Educators Handbook for Leg & Vein Care from Vein Specialists of the South
If you work on your feet all day long, your feet and legs may feel sore and tired simply due to expected swelling and fatigue; but sometimes, those symptoms progress and indicate something more about your leg health and circulation.
The good news is that a few lifestyle changes can prevent venous disease from progressing and, if you’re showing signs of varicose veins, we offer conservative care and minimally invasive procedures to treat underlying venous conditions.
How Educators Can Improve Circulation and Reduce the Risk of Venous Disease
While standing desks are popular, there’s little evidence to show that standing all day is better than sitting all day. Both lack the muscle movement necessary for healthy circulation. So if you stand all day or sit all day, our recommendations are the same.
Our Better Veins for Life Principles
Conservative care works for everyone and helps you prevent venous disease, slow progression, and treat symptoms. These include:
- Wear graduated compression stockings
- Avoid high heels at work
- Elevate your legs at the end of every day
- Move around, pump your calves, and get some exercise
- Improve your overall health and maintain a healthy weight
Each of the above lifestyle changes support improved circulation and healthier veins and legs. However, if you already have symptoms of venous disease, we recommend you contact our team of vein specialists for an evaluation.
When to See a Vein Specialist for an Evaluation
If you are at increased risk for developing venous disease, or if you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s important to seek a vein evaluation with an experienced team of vein specialists. Do one or more of the following risk factors apply to you?
Why are Educators at Increased Risk for Varicose Veins?
Women make up the majority of venous disease cases, and since US educators are predominantly female, this increases the likelihood you will develop varicose veins.
- Sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time at work
- Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies and/or bed rest during pregnancy
- Certain medications, including hormones like birth control and testosterone replacement therapy
- Family history of varicose veins, spider veins, and/or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Long-term illness, injury or surgery recovery requiring prolonged bed rest
- Frequently wearing high heels or tight, ill-fitting clothing
- Weight gain and being overweight
- Persons who are over 65 years of age
Symptoms of Venous Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore
You can be at high risk for developing venous disease and still not get varicose veins. However, if you have symptoms, you should come see us for an evaluation.
- Unexplained leg pain or cramps
- Leg heaviness and fatigue
- Swelling or lymphedema
- Visible varicose veins
- Visible spider veins
- Unexplained itching
- Restless legs, especially at night
If you find that you are in one or more high risk categories or you have one or more symptoms, you should seek care from a qualified, expert team of vein specialists.
Why You Should Choose Vein Specialists of the South
For almost 30 years, Vein Specialists of the South has been serving Georgia as one of the first vein specialty practices in the United States. Led by Dr. Ken Harper, we have been at the forefront of vein care, providing cutting edge treatments before other practices in Georgia.
In addition to offering a team-based approach to vein care, Vein Specialists of the South serves as a training center for surgeons and their teams to learn modern techniques for vein evaluation and treatment.
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
We know that, as an educator, your time is limited and valuable. That is why we offer remote and in-person options for vein evaluation. Your initial consultation may be done remotely with VirtualVein.com. If an in-person visit is required, we will schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient locations.
Our comprehensive evaluations include our team-based approach, a discussion about your concerns, and an ultrasound. You won’t need to visit a separate radiology provider. Your ultrasound be performed by our ultrasound team at our on site nationally accredited vascular ultrasound. And we give you your results and begin to develop a plan made to meet your needs. on your first visit!
Based on our evaluation, we will work with you to create a care plan, which will often include conservative care and in-office procedures.
Walk-In, Walk-Out Procedures Help Educators Get Back to Work and Life
If a vein procedure is part of your treatment plan, our extensive list of options offer minimally-invasive approaches to vein care which do not require general anesthesia. In fact our treatments are known for little to no down time in most patients. Most of our vein treatment options are performed in our office-base procedure suite using local anesthesia, and our patients are able to walk out with nothing more than a simple self-adhesive bandage and over-the-counter acetaminophen to manage discomfort.
Yes, it’s really that simple, and recovery is short and tolerable. Most people are able to get back to work and life right away.
Insurance and Payment Options
Educators with or without insurance are welcomed at Vein Specialists of the South. We accept most insurance plans, health savings accounts, and offer financing and payment options for our patients. Our staff is ready to help you navigate payment options and how your insurance coverage for vein care.
