If you’re suffering from an enlarged prostate, chances are your doctor has told you that the only treatment option is TURP or transurethral resection of the prostate. Well, the good news is that it may not be necessary for you to undergo prostate surgery. Your symptoms can be relieved with...
If you've been diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), you're probably feeling anxious and worried that you didn't entirely take in everything that your doctor told you. Don't worry. In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know to set your mind at ease. What is Peripheral Artery Disease?...
Approximately 24% of Americans have varicose veins, and contrary to what you may think, it's not a condition confined to women or the elderly. These twisted, bulging veins affect all ages and any gender and can lead to serious medical issues such as blood clots. Am I at risk of...
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, you’re certainly not alone. PCS prevalence is high, with 15% of women aged 18-50 suffering from the condition in the United States and up to 43.% worldwide. What is pelvic congestion syndrome? PCS is one of the primary causes of chronic...
It’s hardly surprising that every medical professional advises their patients to boost circulation. Healthy, efficient blood flow enables every organ in the body to function correctly. It helps keep the heart healthy, heal wounds faster, keeps the brain sharp, and even gives your complexion a healthy glow. When circulation...
If you suffer from poor circulation, it’s essential to understand how cold weather has the potential to be dangerous. Not only do cooler days increase a person’s risk of serious illness from coughs, heart and lung problems, falls, or even the flu, but veins can also be affected. Carry on...
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as peripheral arterial disease, is a common and severe circulatory problem involving the abnormal narrowing of the arteries. When narrowing occurs, parts of the body (particularly the legs and arms) don't receive enough blood to keep up with demand. This can result in a...
A diabetic ulcer on the foot is a break in the two top layers of skin, the epidermis and dermis, but it may also extend more deeply to the tendons and even the bone. These open wounds occur in approximately 15% of people with diabetes, according to the American Podiatric...
Your circulatory system carries nutrients, oxygen and water via blood through the body so it can remain strong and healthy. When blood flow is reduced, your cells don't receive as much oxygen as they need, and you may experience symptoms of poor circulation. These include cold extremities, muscle cramps, feeling...
Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, a type of nerve damage that typically results in tingling sensations, pain, numbness and muscle weakness. The causes are uncontrolled high blood sugar (glucose) levels and decreased blood flow. There are four main types of neuropathy and the symptoms you may experience depend...
Critical limb ischemia is a severe blockage in the arteries that significantly reduces blood flow to the lower extremities. It is considered the most serious form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and results in severe pain in the toes and feet even while resting. The reduced blood flow is caused...
Gangrene is the death of body tissue due to infection and a loss of blood supply. The condition is typically caused by an injury and commonly affects the extremities - fingers, feet and toes. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing gangrene because uncontrolled blood sugar levels...
A diabetic ulcer on the foot is one of the most common complications of diabetes affecting approximately 19% to 34% of people with the metabolic disorder. Ulcers can develop anywhere on your feet or toes and left untreated, can lead to severe infections that may result in amputations. The most common...
When you have diabetes, you need to take extra special care of your feet. People with metabolic disease are at increased risk of suffering from impaired circulation and nerve damage in their feet. Wearing uncomfortable and ill-fitting shoes can make you more susceptible to developing a harmful condition. That's why...
Honey has been used for centuries to treat burns, boils, infected and non-healing wounds and ulcers because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The sweet, viscous food substance made by honey bees and related insects can also treat diabetic wounds and help prevent amputations. Honey As A Wound Healer Diabetes...
Diabetic ulcers on the foot are sores formed below the ankle as a result of a break in the skin that exposes layers underneath. Approximately one in four people with diabetes will develop at least one foot ulcer following diagnosis, and they're responsible for more hospital admissions than any other diabetic complication....
Exercise can benefit everyone, including people with diabetes. It can play an essential part in managing your condition, blood sugar levels and weight, as well as improving your overall health and wellness. In fact, physical exercise is so important that the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with type 2 diabetes...
COVID-19 is still a new disease, and there is a lot we don´t know. However, new information is being unearthed all the time, including the relationship between coronavirus and diabetes. In this article, we´re going to answer some of the frequently asked questions about how COVID-19 impacts people with diabetes....
