Summer has been a busy season at the Premier Surgical Vein Clinics in Knoxville. Our staff is committed to helping patients every step of the way, including providing information about vein disease, the treatment options, and offering free screenings. Here are three recent posts that got people talking.

Why Is There Sometimes A Waiting Period for Varicose Vein Treatment?

The treatment of varicose veins is not for cosmetic purposes alone, and is quite often a medical necessity covered by insurance. Most insurance plans will require proof that conservative methods—such as wearing compression stockings—have been tried for 90 days before approving treatment. We work with your insurance carrier to provide your optimal treatment—learn how here.

Free Varicose Vein Screenings May Through August

Premier Surgical Vein Clinics of Knoxville has been offering free varicose vein screenings for qualified candidates since May, and will continue to do so through August at our new Premier Surgical Papermill location. So if you are suffering from pain or swelling in your legs, request an appointment for a free screening with one of the local board certified vascular surgeons. No physician referral is needed for an appointment.

Varicose Veins Aren’t Just A Female Thing—Men Get Them Too

Sorry men, you can’t escape genetics. Although many people mistakenly associate varicose veins as a middle-to-older age women’s condition, anyone can develop varicose veins.

While it’s true that women are prone to certain risk factors such as hormonal influences during pregnancy, menopause and from the use of oral contraception, the most common indicator for developing varicose veins is heredity.  Learn more about the risk factors for varicose veins.

What Are Those Little Purple Veins On My Legs?

Spider veins are sometimes confused with varicose veins, and while it’s not uncommon to have both, varicose and spider veins are two distinct conditions. Spider veins are most commonly found on the legs and face, and are the result of dilated veins. Too much time out in the sun without sunscreen can increase the risk of developing spider veins. Learn more about reducing your risk of spider veins.

Premier Surgical Vein Clinics of Knoxville is committed to making your treatment comfortable while achieving the best possible outcomes. We are conveniently located in our new facility at 6408 Papermill Drive, off exit 383. Call us at 865-588-8229, or visit our website to schedule your initial consultation today.

The post The Summer Buzz At Premier Surgical Vein Clinics first appeared on Premier Surgical.

One recent Premier Vein Clinics patient knows first hand how today’s in-office, minimally invasive techniques are light years ahead of the older, more invasive procedures such as vein stripping. Read her story about vein treatments then and now.

As the top vein center in East Tennessee, we receive thousands of questions from our patients each year. While your cosmetic concerns and medical conditions are unique to you, here are eight common questions that patients ask and which may be helpful as you explore your treatment options.

While it may be commonly known that regular exercise can help you lose weight and lower cholesterol and fat levels, it also reduces inflammation in the arteries and helps keep veins open and flexible. Find out more about the effects of exercise for healthy veins.

A varicose vein diagnosis is the first step on your path towards improving the function and appearance of your legs, so consider it an invitation to say goodbye to the suffering your varicose veins have been causing. Here’s what to know if you’ve been diagnosed with varicose veins.

While you certainly didn’t check the yes box next to “willingness to develop varicose veins” when you chose your career, it’s true that people working in certain occupations should pay extra attention to their risk of developing varicose veins.

Have you been experiencing aches or pain in your legs and are wondering if the knotty bulging you see under the surface of the skin may be varicose veins? Learn about how varicose veins could be the source of your leg pain.

Premier Vein Clinics of Knoxville’s experienced vascular surgeons can help you determine the best course of treatment for your varicose veins. Request a consult online or call (865) 588-8229 and schedule an appointment today.

The post What’s The Buzz At Premier Vein Clinics of Knoxville? first appeared on Premier Surgical.

The first step to an action plan for preventing or managing varicose veins is to understand the common risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing varicose veins.

• Heredity plays a big role—if your direct family members have varicose veins, odds are you may as well.
• Age matters because veins and vein valves can wear and tear over time.
• Obesity increases the pressure on your veins, which may lead to an increased chance of developing varicose veins.
• Your lifestyle or occupation may pose a risk—standing or sitting for hours at a time can restrict blood flow.

If you have any of the risks mentioned above, take action with the following steps to be proactive in preventing or managing your varicose veins.

Wear compression stockings.

Compression stockings are one of your first lines of defense against varicose veins for both men and women. Lightweight graduated compression hosiery has been proven to reduce symptoms such as discomfort, swelling, fatigue and aching.

