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Varicose Vein treatment options


varicose vein treatments

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Chronic venous disease of the legs is one of the most common conditions affecting people.

  • Approximately half of the U.S. population has venous disease—50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men. Of these, 20 to 25 percent of the women and 10 to 15 percent of men will have visible varicose veins.
  • Varicose veins affect one out of two people age 50 and older, and 15 to 25 percent of all adults.
Risk Factors

Risk factors include age, family history, female gender and pregnancy.  Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies, is one of the most common factors accelerating the worsening of varicose veins.

Dr. Jon Roberts offers varicose/spider vein treatments here in the Memphis area. Schedule a time to sit and talk about treatment options today!  901-683-1890

The post Did you know? appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

varicose vein treatments

MVC works closely with OB/GYN in Memphis to create a synergistic approach for Women’s health

Why it’s time to Rethink Varicose Veins

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Many people consider varicose veins to be simply a cosmetic issue, so they delay treatment or avoid it completely.

The truth is, untreated varicose veins can progress to a more serious form of vein (venous) disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which can present more serious signs and symptoms such as pain, ankle swelling, fatigue of the legs, skin damage and ulcers.

That’s why a coalition of medical societies is coming together for the Rethink Varicose Veins campaign to encourage the more than 30 million Americans with venous disease, including varicose veins and CVI, to learn more and see a vein specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Fortunately, several minimally-invasive treatment options are available that are covered by many insurance plans.

On www.RethinkVaricoseVeins.com, you can learn more, take a self-assessment, find a vein specialist and spread the word to friends and loved ones.

What You Can Do:

1)    Take a self-assessment: Use the quick self-assessment tool at www.RethinkVaricoseVeins.com/selfassessment

2)    Find a vein specialist: If your assessment shows you might be at risk for varicose veins or CVI, find a specialist at www.RethinkVaricoseVeins.com/find-doctors/  to discuss diagnosis and treatment

3)    Understand treatment options: There are minimally invasive treatment options covered by many insurance plans that allow for a short, comfortable recovery; learn more at www.RethinkVaricoseVeins.com/treatment-options/

4)    Spread the word: Even if you don’t suffer from varicose veins, your friends and loved ones may not know their risks; share the message on your Facebook and Twitter pages www.RethinkVaricoseVeins.com/health-professionals/electronic-toolkit/

The post Why it’s time to Rethink Varicose Veins appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

Varicose Veins and your health

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Here is a good article discussing varicose veins and your vascular health.

http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/blood-pressure-varicose-veins/2016/07/14/id/738744/

Varicose veins are caused by high blood pressure within a vein. The unsightly or bulging veins in the legs or pelvis occur when valves in the veins break.

Although the veins become enlarged or twisted, varicose veins aren’t usually a serious medical condition, Johns Hopkins reports. Other symptoms of varicose veins include sores on the legs, rashes, skin color changes, and a heavy or aching feeling in the legs.

“To what extent can varicose veins affect blood pressure and cardiovascular health remains somewhat of a medical mystery,” says Vein Specialists of the South. “However, doctors do know that it contributes to blood pressure conditions like venous hypertension and other illnesses that could put a person’s life at risk.”

Varicose veins result from venous hypertension, increasing blood pressure in the veins, according to the Illinois Vein Specialists. Valves in the veins normally transport blood from the feet to the heart as the veins are flattened when standing or walking.

However, the valves can break over time in about 25 percent of people. Blood pressure increases in other valves as each valve breaks. Problems result when high blood pressure occurs in most or all of the valves from venous hypertension.

The pressure builds in the branch veins, also affecting larger veins in the leg. The veins can bulge through the skin, causing unsightly varicose veins.

The elevated blood pressure in particular veins damages valves and weakens the walls around the veins, Johns Hopkins notes.

Some risk factors for varicose veins are the same risks involved in high blood pressure or heart disease. These factors include being overweight or obese, inactivity, smoking, or older age. Leg injuries, pregnancy, or being female also increase the risk for varicose veins.

