Between 30 and 60% of adults have varicose or spider veins — so if you are experiencing them, rest assured the condition is not uncommon.  

Varicose and spider veins occur naturally based on certain circumstances, and do not have to hinder your summer enjoyment. There are a few ways to treat and prevent these venous diseases as the weather warms up. 

What are Varicose and Spider Veins? 

Varicose and spider veins are both venous diseases, but they have a few distinct differences: 

Spider veins are small, and can sometimes appear at first glance as though they were drawn on your leg with either a red, purple, or blue colored pen. They may cause some itching or discomfort, but they do not swell, and won’t cause harm to your circulatory system. 

Varicose veins, on the other hand, bulge from under the skin, and are both more uncomfortable and concerning. “Varicose veins cause fatigue of the legs, swelling and general discomfort. They can also be a warning of long-term health risks including: deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, poor circulation and leg swelling,” Luis Navarro, MD, founder and medical director of The Vein Treatment Center in New York City tells Woman’s Day. They may also be a symptom indicating Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), which prevents proper blood flow to your heart, so it is important to discuss varicose veins with your doctor. 

What Causes Varicose and Spider Veins? 

Varicose and spider veins are both caused by complications in the circulatory system. Your veins normally have one-way valves that help your blood flow throughout your body. If these valves do not close properly, it can cause blood to flow backward, unable to reach the heart, and consequently enlarge the affected vein or veins. 

How Can You Treat Varicose and Spider Veins? 

If you have a mild case of spider or varicose veins, your doctor may suggest compression socks (or compression stockings) specifically designed to fit snugly around your legs and promote blood flow. This lessens the visibility of varicose or spider veins. 

Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and reducing the salt in your diet can also reduce the swelling of your veins. 

If at-home treatment doesn’t provide results, your doctor may recommend a non-surgical procedure called sclerotherapy. This procedure involves the injection of a saline solution to slowly reduce the appearance of the veins over three to six weeks. 

Other options to treat these venous diseases include: 

• Endovenous laser treatment: Pulses of laser light are administered to collapse the affected vein.  
• Radiofrequency closure: A radiofrequency is delivered to the affected vein wall via a catheter, causing the vein to heat up, collapse, and seal shut. 

In extreme cases, your doctor may suggest a more invasive surgery, which involves tying off and removing the impacted vein with small incisions. This surgery is usually an outpatient procedure involving local, spinal, or general anesthesia, and without the need of stitches.

How to Prevent Varicose and Spider Veins 

If you do not currently have either spider or varicose veins, but wish to prevent them before the summer, consider these tips:

• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Periodically keep your legs elevated
• Maintain a healthy weight 
• Quit smoking tobacco 
• Periodically use compression socks 
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing

The professionals at Vascular Surgical Associates can help answer any further questions you may have regarding spider or varicose veins. We’re eager to help you find the best treatment for your condition, and give you tips for prevention in the future. Visit us online to schedule an appointment, or call us at 770-423-0595.

Different types of wounds come with different options for wound care. Cuts, grazes, punctures, lacerations, and any necessary surgical incisions can cause problematic complications if not treated properly. The right wound care is key to avoiding infection and long-term complications.

Vascular surgeons have specialized expertise in treating wounds and understanding potential complications that may occur. Their knowledge and skill can provide you with individualized solutions. Here’s a bit more to help you understand what we do. 

What is a Vascular Surgeon?

Vascular surgeons are doctors who have specialized in veins, arteries, and lymphatic circulation. As vascular systems are key to the body’s function and healing, these health care professionals are incredibly knowledgeable about the human body, and have particularly studied the intricacies of tending to wounds. They understand the consequences of failing to treat a wound properly, and carry out the safest and most helpful procedures for wound care.

How Does a Vascular Surgeon Perform Wound Care? 

