Take this venous health quiz

By Dr. Sonja Stiller, Center for Advanced Vein Care

Venous disease is a common condition affecting more than 30 million Americans. However, many people are not being treated because they haven’t been properly diagnosed or blame their symptoms on something else: “I’m just getting older.” “I was on my feet all day.” “I need to exercise.” “I must be dehydrated.” “It’s no big deal.”

Your legs shouldn’t hurt; they shouldn’t swell; they shouldn’t feel tired. If they do, it’s a sign something may be wrong. Here’s a brief list to consider. Please check all that apply:

• Have you ever wondered if you have a vein issue?
• Have you ever worn long pants instead of shorts to hide your legs?
• Have you been told your leg concerns are “no big deal?”
• Do your legs experience swelling?
• How about pain or general achiness?
• Do your legs ever feel “heavy?”
• Are you taking any medication for swelling, leg cramps, or RLS?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have an issue. And if you do, there is no reason to feel embarrassed. We treat venous health patients every day and our practice is a no-judgement zone. Trust me, we’ve seen it all.

We focus on your overall vascular health, not just your symptoms. But treatments take time. So if you want your legs to look and feel better by late summer and early fall, the time to get started is now.

Dr. Sonja Stiller is a diplomat of both the American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and the UIP 2023 Lead Chair for Scientific Abstracts. She is the founder of the Center for Advanced Vein Care, a Tier 1 provider with Lake Health Hospital System. The center’s offices are at 7200 Mentor Avenue, in Mentor. For an appointment, call 440-710-1140. More info can be found at YourHealthyVeins.com.