Self-treatment often helps relieve blood pressure in the veins to reduce swelling or other symptoms. Elevating the legs whenever possible for about 15 minutes throughout the day helps improve blood circulation. Compression stockings squeeze the veins to prevent the pooling of blood.

Doctors can treat varicose veins in some patients by using sclerotherapy. A chemical solution is injected into the varicose veins so other veins take over the job of transporting blood to the heart. Laser treatment can destroy the varicose veins.

Surgery is another option for many patients, especially for cosmetic reasons. Vein stripping removes the varicose veins. Some veins benefit from small incision avulsion, accomplished through small cuts. The high blood pressure veins can also be removed through transilluminated powered phlebectomy, in which a bright light helps to remove veins.

The post Varicose Veins and your health appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

Varicose Vein treatment options

Did you know?

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0

Chronic venous disease of the legs is one of the most common conditions affecting people.

  • Approximately half of the U.S. population has venous disease—50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men. Of these, 20 to 25 percent of the women and 10 to 15 percent of men will have visible varicose veins.
  • Varicose veins affect one out of two people age 50 and older, and 15 to 25 percent of all adults.
Risk Factors

Risk factors include age, family history, female gender and pregnancy.  Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies, is one of the most common factors accelerating the worsening of varicose veins.

Dr. Jon Roberts offers varicose/spider vein treatments here in the Memphis area. Schedule a time to sit and talk about treatment options today!  901-683-1890

The post Did you know? appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.


Patient Testimonials

Why it’s time to Rethink Varicose Veins

0
0

Many people consider varicose veins to be simply a cosmetic issue, so they delay treatment or avoid it completely.

The truth is, untreated varicose veins can progress to a more serious form of vein (venous) disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which can present more serious signs and symptoms such as pain, ankle swelling, fatigue of the legs, skin damage and ulcers.

That’s why a coalition of medical societies is coming together for the Rethink Varicose Veins campaign to encourage the more than 30 million Americans with venous disease, including varicose veins and CVI, to learn more and see a vein specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Fortunately, several minimally-invasive treatment options are available that are covered by many insurance plans.

On www.RethinkVaricoseVeins.com, you can learn more, take a self-assessment, find a vein specialist and spread the word to friends and loved ones.

What You Can Do:

1)    Take a self-assessment: Use the quick self-assessment tool at www.RethinkVaricoseVeins.com/selfassessment

2)    Find a vein specialist: If your assessment shows you might be at risk for varicose veins or CVI, find a specialist at www.RethinkVaricoseVeins.com/find-doctors/  to discuss diagnosis and treatment

3)    Understand treatment options: There are minimally invasive treatment options covered by many insurance plans that allow for a short, comfortable recovery; learn more at www.RethinkVaricoseVeins.com/treatment-options/

4)    Spread the word: Even if you don’t suffer from varicose veins, your friends and loved ones may not know their risks; share the message on your Facebook and Twitter pages www.RethinkVaricoseVeins.com/health-professionals/electronic-toolkit/

The post Why it’s time to Rethink Varicose Veins appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

When do I need to address varicose veins?

0
0

Unsightly and troublesome varicose veins?

Typically, when your legs are giving you problems is the best signal you need to do something about them.  Symptoms from varicose veins range from constant itching, swelling, pain, discoloration, and even open wounds.  You don’t have to see varicose veins to have venous disease in your legs.  Many people experience these symptoms without actually seeing a varicose vein.  We offer different types of treatments depending on how advanced the disease has become.

Dr. Roberts carefully diagnoses the diseased vein condition to determine the underlying cause before he recommends an appropriate treatment option. “I see both primary and secondary varicose veins occurring in my patients,” explains Dr. Roberts, “and each requires a different approach. Primary varicosities are caused by defective valves that produce reflux in the saphenous vein, a principal vein running up the leg. Secondary varicose veins are caused by various conditions unrelated to the saphenous vein.”