Cigarette smoking is one of the most important changeable risk factors for peripheral arterial disease, a narrowing of the peripheral arteries of the arms, legs, head, and stomach. More than 200 million people around the world are affected by PAD, and many of them smoke. In a study published by...
Diabetes can take its toll on your whole body, including putting you at risk of dental and oral health problems such as diabetic ulcers in the mouth and gum disease. Mouth Ulcers Mouth ulcers are sores or lesions that typically appear on the soft tissue and inner parts of the...
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also known as poor circulation, hardening of the arteries and peripheral artery disease, is a narrowing of the arteries resulting in reduced blood flow to the arms, legs, heads and stomach. The most common cause is atherosclerosis, an accumulation of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the arteries....
Following any wound, the body's immune system kicks into action. It sends blood clotting factors and other blood products to repair the injury and white blood cells to stop infections from taking hold. However, for a person with diabetes, the wound healing process is often slower. Poor circulation leads to...
Poor circulation is where parts of your body, especially the hands and feet, receive insufficient amounts of blood. Excess sugar in the bloodstream of people with diabetes can cause blood vessels to narrow, which reduces the amount of blood flowing. This can lead to a host of complications from minor...
Amputation is one of the most feared complications of diabetes. Often it involves removing toes, feet and lower legs. The problems typically start in the feet with calluses that may progress to ulcers and complicated wound infections. Amputation is commonly needed if gangrene sets in, damage to the lower extremities is...
Diabetes affects many parts of the body, including the nerves, heart, brain, kidneys and skin. Healthy people experience similar skin problems, but those with diabetes are at a higher risk. From blisters and diabetic wounds to dry skin and reddish or brown patches, there are numerous warning signs you could...
Once we get a cut or a scrape, our body´s immune system and wound healing mechanisms go into full swing, warding off germs to help prevent the wound from becoming infected. Blood clots, a scab forms over the injury, and it begins to heal in optimum fashion. However, for people...
Many people with diabetes experience pain and discomfort in their feet because of nerve damage, poor circulation or both. Circulation is the umbrella term for how blood is pumped around the body by the heart. Blood transports oxygen from the lungs to every cell and removes carbon dioxide and other...
Diabetic ulcers on the foot can affect people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, occurring when the skin breaks down and skin layers beneath become exposed. These slow-healing wounds can become a serious health issue because they carry a high risk of infection, which may spread to the...
Do you have an enlarged prostate? Are you having trouble starting to pee, or are you frequently peeing, especially at night? If so, you could have benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as an enlarged prostate, one of the most common diseases affecting aging men. Treatment for the condition can depend...
PCS (Pelvic congestion syndrome) is essentially varicose (enlarged) veins in the pelvis. This condition causes chronic pain in the pelvic area and affects up to 30% of women. In some women, the veins in the lower abdomen are not working well due to faulty valves. Consequently, blood that should be pumped...
Are you experiencing muscle cramps? Is there a stinging feeling in your limbs? Do you have cold or numb hands? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you could be suffering from poor circulation. For people with diabetes, poor blood circulation, where one or more parts of the...
CLI) Critical limb ischemia is a serious condition brought on by inadequate blood flow to some parts of the body. It is a severe form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and is usually the result of a blockage of the arteries, the vessels that supply blood to the body. Critical...
A foot ulcer is one of the most common and serious complications for people with diabetes, occurring in approximately 15% of patients, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. Diabetic ulcers on the foot can occur in anyone with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and refer to an open sore...
Diabetic wound infections are common and preventable occurrences that increase the risk of amputation. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), approximately 15% of diabetic patients develop a diabetic foot ulcer and six per cent of those will be hospitalized due to wound infection or other complications. As with...
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common circulatory problem caused by narrowing of the peripheral arteries (those that don't supply blood to the heart and brain). This typically results in reduced blood flow to the head, arms, stomach and legs, causing...
You’ve probably heard of amputation but do you know what it means in medical terms? Don’t worry, most people don’t know the answer, which is why we thought we’d post an article defining amputation, its drawbacks, and an explanation of how an atherectomy can prevent the need for amputation. So...