A vascular surgeon’s choice of wound treatment depends on the wound type. Through diagnostic testing, your vascular surgeon will decide which treatment is best. There are many surgical techniques vascular surgeons can perform to promote healing, but nonsurgical options are also available based on each individual case. In general, cleaning and dressing a wound (sometimes with stitches) will allow it to heal on its own. But for chronic wounds that last longer, vascular surgeons may employ: 

• Compression therapy such as stockings or bandages to offset pressure on the veins.
• Wound debridement, or minor surgery that is meant to remove any non-living tissue surrounding the wound.  
• Hydrogel or hydrocolloid dressings to help ulcers heal. 
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to stimulate oxygen concentration and improve blood supply to the wound area.  
• Vacuum-assisted closure so that the wound is exposed to continuous suction to promote heating.  
• Skin grafts in instances where a wound is so large it is unable to close on its own.

Other treatment options including topical antibiotics and alternate wound dressings may also be considered based on your wound’s type, severity, and location. 

Why Is Quality Wound Care Important?

Adequate wound care from a vascular surgeon helps you avoid the risk of infection. Compared to cardiovascular health or cancer treatment, wound care may be seen as trivial, but dangerous bacteria can invade and infect even a small wound. 

Infection even in otherwise healthy people can lead to serious health issues — and in the worst cases, even amputation. Those with complications such as diabetes especially need good wound care, since high blood sugar can impede their ability to heal. 

But even if a wound does not become infected, if left untreated, it can also cause more pain and limit mobility. If a wound does not heal sufficiently in 4 weeks after the primary assessment and treatment of the wound, it can require more care.At Vascular Surgical Associates, our team is here to listen to your questions and address with care any worries you may have. Our professionals are experts not only in wounds, but in veins, arteries, blood, and lymphatic circulation. We can answer any questions you may have about your wound, and how to care for it properly. Call us at 770-423-0595 or visit us online to book an appointment.

We’ve all experienced an injury or sore that can be inconvenient, painful, and challenging to tend to. But when it comes to effective wound maintenance, it can be difficult to know when to contact a doctor. To equip you with the right information about basic wound care and how to find quality help when it is needed, here’s what you should know.

Types of Wounds 

• Abrasions: These are injuries that form when the skin is rubbed or scraped against a hard surface. These mild injuries are often treatable at home. Any abrasion near the eyes, showing signs of infection, or which cover a large area of the body, however may require medical attention.
• Lacerations: Unlike abrasions, lacerations are deep cuts to the skin. These are usually the result of a cut caused by a knife, shards of glass, or another sharp object. Sometimes lacerations can be mild, but deeper cuts may require stitches. Bleeding should be stopped immediately, and the wound should be cleaned and wrapped. 
• Punctures: These are small, deep holes in the skin caused by a pointed object like a nail. Some puncture wounds are mild and don’t require major medical attention. But if the wound is deep and difficult to clean, it becomes vulnerable to bacteria and infection.
• Burns: This is tissue damage caused by heat, radiation, chemicals, electricity, or the sun. First-degree and most second-degree burns are usually treatable at home, though even these burns are vulnerable to infection. Any burn above a second-degree level can be life-threatening and requires immediate, specialized medical attention. 
• Avulsions: These are severe wounds that involve the complete removal of several layers of skin, sometimes exposing fat or visible muscle layers beneath. These wounds can rarely be treated at home. Unless the injury is smaller than 0.25 inches by 0.25 inches, a person should seek immediate medical help, and bring any removed portion of skin to the medical center. 

The Healing Process 

Wound healing is the process of the skin recovering from significant damage. There are three general types (also referred to as “intentions”): primary, secondary, and tertiary. Each treatment varies based on the type of wound, its severity, and the steps necessary for complete recovery. 

Primary Wound Healing

Primary wound healing involves stitches, staples, or glue to close a wound. This method helps the body focus on healing a smaller area of injury. 

Secondary Wound Healing 

Secondary wound healing is recommended when a wound is too large to be effectively closed right away. After thorough cleaning, the wound is allowed to heal naturally. As this process can take a long time, there may be a higher risk of infection and/or contamination, so consistent care and attention is required.

Tertiary Wound Healing

Sometimes referred to as healing by delayed primary closure, this treatment involves a prolonged, time-based method of closing the wound. If a doctor fears that they may trap infectious germs or tissue in the wound by closing it too soon, they may allow some natural healing or other treatment therapies before closing it with sutures. 