All treatments eliminate the need for the hospitalization and extended recovery time associated with traditional surgical procedures. All of our treatments require no downtime for you.  Procedures take up to 30 minutes and you are on your way to recovery.

Early and late winter months are the best time to be evaluated and treated.  This allows several weeks for the veins to disappear before it is time to get out in shorts and enjoy your new legs!  Don’t let your legs dictate what you chose to wear anymore!

Memphis Vascular Center will diagnose your venous disease and recommend the best varicose or spider vein treatment. Call today! 901-683-1890

The post When do I need to address varicose veins? appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

Kyphoplasty for compression spine fractures

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Memphis Vascular offers procedures to help with back pain from spine fractures. These procedures are addressing pain in patients and help to reduce the opioid epidemic that is occurring in our society.

 

https://www.beckersspine.com/orthopedic-a-spine-device-a-implant-news/item/40118-curbing-opioid-use-for-vertebral-compression-fractures-with-balloon-kyphoplasty.html

The post Kyphoplasty for compression spine fractures appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

New Procedure for treatment of varicose veins

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Memphis Vascular offers the latest advances in treatment for varicose veins in Memphis!

Venaseal uses a glue rather than heat to close the vein. That means less needle sticks, minimal usage of compression hose, and less bruising!

Find out more by watching the video with Dr. Roberts on channel 3!

To learn more about vein treatments click here.

 

The post New Procedure for treatment of varicose veins appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

Alternative to opioids for back pain? Balloons, cement

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By 

 

One morning, Caroline Harris, 70, woke up with severe pain in her lower back. Was it the exercise she did? Picking up that heavy object? Climbing a flight of stairs?

After a doctor’s visit and an MRI at her local hospital in Huntingdon, Tennessee, Harris found out she had a vertebral compression fracture of the spine. The true cause? Osteoporosis.

“A misconception about spinal fractures is that some kind of trauma needs to occur, but we’ve had multiple (osteoporosis) patients come in who were just working in their garden and got a compression fracture or picking up a grandchild,” said Sean Deeney, interventional spine consultant for Medtronic.

“One patient was opening up a can of V8 juice and heard a pop. It was her back.”

Harris’ daughter and son-in-law, who live and work in Memphis, suggested she go to Dr. Brixey Shelton, a radiologist at Memphis Vascular Center who performs Medtronic’s balloon kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes spinal fractures.

Over the past 10 to 12 years, Shelton has done about 1,000 balloon kyphoplasty procedures.

So what is balloon kyphoplasty?

With patients lying on their stomach, under moderate sedition, Shelton uses X-ray technology to guide his instruments into the fractured vertebra and inserts a small balloon.

The balloon restores the vertebra to its proper height and creates a cavity inside the vertebra, which Shelton then fills with cement.

“The cement fills those cavities and disperses through the fracture lines,” Shelton said. “So, by the time we’re done with the procedure, the fracture is repaired.”

Patients come in at a 9 to 10 on the pain scale and come out of surgery virtually pain free, Deeney said.

“I tell my patients this is my favorite procedure to do because it’s so successful and lifechanging,” Shleton said. “When we do the procedure, the patient can’t move or sit up in bed. When they wake up from moderate sedation, they are like, ‘Wow, my back doesn’t hurt anymore. What did you do?’”

Patients are put under conscious sedation and are out of surgery in 20-25 minutes. The only scar, a two-millimeter incision.

Harris felt so good after her procedure in February, her family took her out to eat at Cracker Barrel immediately following her outpatient surgery.

“All I needed was a small pillow behind my back and the chair,” she said.

Dr. Brixey Shelton demonstrates how kyphoplasty works at his Germantown office.

The procedure works by using a small balloon to lift the fractured bone in place so it can be set with a medical cement. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Dr. Brixey Shelton demonstrates how kyphoplasty works at his Germantown office. The procedure works by using a small balloon to lift the fractured bone in place so it can be set with a medical cement. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)

People who’ve had a vertebral compression fracture are five times more likely to have another.