Compression stockings work by applying pressure on your veins with the tightest compression around your ankles and gradually reducing tension up your legs all the way to your thigh. The purpose is to assist in directing blood flow from your feet back up your legs to your heart and avoid pooling of blood in the veins. You can purchase compression stockings at Premier Vein Clinics, a medical supply store, drug store or online, but it is helpful to talk with a physician first about your specific needs so you are wearing them appropriately. They are available in two lengths, knee and thigh, and come in three degrees of compression. Stockings should be put on in the morning, before any swelling builds up in the legs over the course of the day.

Vary Standing & Sitting

Long periods of sitting or standing adds to gravity’s pull and can contribute to poor blood flow from the legs towards the heart. A research study appearing in the IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences in 2013 indicated that working posture was one of the most significant risk factors of varicose veins, with prolonged standing occupations posing the greatest risk.

Elevating the legs above heart level for ten to twenty minutes a day can give your circulatory system a boost. If you’re sitting most of the day, prop your feet on a step stool if possible. Even moving your legs slightly helps keep the blood flowing.

If you’re standing most of the day, try to do calf raises by standing on your tiptoes from time to time, or work in five to ten squats when you have the chance.

Exercise & Watch Your Weight

There’s no getting around it—your legs bear the burden of supporting your body. If you are overweight, you’re putting more pressure on the veins in your legs to efficiently pump blood against the pull of gravity. Make a plan to lose weight by eating well and exercising more. The benefits of exercise are twofold—it can help you keep excess weight off and also helps keep  blood circulating in you legs. Walking or swimming are great options.

If you are concerned about developing varicose veins, or are suffering from pain or swelling in your legs, it may be time to do something about it. Schedule a consultation with one of the board certified vascular surgeons at Premier Vein Clinics to discuss your options for keeping your legs healthy and free of varicose veins.

The post Easy Steps To Prevent Varicose Veins first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Are Spider Veins Cramping Your Lifestyle?
It’s not uncommon for patients to tell us they won’t wear shorts on even the hottest summer day because of unsightly spider veins on their legs, and even that they’ve stopped doing outdoor activities because of this choice. And spider veins on the face present a different self-consciousness. Our patients are literally uncomfortable in their own skin, but we can help. Read the post here.

Can You Blame Your Veins For Your Leg Pain?
Varicose veins are a common, yet sometimes unrecognized, source of leg pain because not all varicose veins appear as bulges on the skin. Varicose veins create pressure within the leg veins, and our patients often refer to the resulting pain as an aching heaviness. Learn more about it here.

Top 8 Questions To Ask About Varicose Veins
As the top vein center in East Tennessee, we receive thousands of questions from our patients each year. While your cosmetic concerns and medical condition are unique to you, learning about the common questions that many patients ask may be helpful as you explore your treatment options.

Varicose Veins And Your Job
While you certainly didn’t check the yes box next to “willingness to develop varicose veins” when you chose your career, it’s true that people working in certain occupations should pay extra attention to their risk of developing varicose veins. Click here to learn the two main factors, and which occupations pose higher risks.

7 Tips For Nurses To Avoid Varicose Veins
Nurses tend to have a constant stream of patients each day allowing for little time to rest. Nearly 50% of American adults suffer from varicose veins and nurses are especially prone to them due to the amount of time spent on their feet. Here are some tips for nurses to avoid developing varicose veins.

Top 2 Reasons Teachers Get Varicose Veins
Teachers have to interact with their students, which means a lot of standing and walking. Prolonged periods of standing, especially when it occurs repeatedly over time, drastically increases the pressure within the leg veins increasing the likelihood of developing varicose veins. Read the post for tips for teachers.

If you are experiencing symptom of varicose veins request a consult with one of Premier Vein Clinic of Knoxville’s experienced vascular surgeons. Treatment has never been easier to regain those beautiful, healthy legs. Call (865) 588-8229 and request an appointment today.

The post What’s The Buzz From The Premier Vein Clinics? first appeared on Premier Surgical.

If your legs look like a road map with raised purplish topography, you may have varicose veins. Varicose veins come in many forms but are typically enlarged, twisted veins that may appear as a series of knots just below the skin.

Veins are responsible for pushing blood back to your heart through one-way valves, so your legs are susceptible to varicose veins since they are working against gravity. If valves become damaged or weakened, blood may pool behind the valve causing the vein to bulge. It’s estimated that 40-million Americans suffer from varicose veins. Many many factors play a role in who develops them, such as age, gender, obesity, and genetics.

It’s not vain to be concerned about your veins.