Treatments 

As with the above intentions, home remedies and other wound treatments will vary depending on the type and nature of the wound. For example, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics with the wound closure in case of infection, or follow-up visits for further debridement and cleaning. In most cases you can expect at least a check-up appointment after the wound has healed. 

At Vascular Surgical Associates our specialists are highly skilled in all methods of wound treatment, and will provide the quality, individualized care you need. Visit us online or call us at 770-423-0595 to schedule an appointment.

Venous insufficiency is a condition characterized by poor circulation and the pooling of blood in the legs. Patients with this condition frequently experience tired, achy, heavy legs at the end of the day, night cramps, and swelling in the feet and ankles.

Varicose veins are clusters of swollen, tangled veins, and they often bulge above the surface of the skin. These veins often fill with blood and can become tender or inflamed.

Spider veins, which are small, thin veins seen at the skin surface, often form from years of venous insufficiency and can be a sign of venous disease below the skin surface.

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Author: Arun Chervu, MD, FACS, RVT, MBA, MHA, Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon

Types of Venous Diseases

Spider Veins are the small, visible veins which often have the appearance of having been drawn on the skin, with a fine pen.  They do not bulge out beyond the skin, but can be unsightly, and can also be associated with itching or discomfort, though they are considered cosmetic.

Varicose Veins are the bulging veins, often seen on the thighs and legs.  As they grow larger, they can cause more pain, itching, burning, fatigue, and become more unsightly.  Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue but can often be a sign of an underlying vein condition known as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).

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My name is Eric Herbert. I started this journey in October of 2019. After making the decision to have my left leg amputated, I wondered where my life would go from there. While recovering from surgery, I was visited by two current amputees (Chad & Jonathan), who gave me the inspiration I needed to believe that I could overcome this. Then I met Eric Chen, who reassured me that with dedication, determination, and discipline, that I could resume a new “normal life.” The staff at VSA Prosthetics were not only great at fitting me with a prosthetic leg, their upbeat demeanor and infectious attitude helped make the transition smooth and easy. My biggest concern was, “What would be my new normal?” Again, the staff at VSA showed me that normal was what I deemed it would be. I dance like no one is watching, I can walk as if I don’t have a prosthetic. And I got my swag back. Thanks VSA for all you do!

Everyone is aware that a sedentary lifestyle causes all sorts of health problems which can ultimately lead to a shorter life. Failing to get the recommended amount of standing time per day (between 2 to 4 hours) can also adversely affect the health of your veins. But for those who commute to work and spend most of their time sitting at a desk, finding the time to stand and move around while at the office can feel like a real challenge. Luckily, we have some creative solutions to help you sneak in more standing time while at work without affecting your productivity.

Easy Ways You Can Stand More

Stand During Phone Calls

If your job requires you to take lots of phone calls, you have plenty of opportunities to get some standing time in. This works especially well for conference calls when not every moment concerns you. And if you can take a leisurely stroll around the room or office, even better.

Stand When Co-Workers Come to Talk to You

Whether you have a cubical, your own office, or share a workspace, standing up when a colleague comes to talk to you is a great way to work in some standing time. You can even try to make this a regular practice for your entire office since it benefits everyone. It may feel awkward at first but think about it. The person who came to talk to you is already standing. So instead of offering them a seat, stand to greet them and carry on with your business from there.

Don’t Use a Large Water Bottle at Work

We should all be drinking plenty of water throughout the day, but it’s better to drink from a small glass rather than a large water bottle. Doing so forces you to stand up to refill your glass more frequently than you otherwise would.

Use the Stairs Whenever Possible

If your office is located a few floors up, use the stairs to make the trip. And if your job requires you to visit several other floors throughout the day, again, the stairs are your best friend.

Stand During Presentations & Team Meetings

When it’s appropriate, try to stand as much as possible during team meetings and presentations. You still want to be respectful of the person who’s presenting, so only do it when you know it won’t cause a disruption.

Stand During Your Commute

If you take the train or bus to work, always elect to stand whenever possible. And if you live close enough, consider biking to work when the weather permits.