Looking at the MRI, doctors discovered this was actually Harris’ second spinal fracture. She had one 10-plus years earlier that healed on its own.

Most people don’t know they have osteoporosis until they experience an adverse event like a vertebral compression fracture.

Every year, osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million women and cause more than 800,000 spinal fractures a year. Most occur in the mid to lower back.

Although balloon kyphoplasty has been around for 20 years, less than 20 percent of those with compression fractures will get access to the procedure.

The alternative to balloon kyphoplasty is conservative treatment where patients are typically put on pain medication and wear a back brace for six to eight weeks.

“Putting patients who are older on bedrest and pain medicine at the age of 75 is not optimal,” Deeney said. “We want to get them up and running back in the regular swing of life.”

At one year, there’s a 55 percent increased mortality risk with non-surgical management versus balloon kyphoplasty.

Shelton said so many of the women he treats want to know what kind of pain medication is required for the procedure because of the opioid crisis.

“This is so much in the news, these women come in and say, ‘I don’t want to take opioids,’” Shelton said. “If they take opioids for a month, they are addicted, or you can call it dependent; either way, they go into withdrawal.”

Over time, the fractures can heal on their own and the patient will experience less pain, but they will have a chronic deformity that affects their quality of life and even their ability to breath.

“When you see little old ladies hunched over who can’t straighten their backs out, it’s because they’ve had multiple vertebral compression fractures that have never been treated,” Shelton said.

While Harris was referred to Shelton, most patients see him after coming to the ER with severe back pain.

“We’ve got really good rapport with our emergency room doctors and hospitalists,” Shelton said.

Over the past eight years, the internal medicine community, ER doctors and hospitalists have recognized the benefit of the procedure, and the adverse effects of traditional treatment, so they started sending MRI results to radiologists like Shelton, who perform balloon kyphoplasty.

“But there’ still a lot of education that needs to be done,” said Kevin Donahue, director of vertebral compression fractures marketing with the Interventional Pain Therapies Group for Medtronic.

Through a partnership with the National Osteoporosis Foundation, which has traditionally educated people on how to prevent a fracture, Medtronic is now educating people on what to do after a fracture.

“Through that partnership we’ve been able to educate the health care community as well as the patient community, so now we’re seeing patients, family members and care givers now realizing there’s another option and that their loved one can do more than sit in bed,” Donahue said.

The partnership began with a pilot program to provide education to family and ER physicians in eight to 10 cities.

“We want to get the message out as people present to the ER with pain or fractures to get a complete osteoporosis workup and referral, and if they receive opioids we want to make sure that is really managed,” Elizabeth Thompson, CEO the National Osteoporosis Foundation, said in a prepared statement. “If someone is going back for a refill after two weeks, they should likely have a bone density scan to rule out a vertebral fracture or osteoporosis as the underlying cause.”

When a woman reaches age 55 or 60 most primary care doctors conduct a bone density scan to check for osteoporosis. If they do, they treat them with calcium supplements to strengthen their bones.

Medtronic’s prototype patient is an elderly white woman. About 80 percent of patients are white women, 10 percent white men and less than 10 percent are African-American.

“Most of the people we treat are elderly, but still very functional,” Shelton said. “They live by themselves, do their own house cleaning and gardening.”

With ERs wanting to get patients in and out as quickly as possible, an MRI might not get ordered, or a primary care physician might not know the symptoms to look for, Donahue said, so patients should suggest an MRI if they feel sudden on-set back pain.

If the vertebrae have healed on their own, patients are no longer a candidate for balloon kyphoplasty.

https://www.dailymemphian.com/article/1341/Medtronics-alternative-to-opioids-for-back-pain-Balloons-cement#

The post Alternative to opioids for back pain? Balloons, cement appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

Founding Member of Memphis Vascular retires

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Brixey R. Shelton, M.D. Joined Memphis Radiological P.C. in 1981. A Tennessee native, Dr. Shelton received an undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Arts from David Lipscomb. He earned his medical degree at the University of Tennessee and completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Methodist University Hospital of Memphis.