Varicose veins may be unsightly and may make you swear you’ll never wear shorts even on the hottest summer day, but their effect on your health may go beyond cosmetic. At Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville , we have treated numerous patients who’ve experienced pain, cramping, swelling, or blood clots due to varicose veins, and we have comprehensive treatment plans that are customized for each patient.

Regardless of your level of varicose vein distress, there’s one practice you can do daily that may bring relief from discomfort and improve the appearance of your varicose veins—leg elevation. By elevating our legs we give our veins a break from working against gravity, which improves circulation and can alleviate pain and swelling.

Five simple ways to elevate your legs throughout the day:
1.Many of us work at a desk all day, which doesn’t do varicose veins any favors. If your space allows, use a step stool to elevate your feet for a few hours each day. Avoid crossing your legs, as this could put extra pressure on the circulatory system.

2.If space doesn’t allow for you to keep your feet stretched out on a stool, push away from your desk a few times a day, lift and stretch your legs straight, then rotate your ankles and feet ten times in each direction. Try to find a trigger that will help you remember to do this often—when you’re on the phone, or at the top of each hour, or each time you switch to a new task.

3.While reading or watching tv at home, rest your legs on an ottoman or coffee table if you’re sitting. If you’re lying on the couch, prop your legs on the arm of the couch. You’ll receive even more benefits if you flex, point, and rotate your feet while your legs are elevated. Add pillows for extra elevation and comfort. Elevating your legs approximately 8 to 12 inches above heart level promotes venous drainage. Rest for 20 minutes.

4.If you read or watch TV in bed before going to sleep, put two or three pillows under your feet to elevate your legs. Again, flexing, pointing, and rotating the feet in this position gives your circulation an extra boost.

This yoga pose relieves cramped legs and rejuvenates the whole body:
•Lie on your back with your head, shoulders, and upper back resting on
the floor.
•Push your hips as close to the wall as you can.
•Slowly lift your legs, one at a time, until they are straight with your feet resting against the wall. Hold for 15 minutes.
•You can also tuck a folded blanket or pillow under your hips for comfort.
Try these self-care methods of elevation steadily for 30 days. It may help to take photos of your varicose veins on day 1, and again on day 30, to measure improvements. Notice along the way which techniques bring you the most relief. Your veins will thank you.

If you are suffering from painful varicose veins and can’t seem to get relief, request an appointment with one of the experienced vascular surgeons at Premier Vein Clinics. We are conveniently located at 6408 Papermill Drive off exit 383 in west Knoxville, call (865) 588-8229 to schedule an appointment and take the first step in restoring your beautiful, healthy legs.

The post Elevate to Alleviate Varicose Vein Pain first appeared on Premier Surgical.

East Tennessee Medical News

There have been a lot of sleepless nights in the past year for Steve Ross, RN, Director of Surgical Services for Premier Surgical Associates. Ross has been heavily involved in the planning and construction details of Premier Surgical’s new office-based procedure center on Papermill Drive in west Knoxville. It’s a new, expanded facility that houses Premier Vascular Access & Imaging Center, Premier Vein Clinics, Premier Prosthetic Center, and Premier Hemorrhoid Treatment Center.

“I wake up at night thinking about patient flow,” admits Ross. “I wonder: how will the patients perceive the staff, the equipment, and the care they receive here? Their perception and experience are so important.”

For Ross, his involvement in the planning of new facility is the culmination of nearly 30 years in healthcare. He was first trained in safety and first aid while serving as a military policeman and S.W.A.T. Team member in the U.S. Army. When Ross left the military, he worked as a Highway Patrolman in northern California for 14 years, investigating traffic accidents for many of those years.

“We were trained as EMTs and were usually the first ones on a crash scene. So, we often treated patients in the field,” explains Ross.

In 2001 Ross and his family relocated to Knoxville to be near his wife’s family. It was only natural that he earned his Registered Nurse certification while working in the Heart Cath Lab at what was then St. Mary’s Hospital and Parkwest Medical Center.

“It was rewarding to see the difference you were making for patients,” says Ross. “Someone would come in with an active heart attack and you are part of the team that immediately treats that person and saves their life.”

That appreciation for a team approach continued to come into play as Ross joined Premier Surgical Associates in 2007 to manage the group’s new freestanding Vascular Access and Imaging Center.

“When I started at Premier I wrote a letter to the staff explaining that our goal is to concentrate on each and every patient. I don’t care what they look like, what their social economic status is – I want that patient to be treated better than I treat my own family,” says Ross.