You’re probably aware of diabetes and gangrene but do you know the connection? Without early diagnosis and treatment, gangrene can quickly lead to the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, recognizing the symptoms of gangrene and understanding why you face a greater risk of developing it is critical....
Did you know that people with diabetes are susceptible to nerve damage and circulation issues? For some diabetics, these issues may necessitate foot or lower limb amputation. To put the severity of this problem into perspective, there are almost two million people living in the United States with limb loss....
Most people consider unsightly varicose veins to be an irritating cosmetic problem and nothing to be unduly concerned about. However, in some cases, they can indicate the presence of a deeper problem. While there are numerous harmless reasons for these damaged veins to make an appearance, they can also be...
As women enter menopause, normally in their early 50s they experience yet another shift in their hormone levels. Menopause causes several changes in the body and its functions including changes to sleep, mood, hair and vascular health. It pays to be aware of the close link between menopause and varicose...
You are what you put in your mouth Did you know that approximately 150,000 new patients are diagnosed each year with chronic venous insufficiency? Or that 20% of Americans are thought to have some type of varicose vein disorder? Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a common clinical problem in the United...
While it’s true that few men worry about varicose veins when they’re relaxing on the beach, it’s important for them to be aware that varicose veins aren’t just for women. The number of men with varicose veins is about 25% nationwide and makes up a significant percentage of our patient...
If you’re suffering from diabetes then you probably know the importance of managing your blood sugar levels to avoid serious complications such as poor blood flow and nerve damage which can lead to sores or ulcers on the feet. If you have diabetes then it’s critical to take steps to...
According to research carried out by The Sage Group in November 2013 approximately 50% of patients suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) were also suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD). This was a significant find since research revealed that DFU with PAD is quite different concerning location, morbidity, severity,...
The term diabetic foot typically refers to ever-increasing complications in the feet of people suffering from diabetes mellitus. Peripheral neuropathy, one of the most prevalent foot problems associated with diabetes, can lead to vascular disease, ulceration and place a person at increased risk of infection. It can also, in some...
The saphenous vein (otherwise known as the great saphenous vein or GSV) is the longest in the human body. It extends from the top of the foot to the upper thigh/groin area and like all veins, problems can occur. So what issues are associated with the GSV and more importantly,...
With national pulmonary rehabilitation week just around the corner (March 14-20) now seems like the perfect time to talk about deep vein thrombosis or DVT for short. Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition caused by a blood clot in the vein (usually the leg) so it’s important to know...
Peripheral arterial disease more commonly referred to as PAD occurs when the outer (peripheral) arteries that serve the head, neck, and stomach narrow. This ‘narrowing’ occurs when the arterial walls become clogged with plaque. One of the most severe forms of PAD is critical limb ischemia which occurs when the...
You don’t have to go very far to find a plethora of home remedies for varicose veins. In fact, a quick internet search brings up over 15 pages of results. Treatments typically involve the use of poultices containing all manner of herbs and essential oils. Unfortunately, any evidence is ‘sketchy’...
When it comes to managing health, it’s important to understand a condition so that you can better control it. However, there are times when physicians use terms interchangeably without disclosing what they mean. Take PAD vs PVD for instance. Although they sound the same, there are subtle differences that you...
Chances are, the term ‘varicosities’ isn’t something that many people have come across, yet it’s a technical term for something that affects around 22 million American women between the ages of 40 and 80 every single year – varicose veins. What are varicose veins (varicosities) and how do they occur?...
Varicose veins can seem to appear out of nowhere bringing problematic symptoms like itching, aching, burning and swelling. It’s only natural therefore that having them treated can seem like a huge relief. But have you ever wondered what happens to varicose veins after treatment? Firstly, your treatment options The first...
What does the start of a new year signify to you? A fresh start or a new you perhaps? A year full of renewed hope or a time to reflect? Whatever you decide, there is always going to be one certainty… by the end of it, we’ll be another year...
Just as the food you eat can impact your overall health, it can also affect your vein health. But while eating a good diet won’t eradicate existing conditions such as varicose veins, good nutrition can and will stop them from getting worse. So how do the foods you eat impact...
Like a wide variety of conditions vein disease typically occurs in stages. At first, you might not even notice the subtle changes in your limbs, particularly your legs, but if you are at risk from vein disease then it’s important to assess yourself because there are some signs that you...
