RICHMOND, Ind. — Men and women struggling with varicose veins now have access to a new service at Reid Health Vein Center, which will be launched with a free kick-off screening Aug. 9.
Varicose veins affect half of the people over age 50 and can start earlier, for example, following pregnancy in women. Those affected may first notice darkened leg veins as a cosmetic nuisance, but for some people, varicose veins and related conditions can lead to significant leg pain, swelling and difficulty sleeping, along with more serious complications such as wounds, ulcers and dangerous blood clots.
“Our new Vein Center will assist in providing patients relief and long-term solutions for venous diseases,” said Michael Buckmaster, M.D., vascular surgeon and specialist. “This is a great new service for our patients.”
The Reid Vein Center at Reid Health is located in Reid Vascular Surgery, which is on the second floor of the Outpatient Care Center on the main campus, 1100 Reid Parkway.
The center’s opening is being celebrated with a series of free screenings for patients with leg pain or other concerns that could be related to vein issues. Symptoms could include aching, fatigue or heaviness in the legs, throbbing or burning leg pain, or cramping, swelling and numbness in the legs.
The screenings start Aug. 9 and space is limited. The dates include Aug. 30, Sept. 20 and Oct. 18. To schedule a screening, call 765-935-8784.
An estimated 25 percent of women and 15 percent of men suffer from venous disease, according to Dr. Buckmaster. “We tailor every treatment for vein restoration and prevention,” he said. “We offer laser and radio-frequency treatment, sclerotherapy and other services that can prove very beneficial for patients with venous disease.”
Issues that can be treated, besides varicose veins, include spider veins, leg discoloration, leg pain and swelling, restless legs, cramps and leg ulcers.
The procedures are minimally invasive and are performed on an outpatient basis in the vascular surgery office. Local anesthesia is used and virtually no down time is needed. Most patients return to normal activity immediately.
