The Vein Doctor

Healthy functioning valves are vital to the proper flow of blood in the veins. But what exactly are valves, what do they do and what do they look like?

If you have any vein condition such as varicose veins, spider veins, phlebitis, varicose eczema or leg ulcers, you need to know the answers and I will give you all the information you need.

Venous valves are delicate folds in the lining of the vein that direct blood in the correct direction. In the legs, this means that they open and close to keep blood flowing from the feet, up the … Continue reading »

As a medical doctor, I am often asked about general health issues. Subjects such as diet, heart disease, exercise and life style. In fact, these health issues are a particular interest of mine because healthy legs are a reflection of good health generally, so much so in fact that I would go as far as to say, that if you don’t have healthy legs you can’ t be truly healthy.

Let me explain why. In my experience, there are 3 main threats to leg health: these are peripheral arterial disease shortened to PAD, chronic venous disease, about which I spend most … Continue reading »

Varicose veins have tense, thin walls and they often bulge significantly, typically producing knobbly skin over the affected area. The vein can be burst by a gentle knock, and this may result in profuse bleeding. Shock will quickly develop if the bleeding is not controlled.

St John Ambulance has provided these these simple steps to help:

• Help the casualty to lie down on their back. Raise and support the injured leg as high as possible to immediately reduce the amount of bleeding.
• Rest the injured leg on your shoulder or a chair. Apply … Continue reading »
  

There are Five Common “Lies” or “Myths” that even your family doctor may believe.

There is a lot of nonsense talked about veins and I’m going to tell you the commonest 5 myths about varicose veins. The first myth is that pregnancy causes varicose veins. This is simply wrong. Varicose veins may appear in pregnancy for the first time if there is a pre-disposition to a condition called superficial venous reflux in which the valves are unhealthy. Many men as well as women who have not had children are affected by varicose veins. The latest research suggests that almost as many … Continue reading »