Suffering from vein disorders like varicose veins can be worrying. Not only because problematic veins can be linked to health problems but also, when they do start to swell or bulge, you might be concerned that they could burst or rupture. Moreover, if they do, is it dangerous? Firstly veins...
When you’re young it’s easy to assume that a lot of health problems such as varicose vein only affect old folk. But unfortunately, you’d be wrong. You see, even people in their 20s are at risk of developing a vein disorder. While on the whole young people are more resilient...
You’re pregnant – Congratulations! Being pregnant is an exciting time but it also throws up certain concerns that you may want answers to or reassurance. One common concern is varicose veins and whether you’re likely to get them during pregnancy. If this is your first pregnancy then obviously you’ve nothing...
While compression therapy has been known about for thousands of years – compression socks or stockings as we know them today, have only been around since the late 1930s. Physicians in ancient Egypt, for example, used a primitive form of compression bandage to bind and treat leg injuries but it...
Many people give little or no attention to visible leg veins and this is understandable. It could be that veins have gradually become present over the years and because of this people will often put it down to subtle cosmetic changes or simply signs of growing old. In some cases,...
If you’re like most guys you probably think that varicose veins are a woman’s problem and not a big deal. Well, think again. While generally varicose veins are more common in women and older adults, figures from AHA Journals state that varicose veins affect 22 million US women and 11 million US men between...
Varicose veins can cause discomfort and pain. Perhaps you’re already experiencing the itching, throbbing, and burning associated with problematic veins. Not so long ago, treatment for varicose veins involved surgical vein stripping but thankfully, advances in technology mean patients can now benefit from a variety of non-surgical treatments. Over the...
If it’s hot, or you’ve been on your feet all day, it isn’t uncommon for you to experience some type of leg or ankle swelling. Other causes like hormonal fluctuations, dietary changes and even certain types of medication can also trigger the limbs to swell. However, in many cases, the...
Successful treatment and management of varicose veins require a good deal of planning. So while here at the Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (MINT) we are well adept at treating patients with varicose vein problems, we know from experience that the cooler fall and winter months help our patients better...
There are so many myths surrounding varicose veins that often it’s difficult to know which are true and which are not. We’ve dissected 5 of the most common varicose vein misconceptions. By separating fiction from fact, you and a vein specialist can determine what’s the best course of treatment for...
Anyone who has spider veins will know that they’re primarily found on the surface of the legs and face. The question is… are they just a cosmetic nuisance or are they something to be concerned about? Before we get into the dilemma of spider veins and whether you should or...
Many people with varicose veins find them more of a cosmetic issue than a medical problem. In other words, they don’t pose a medical threat. However, there are other people whose varicose veins cause significant aching and pain and even embarrassment. For some individuals, varicose veins can lead to other...
While many clinics still use varicose vein stripping as a treatment for painful varicose veins, we prefer to offer patients treatments that are minimally invasive and don’t require surgery. One such treatment is VenaSeal. This is a closure system that works by gluing veins shut using medical superglue. Yes, really!...
We can’t blame you for trying a few home remedies to cure your spider veins, such as ginger tea, massage, and exercise but the unfortunate truth is that visible veins aren’t something you can fix at home. In this article, we’re going to talk about the causes of spiders veins,...
When it comes to fibroid size, you may be surprised to know that they can grow to be as small as a pea or as large as a watermelon. Moreover, they can develop either singularly or in multiples. Where a single fibroid can be as small as an inch in...
Some estimates state that as many as 70% of women in the USA develop uterine fibroids during their childbearing years. Yet, not all are diagnosed as only a third of cases are large enough to be detected by a healthcare provider during a routine examination. While we do know that...
If you suffer from fibroids then making a decision to undergo any kind of treatment is never easy. However, if your uterine fibroids are causing heavy bleeding during menstruation, chronic discomfort, and even infertility, then undergoing uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) should be a serious consideration. Uterine fibroid embolization is in...
It’s thought that over two-thirds of the population will experience varicose veins at some point in their lives. One of the most common questions we get asked here at the Midwest Institute of Non-surgical Therapy (MINT) is ‘Can varicose veins get worse?’ In this post, we’ll set out to answer...
