them for life. These perceptions are a myth._ “People need to be aware that the majority of vein problems are caused by a medical condition called venous reflux-the backward flow of blood,” says Dr. Rick Wiethoff, Schneck Vein Center surgeon.
“The presence of spider veins or feelings such as heaviness, tiredness, achiness, restlessness and cramping are all early warning signs that deeper veins inside the leg muscles have become weakened, with blood possibly pooling or leaking outside the vein instead of flowing effectively to the heart. Left undiagnosed and untreated, conditions can worsen to more chronic stages, including venous ulceration, skin discoloration, and edema.”_ _At Schneck’s Vein Center, surgeons can pinpoint trouble spots within the deeper veins through ultrasound technology then provide a long-term fix with a minimally invasive outpatient procedure improving quality of life-no matter the stage of progression. Patients can expect virtually little to no pain, a fast recovery period, little to no downtime, and immediate relief. Procedures take less than an hour start to finish and qualifying conditions are covered by most insurances and Medicare.
Due to federal regulations, Medicare and Medicaid patients may attend the education session, but are not eligible for the screening. However, these patients may schedule a consultation with the vein surgeon for further evaluation.
The free screenings will be held in the Vein Center located in the same suite as the Endoscopy Center just inside the Patient Entrance at Schneck.
To schedule a screening or an appointment with the Schneck Vein Center, please call 812-524-VEIN (8346). Screenings are limited, so please call early.
