Venous Insufficiency Specialists

Vein Specialists & Vascular Surgeons

Venous Insufficiency Specialists

Vein Specialists & Vascular Surgeons

AVLC Venous Insufficiency Treatments

If you have pain or numbness in your legs or varicose veins, you may have venous insufficiency. At Advanced Vein & Laser Center, with locations in York and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Steven Heird, MD, FACS, and David Winand, MD, FACS, provide expert diagnosis and treatments for venous insufficiency. Call or schedule an appointment online today for the expert medical help you need to restore your vascular health.

Venous Insufficiency Q & A

What is venous insufficiency?

You have two types of blood vessels. Arteries carry oxygenated blood from your heart throughout your body, and veins get your oxygen-depleted blood back to your heart. The veins in your legs have to work extra hard because the blood flow is going upward against gravity. Your leg veins have small valves that beat in time with your heart to support efficient circulation.

Venous insufficiency is a condition where those small valves don’t work correctly, and some of your blood leaks backward and eventually pools in your veins. In addition to causing varicose veins, venous insufficiency also causes symptoms like leg cramping, numbness, fatigue, and skin changes.

What causes venous insufficiency?

A variety of factors contribute to venous insufficiency. For example, spending a lot of time standing in one place or sitting increases the pressure in your veins, eventually weakening them.

Other factors that increase your risk of venous insufficiency include:

Having a family history of venous insufficiency
Having a history of blood clots
Being overweight or obese
Being a woman
Getting older
Smoking

Additionally, if you have deep vein thrombosis, a condition where you develop blood clots in the veins located deep in your legs, your chances of venous insufficiency increase.

How is venous insufficiency treated?

At AVLC, Dr. Heird and Dr. Winand begin your treatment with a physical exam and diagnostic tests like ultrasounds to monitor your blood flow. Once your doctor understands the extent of your venous insufficiency, he begins treatment. If your condition is in its early stages, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to improve your vascular health. For example, he may suggest that you wear compression stockings or add 30 minutes of moderate exercise like a brisk walk to your daily activities. However, if your condition is more advanced, your doctor may suggest medication or nonsurgical treatments like sclerotherapy or endovenous ablation to close the damaged vein. In more severe cases, you may need surgical vein removal.

How can I prevent venous insufficiency?

You can improve and protect your vascular health by maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise. It also helps to add regular movement to your day. For example, if you work at a desk, get up for five minutes once an hour to walk around. If you have a job that requires you to be on your feet all day, wear compression stockings and take time to sit down and elevate your legs. If you’re concerned about venous insufficiency, call Advanced Vein & Laser Center or schedule a consultation online for expert diagnosis and treatment.

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YORK OFFICE

Lancaster OFFICE

What our patients are saying

"I would like to thank Dr Winand and his staff for a job well done! My legs feel and look so much better!! I had some surgeries like this done by a different doctor in the area without the results I got here. I would recommend coming here for the best results! Thanks again for a job well done!!"

- STEVE D.

"Each time that I have visited Dr. Heird's office, it was always professional and very comfortable. The atmosphere is relaxing. He and his team do an excellent job. I would recommend them to anyone in need of their services. I was referred their by a family member. After I had work done there and mentioned it to a friend of mine, they too said he is one of the best."

- JOANNA W.

"I had a wonderful experience with treatment of my varicose veins and achieved great results! They look and feel better and I am thrilled! Wish I hadn’t waited so long. Highly Recommend!"

- RACHEL G.

"The entire process was smooth. From the scheduling to insurance handling to procedure and then followup. I felt genuinely heard and cared for."

- MANDY W.

"Great experience with Dr Heird and his staff. Staff courteous. Would highly recommend this practice."

- ANGELA H.