Dr. Shelton is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. His professional memberships include the American College of Radiology, Tennessee Radiological Society, Radiological Society of North America, and has attained a certificate of added qualification in Interventional Radiology.

He will be missed and we wish him well with retirement.

The post Founding Member of Memphis Vascular retires appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.


First Prostate Artery Embolization in Memphis

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Another first for Memphis Vascular and the city of Memphis:

Dr. Wes Angel - Memphis

Dr Wes Angel performed the first Prostate Artery Embolization in Memphis! This procedure is a non-invasive option rather than surgery for specific patients with Prostate cancer or enlarged prostates.

Working in collaboration with the local urologists, we selected the first candidate. It was a big success!

This patient had a prostate so large it created a blockage preventing him from urinating on his own. He had to have a catheter for months in order to drain his bladder. A short time after the procedure, the prostate has shrunk enough to allow him to have the catheter removed and he can urinate on his own now.

The post First Prostate Artery Embolization in Memphis appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

Treating Pulmonary Embolism at the source

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Memphis Vascular Center is leading the way in aggressively treating Pulmonary Embolism or PE in the Memphis area.

Currently, we have treated over 15 patients using the Flowtriever device. Dr. Jon Roberts, Dr. Dale Hansen III, Dr. Scott Osborne and Dr. Wes Angel have all used the Inari Flowtriever device to save patients’ lives.

Pulmonary Embolism is the development of blood clots in the arteries that lead to the lungs. These clots block oxygen from getting into the blood from the lungs and put a significant strain on the patient’s heart. Now, with the help of this device, patients are recovering quicker and getting discharged home faster from what could have been a fatal diagnosis.

According to Dr. Wes Angel, “I walked in on patients and the oxygen was going at full-blast. The patient was still struggling to keep their oxygen levels up.”

This device allows our doctors to remove the clot directly rather than opting for dissolving medications or open surgery.
“There are other devices on the market, but none that are as effective as this with direct removal of clots and quick results,” Dr. Roberts said.

The Flowtriever device has allowed our physicians to safely remove over 10 large blood clots in one patient.

The post Treating Pulmonary Embolism at the source appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

Varicose veins are a cosmetic issue and other misconceptions.

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Painful varicose and spider veins can develop over time on a wide variety of people. Some of the healthiest lifestyles will not prevent venous disease from presenting itself.

Varicose veins are the most visible sign of venous disease. Approximately 72% of women and 42% of the men will experience venous disease by age 60. Dr. Jon Roberts at Memphis Vascular Center has seen it all in his 20 plus years of treating patients with venous disease.

Here are some of the misconceptions when dealing with venous disease.

  1. Having large varicose veins crop up or big patches of spider veins are just a part of getting older.

Dr. Roberts said, “Typically, the older you get, the more prone you are to having visible signs of venous disease.  However, you can develop signs and symptoms other than visual ones at any age.  Symptoms of swelling and pain in your legs after you have been active all day are signs of possible venous disease.”

At Memphis Vascular Center, we offer the “gold standard” of diagnosing venous disease by performing duplex ultrasounds with our nationally registered technologists and MVC is a nationally registered venous testing center and vein center.  Memphis Vascular Center was the first treatment center in the Mid-south to attain national accreditation.

 

  1. Treating varicose veins is painful

Dr. Roberts has a direct message for some who have heard these rumors, “the new technology that is available, along with a skill physician can make the process almost completely painless.” No longer is general anesthesia needed, or long recovery times, or having scars after a procedure.  “Most of our patients go about doing their plans for that day after having the procedure. We even had a patient have a procedure on Wednesday and run a 5k that Saturday,” said Dr. Roberts.

Many of today’s treatments only require local anesthesia and can be performed in the office in less than an hour. Discomfort is minor and recovery times are quick.