As the Premier Vascular Access & Imaging Center grew to include additional specialties and 65 clinical and clerical staff and 15 physicians, Ross continues focus on the individual patient experience.

“I may sound cliché, but I tell every person who applies for a job here that our care and relationship with the patient comes first. From the front desk, to the nurse, to the physician – we are all part of a team working to make each patient feel comfortable, welcome, and valued as an individual.”

Now, as Ross heads up the recent relocation and expansion of Premier Surgical’s new Papermill Drive facility, he’s excited about what the future brings.

“Our new facility is a great opportunity to offer improved access and care to patients in East Tennessee. Our team is ready to give every patient the best care and experience possible.”

About Premier Surgical
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Premier Surgical Associates has 28 surgeons who perform general, vascular, endovascular, vein, bariatric, breast, laparoscopic and oncologic procedures. Premier has offices in Knoxville, Alcoa, Dandridge, Crossville, Lenoir City, and Sevierville.

The post Patient Experience Paramount for Premier Surgical Director of Surgical Services first appeared on Premier Surgical.

Coach Lindsay instructs one of his players during a game at Berean Christian School.

As a high school boys’ varsity basketball coach in Knoxville for more than 30 years, wearing athletic shorts has long been a part of Christopher Lindsay’s daily attire.

“I live in shorts, I wear them all the time,” says Lindsay. “I wear them almost all year long.”

Even though Coach Lindsay likes wearing shorts, he didn’t like the appearance of varicose veins on his legs.

“I didn’t like having crazy-looking legs. It looked like a road map, especially on the side of my left leg,” explains Lindsay.

Lindsay believes his varicose vein issues started in college. “I was hit in the leg by a pitch three times in the same game, and it became the bruise that never went away.”

Since Lindsay’s varicose veins didn’t cause severe pain, only an occasional tightness, he lived with the problem for years. Until, he had a frightening experience in the shower last fall.

“I must have hit my leg on something because suddenly my leg was bleeding badly. The bottom of the shower was covered in blood -I thought I was going to bleed out!” remembers Lindsay.

Lindsay mentioned the incident to his family doctor during his yearly physical and his physician recommended he visit Premier Vein Clinics for treatment.

After researching Premier Vein Clinics online, Lindsay chose Dr. Donald Akers as his vein specialist. “I’ve known the Akers family for a long time, and I wanted to go somewhere close to home,” says the 61-year-old coach.

At Premier Vein Clinics Lindsay underwent an ultrasound to evaluate the blood flow in both legs. Venous insufficiency, a condition in which the veins have difficulty sending blood from the legs back to the heart, was discovered in his left leg. In an outpatient procedure, Dr. Akers used Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) to treat the diseased vein in his left leg. With EVLT laser energy is delivered with an optic fiber through a small puncture in the leg. The laser heats and closes the vein, allowing blood to be naturally rerouted to other healthy veins.

Lindsay’s leg was bandaged and wrapped immediately after the procedure, and he wore a compression stocking for a couple of weeks while his leg healed. “For the first 24 hours, I had “mummy leg”,” laughs Lindsay.

A few months later, Lindsay returned to Premier Vein Clinics for sclerotherapy on both legs to address the visible spider veins. Sclerotherapy is a minimally-invasive treatment in which abnormal and small spider veins are injected with a solution that cause them to swell, collapse and fade away over time.

“I had 9 sticks to my left leg and 4 on my right leg,” says Lindsay. “It was fine. I didn’t find it painful or uncomfortable at all.”

Coach Lindsay says he’s glad he had his varicose veins treated. “I’d tell people if you’re having problems with your legs you need to get it checked out. I feel better for having it done. I should’ve done it a long time ago!”

And, as his legs heal, Lindsay is looking forward to once again having legs that look nice in shorts. “Your legs are important. Guys shouldn’t forget that their legs matter too. You don’t want to go around with crazy looking spider veins on them!”

For more information about varicose vein treatment options, call Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville at (865) 588-8229 or request an appointment online at  www.premierveinclinics.com

The post Vein Treatment Isn’t Just for Ladies: Men Can Have Better Legs Too! first appeared on Premier Surgical.

How will I feel immediately after the procedure?

Patients may feel sore or uncomfortable initially after a varicose vein procedure. Discomfort is generally manageable and normally subsides within two weeks of the procedure. Moderate daily physical activity helps to reduce the risk of any blood clots and also expedite the resolution of any discomfort in the treated leg.

When a varicose vein is closed off during vein treatment, where does the blood go?

