Pictured above: John S Hogg M.D., DABR, DABVLM, RPVI, RPhS, RVT, RVS
On January 16, 2024, the New York Times published an article that chronicled the high rate of amputations that are happening to men with diabetes in the Alamo City. This is so alarming and sad. They attribute this high number to our city’s genetics (Hispanics are unfortunately genetically inclined to diabetes), diets high in processed food, and the lack of access to health care.
What we see day after day at Medical Vein Clinic, is a lack of awareness of venous insufficiency, a condition that can lead to serious complications including amputations. In laymen’s terms, venous insufficiency is poor circulation of blood from the legs back to the heart, a complication of diabetes. With healthy venous return, arterial blood is better able to deliver the oxygen to the needed tissues in the legs since they are less clogged with old, deoxygenated blood. This results in more viable tissue. When blood can’t return to the heart, it pools in the legs starving the tissues of needed oxygen and causing ulcers. These ulcers or even a minor cut can lead to infection and sometimes amputations.
An estimated 40% of the US population have venous insufficiency and those numbers are even higher in San Antonio due to genetics, diet, and lifestyle factors. Women have an increased risk as pregnancies can additionally stretch veins out. Venous insufficiency is a progressive disease and, detected early, can be treated at Medical Vein Clinic.
If you have diabetes, it’s important you get evaluated for venous insufficiency. Medical Vein Clinic counsels patients on things they can do to prevent skin death, ulcers, and infections caused by venous insufficiency that can result in limb loss. Our board-certified vein specialists offer minimally invasive treatments to correct venous insufficiency. Our patients walk in and walk out and the treatments are covered by insurance. Our goal is to help you to keep our patients and their legs healthy and prevent more serious complications.
We also offer treatments and tools to reduce the retention of lymphatic fluid in the legs. With these best practices, our patients’ legs feel lighter, they have greater mobility, and can exercise regularly. All of which has a huge impact on their health and wellbeing.
To schedule your leg screening and evaluation, call Medical Vein Clinic at 210-622-8000.
Yours in health,
John S. Hogg MD, DABR, DABVLM, RPVI, RPhS, RVT, RVS
info@medicalveinclinic.com
210-622-8000
Here’s to your legs feeling and looking better, and your health!