Varicose Veins....When Should I Worry?

Article by: Clark Stream PA‐C

It is estimated that there are more than 80 million Americans who suffer from some form of venous disorder, making this a common problem. The following questionnaire will help you determine when to seek an evaluation to help avoid the long‐term problems associated with untreated varicose veins.

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1) Have you or anyone in your family been diagnosed with varicose veins or venous reflux
disease?

2) Do you have varicose veins which exhibit any of the following characteristics?

•  Large, bulging veins on your legs
•  Swollen, red or warm to the touch
•  Skin discoloration or texture changes

3) Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms in your legs, ankles or feet?

•  Pain (aching, cramping feeling)
•  Heaviness/Tiredness
•  Burning or tingling sensations
•  Swelling
•  Tender areas around the veins
•  Restless legs

4) Have you previously had skin ulcers or wounds on the leg that were slow to heal?

5) Have you previously attempted conservative treatments without success (e.g. exercise,
weight loss, elevating legs, avoiding long periods of standing/sitting, compression
stockings)?

Each YES answer increases your risk. Listen to your legs…they are telling you something…It’s time to seek an evaluation and treatment at the Vein Center at Vascular Associates. This step is easy because no referral is necessary; just call 872‐8510 to set up an appointment.  Your worries end here because you will be under the expert care of our treatment team, Dr. Bud Shuler and Clark Stream PA‐C, “Committed to making a difference”.

Dr. Bud Shuler is NW Florida’s only fellowship trained vascular specialist, board certified in both Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine. He is the medical director of the panhandle’s first nationally‐accredited, comprehensive vascular lab for diagnosing the many aspects of vascular and venous disease.

Clark Stream PA‐C is a highly specialized vascular physician assistant with unique training from nationally and internationally renowned experts in cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery. He is a sought after expert in the development and implementation of advanced sclerotherapy techniques. For more information, please visit www.ArteryAndVeins.com.