Within your body, you have an incredible amount of veins. Specifically in your legs, there are plenty of veins to choose from. When a vein is closed off during the treatment of a varicose vein, the blood is simply rerouted to a healthy vein and the circulatory systems is not disrupted in any way by the loss of a diseased vein.

What are potential complications from varicose vein treatment?

Fortunately, there are rarely any serious complications reported with treatments such as sclerotherapy and EVLT.  But as with any medical procedure, there are risks involved. Side effects may include mild bruising, itching, and tenderness or tightness in the leg. Most side effects will subside within two weeks of treatment. Complications are rare but may include infection or clotting.

How long is the recovery period after treatment?

In most cases, patients are able to return to work the same day. Each patient will receive procedure-specific instructions from their provider explaining recommended restrictions on strenuous exercise and lifting. Patients are encouraged to return to a normal routine as soon as possible as this will expedite the healing process. Moderate exercise such as walking or riding an exercise bike are great options for promoting optimal and gradual recovery.

What is the success rate of varicose vein treatment?

Treatment options today have a very high, long-term success rate when performed by one of Premier Vein Clinics’ experienced board- certified vascular surgeon. Premier Vein Clinics patients report great results from our most popular treatments, including Sclerotherapy, Ambulatory Phlebectomy, EVLT, and Radiofrequency Ablation Endovenous Therapy.

At Premier Vein Clinics of Knoxville, we know veins…it’s what we do every day. Vein treatments have never been easier or more effective as they are today. We can restore healthy, great-looking legs in about an hour. Request an appointment with one of our Premier Vein Clinics specialists today!

The post Common Recovery Questions for Varicose Vein Treatment first appeared on Premier Surgical.

To perform an EVLT, the area around the diseased vein is prepped and cleansed thoroughly and then a local anesthetic is applied to reduce any pain or discomfort. Through a small puncture in the leg, a tiny optic fiber laser is inserted through a needle into the diseased vein. Laser heat is used to shrink and close off the vein, allowing blood to be naturally rerouted to other healthy veins within the leg. The procedure is performed in office usually within an hour. There is no hospitalization required with EVLT and a small dressing with compression bandages are applied to the area after the procedure is complete.

In the past, individuals suffering from the painful varicose veins relied on ligation and vein stripping for relief of symptoms. These procedures were more invasive and painful while also requiring general anesthesia. Vein stripping and ligation involve the physical removal of diseased vein(s) often causing discomfort during the procedure and up to two weeks following.

The treatment of varicose veins has come a long way and there are many benefits to the less invasive option of EVLT today including:

• little to no downtime,
• immediate relief of symptoms,
• and minimal to no scarring.

Following an EVLT procedure, some patients experience a tight feeling in the legs and mild bruising. These symptoms normally subside within a few days. Patients are allowed to go home and even return to work immediately following the procedure, but should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise as noted by your physician.

With the help of a board certified vascular surgeon, you can determine which vein treatment is right for you.  Your best option for treatment depends on the severity of your condition, your preference and desired outcomes.

The staff at Premier Vein Clinics of Knoxville can help determine if EVLT is the right treatment option for you. During your initial consult you should be prepared to provide a thorough medical history and undergo a physical exam so the clinician can examine your legs both sitting and standing. Your Premier Vein Clinics physician will talk in depth with you about your concerns and overall expectations for treatment.

For more information on EVLT download our eBook [http://hubs.ly/y0FK-q0]. You can also conveniently request an appointment online at any time [http://www.premierveinclinics.com/request-an-appointment/].

The post What Is An EVLT Procedure? first appeared on Premier Surgical.

• Veins that look dark blue or purple in color and appear twisted, swollen or bulging
• Itching over the vein
• Aching, burning, tiredness or pain in your legs
• Cramping or swelling in lower legs, feet or ankles
• Symptoms that worsen after long periods of standing or sitting

If you have one or more of the symptoms above you should talk with your primary care physician during your next annual physical. If your symptoms are making it difficult to stand or walk, call (865) 588-8229 to request an appointment with one of our board-certified vein specialists to determine if further treatment is needed.  In the interim, here are a few things you can try at home to alleviate symptoms and keep the varicose veins from getting worse.

• Wear compression stockings
• Elevate your feet and legs when seated
• Try to avoid long periods of standing or sitting
• Get plenty of exercise
• Avoid uncomfortable footwear including tight fitting socks and hosiery

The post Fight for your Legs: Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins first appeared on Premier Surgical.