 

  1. It is a cosmetic issue.

Many patients do seek treatment just because they don’t like the way their legs look, however, “when symptoms such as: pain, heaviness, restless legs, cramps, swelling, or throbbing are present- it is considered a medical condition,” explained Dr. Roberts.

Dr. Roberts said, “Venous treatments are directed at resolving the underlying conditions that are causing the symptoms, which can get worse if left unchecked. Many people suffer from symptoms for many years or they can elect to have a procedure that takes less than an hour and be able to live day-to-day life without those symptoms anymore.”

 

  1. Varicose vein treatments are very expensive.

Venous treatments are typically covered by most insurance plans if the patient is suffering from symptoms and the ultrasound shows documentation of venous disease. At Memphis Vascular Center, we will check with your insurance company’s coverage policy and get a pre approval from them before scheduling your procedure. Insurance does not cover treatments on patients without symptoms or if they do not like the way their legs look.

“Most insurance companies require you to wear compression hose for a given period of time before treatment. So, if you are developing symptoms, it is important to start wearing hose while you are moving around during the day.  The hose can help decrease your symptoms and cut down on your wait time to have a procedure done,” explained Dr. Roberts.

 

  1. My parents had veins are their legs, I just have them too.

“Some of my patients have been dealing with venous related issues for decades, and just believed that is a part of getting older,” said Dr. Roberts.

“Patients just assume because their mother, father, or grandmother lived with them, they need to do the same.  We have such better technology now and tools available to us that we can solve a decade worth of symptoms with a procedure that lasts less than an hour,” Dr. Roberts stated.

 

If you are having symptoms such as: pain, heaviness, restless legs, cramps, swelling, or throbbing, please contact Memphis Vascular Center at 901-683-1890 or go to memphisvascular.com and request an appointment.

Or if you don’t like the way your legs look, we can help with that too!

The post Varicose veins are a cosmetic issue and other misconceptions. appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

Love your Legs!

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This Valentine’s Day, make sure you love your legs!

If you are noticing some large veins or spider veins coming up on your legs, NOW is a perfect time to address it!  Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jon Roberts so he can carefully diagnosis if there are any underlying causes before he can recommends treatment.  Dr. Roberts performs all the treatments at Memphis Vascular Center.

Are your legs slowing you down at the end of the day because of pain or swelling? Or do you not like the way they look? Call today to see Dr. Jon Roberts. We can get you treated in time to look great this summer!  Call today! 901-683-1890

Click here for more information.

Schedule an appt. online.

 

The post Love your Legs! appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

When do I need to address varicose veins?

0
0

Unsightly and troublesome varicose veins?

Typically, when your legs are giving you problems is the best signal you need to do something about them.  Symptoms from varicose veins range from constant itching, swelling, pain, discoloration, and even open wounds.  You don’t have to see varicose veins to have venous disease in your legs.  Many people experience these symptoms without actually seeing a varicose vein.  We offer different types of treatments depending on how advanced the disease has become.

Dr. Roberts carefully diagnoses the diseased vein condition to determine the underlying cause before he recommends an appropriate treatment option. “I see both primary and secondary varicose veins occurring in my patients,” explains Dr. Roberts, “and each requires a different approach. Primary varicosities are caused by defective valves that produce reflux in the saphenous vein, a principal vein running up the leg. Secondary varicose veins are caused by various conditions unrelated to the saphenous vein.”

All treatments eliminate the need for the hospitalization and extended recovery time associated with traditional surgical procedures. All of our treatments require no downtime for you.  Procedures take up to 30 minutes and you are on your way to recovery.

Early and late winter months are the best time to be evaluated and treated.  This allows several weeks for the veins to disappear before it is time to get out in shorts and enjoy your new legs!  Don’t let your legs dictate what you chose to wear anymore!

Memphis Vascular Center will diagnose your venous disease and recommend the best varicose or spider vein treatment. Call today! 901-683-1890

The post When do I need to address varicose veins? appeared first on Memphis Vascular Center.

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