Is your swelling salt...or sugar?
By Dr. Sonja Stiller, Center for Advanced Vein Care
If you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling or fatigue, there is a good chance varicose veins are the underlying cause, whether you can see them or not. Our venous system is like the branches on a tree. If something goes wrong with a larger, lower branch, it takes a while for the leaves at its tip to turn brown. Improper venous function means your veins can’t fully do their job of eliminating metabolic waste, including lactic acid. And because your veins cannot “take out the trash,” this waste builds up, leading to inflammation, pain and swelling.
Your doctor may conclude your leg swelling is related to salt and put you on a diuretic. But sometimes swelling is more related to sugar, which feeds inflammation. Sometimes limiting foods high in carbohydrates and added sugar works better. Also, it helps to wear compression, which improves blood flow and helps your veins “take out the trash.”
If you believe you may be a candidate for varicose vein treatments, now is the time to get started. Most insurance companies have a six-week compression requirement, which means you can wear your compression now in the cool of fall and at a time when you may have already met your deductible.
And remember, if you see red or brown areas on one or both of your lower legs, it’s especially important to see a vein specialist now. Left untreated, they can lead to permanent discoloration, dermatitis and ulcers that won’t heal. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, give our office a call, especially if you have a family history of varicose veins or blood clots:
- leg pain
- swelling
- fatigue
- itching
- burning
- inflammation
- skin discoloration
- restless legs syndrome
Dr. Sonja Stiller is a diplomat of both the American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. She is the founder of the Center for Advanced Vein Care, a Tier 1 provider with Lake Health Hospital System, located at 7200 Mentor Avenue, in Mentor. For an appointment, call 440-710-1140. More info can be found at YourHealthyVeins.com.