Use a Height-Adjustable Desk

Many businesses have already outfitted their workspaces with height-adjustable desks. But if yours hasn’t yet, or if you work from home, consider purchasing one yourself. Using one of these will offer you more than enough opportunity to stand during the workday.

Stand While Eating Breakfast and Lunch

Fitting in a half hour of standing time at the beginning and middle of your day can go a long way towards helping you reach your daily standing goal. We can all benefit from being a little more health conscious, and spending more time standing during the workday is a simple way to achieve that. For more information about how to maintain good vein health, check out our News & Events page where we make regular posts and announcements.

My name is James (Jimmy) Cagle.  I have been battling infection in both feet since 2009.  In 2009 I had my left foot cut off below the toes.  Then in 2014 I had three different diabetic ulcers in my right foot.  Two ulcers healed slowly, but eventually did heal.  The last ulcer was on the heel, and I fought a good fight, but it never did heal.

I sing in a band and one night I just did not feel right, and I left before the show and went to Cobb Wellstar Hospital.  My entire foot was infected and growing.  I was in bad trouble.  The only way they could get rid of the infection and save my life was to have my right leg amputated below the knee quickly before the infection spread to my heart.

I fought many years for this not to happen, but always knew it would come to this.  No one wants to lose a leg.  I was confused and downright scared.  I was at the point when I had my leg amputated, and I didn’t know how I would carry on with my busy life.  However, Dr. Sayeed put me at ease, said he knew he could get rid of the infection, and told me that I could carry on with my life.  Still not complete sure, I then met Prosthetitst Orthotist Eric Chen after my surgery and he was the most kind and gentle soul I had ever met in the medical field.  He laid out the plan for my recovery and said to be strong — he somehow knew I could do this.  I never felt more at ease.  I was in rehab 2 days after surgery, and after 1 week in rehab, I graduated, whereas most patients take 2 weeks at least to get released.  Some need home health care, but Eric gave me such inspiration that I worked hard at home every day.  To make a long story short, in 9 short weeks I was healed and in my new prosthetic leg.  This was the plan Eric had for me, and it worked to the tee.  Now 13 weeks after surgery, I am walking without a walker or a cane.

I am back singing on stage with my band and not missing a beat of how my life was before.  In fact my life is much better.  Where I had been in much pain for 9 years, I am completely pain-free.

I use my story on social media, and many say I am their inspiration in their lives.  What they don’t realize is how Eric was my inspiration!  Yes I was determined to get through this with a great attitude and strong will.  Eric made sure that this would happen, made sure it could, and most definitely would happen with a strong attitude and hard work.  I may be an inspiration to others, but Eric Chen of VSA Prosthetics is my inspiration.

Jimmy is the lead singer for the Bone Daddys Band, a local Classic Rock and Country band, and he hasn’t skipped a beat, despite this set-back and the challenges that he has had to face.  His positive attitude, along with the incredible support of his wife, have been inspirational to all and has contributed to his tremendous success.

He has elected to join VSA Prosthetics’ network of peer visitors because of how much he was able to benefit from it through his own journey.

My name is John David Sims, and I am a retired teacher/principal with the Cobb County School System.

At the age of 80, I had a very significant life changing event – I became an amputee. Unfortunately, this is due to a long history of smoking that led to vascular disease, and ultimately loosing my left leg above the knee.

I have been a patient of Vascular Surgical Associates for numerous years, and in particular Dr. Hafner. I had several surgeries prior to the amputation, to try and help with the blood flow in my leg, but after a length of time, and a final surgery to try and save my leg, there were no other options but to amputate.

The day before my amputation surgery, a young man came into my hospital room to discuss the amputation and how things would go with a prosthetic after the surgery. This was when I met Eric Chen – and even before I had my leg removed, I began developing a special relationship with Eric.

Eric has been a wonderful inspiration to me during the entire process from surgery, fittings for prosthetics and physical therapy. Also, being a part of the support group has been a tremendous help to me and my wife. Now at the age of 81 and being an amputee, I feel certain I can continue living my life, thanks to the tremendous support I have from family, the support group and Eric.