Do you suffer from non-healing leg, foot, or toe wounds, or leg cramps or pain triggered by activity or walking? If so, you’re not alone. These are all common symptoms of P.A.D or rather, peripheral artery disease, a problem that affects around 12 million Americans. Peripheral artery disease is a...
According to the National Institute of Health, it’s estimated that somewhere between 70% and 80% of all women will get fibroids at some point in their lives. Fibroids are in fact abnormal growths that develop in, on, and around the uterus and in some cases can make life pretty uncomfortable...
When veins become varicose they are distinguishable by their unsightly, bulging, and sometimes painful structures that appear just below the surface of the skin. Often caused by faulty or damaged valves, they occur when blood is allowed to pool or collect in the area rather than to pass or flow...
Both polycystic ovaries and uterine fibroids are conditions that cause growths to form in or on the female reproductive organs and to all intent and purpose they appear similar. Both conditions have the ability to cause pelvic pain, disrupt menstrual cycles and can affect fertility. Moreover, both conditions have also...
PAD or Peripheral Artery Disease affects 1 in 20 Americans and is a common circulatory problem. It occurs when severely narrowed arteries cause a reduction in blood flow to the limbs – Usually the legs. This, in turn, causes symptoms like leg pain, muscle pain or muscle cramping where the...
The human body contains millions of veins! Some of which are so small that they can’t be seen with the naked eye. Others don’t even have names. Yet, each and every one of them plays a hugely important role. To put it simply, without them, our bodies would fail to...
As the name suggests uterine fibroids are usually benign non-cancerous tumors that form in the uterus. They consist of dense fibrous tissue and can appear almost any time after puberty. In many cases, fibroids don’t present any problems and are usually diagnosed during pregnancy or during the menopausal transition. One...
Critical limb ischemia is the most severe type of peripheral artery disease (PAD) that a person can have. In essence, it’s a severe blockage of the arteries in the lower limbs caused by a build-up of plaque on the interior walls. So how serious is the problem? The answer…very! Studies...
It’s understandable to think that spider veins and varicose veins are one in the same thing. After all, they can both be problematic and have similar causes, symptoms, and treatments but in reality, they are different and therefore they should be treated as such. Firstly, however, it’s worth taking a...
If you’re struggling to conceive then one reason could be that you might have fibroids. These are tumors or lumps which can occur singly or in clusters within the wall of the uterus. Fortunately, they are almost always benign but unfortunately, they can cause havoc with fertility and pregnancy. Fibroids...
When it comes to peripheral artery disease, risk factors – or rather, the causes behind the problem – are numerous. However, while there are some factors we unfortunately can’t control, there are also many that we can. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at those risk factors in...
It’s thought that Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) affects up to 40% of the US population because in many cases, it goes undiagnosed. The simple reason for this is that (in the early stages at least) CVI doesn’t always develop physical signs. Instead, it’s often passed off for leg cramps or...
Before uterine fibroid embolization, the only real alternative for the removal of uterine fibroid growth was major surgical processes such as a myomectomy or a hysterectomy. Naturally, these are life-changing corrective procedures that can involve long recovery periods. Alternatively, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) requires minimal or no hospital stay and...
In the US alone, over 8 million adults suffer from peripheral artery disease (PAD) and while it’s thought that there is no real ‘cure’, evidence suggests that it is possible to reduce some or many of the symptoms associated with it by adopting simple lifestyle changes. In doing so, these...
Have you recently discovered bulging veins in your legs? If so, you’re not alone. According to research, more than 40 million Americans suffer from bulging (varicose) veins. But what causes them? In essence, unsightly bulging veins occur when excess blood collects or pools inside the veins. This is usually due...
Let’s face it, if you’re a woman in your child-bearing years, you’re highly likely to be familiar with the word ‘fibroids’. The good news is that as far as tumors go (fibroids are a benign version) they very rarely become cancerous. Moreover, they aren’t usually associated with an increased risk....
Last month (September) was peripheral artery disease awareness month. P.A.D (as it is more commonly known) affects around 8.5 million Americans over the age of 60 but what exactly is it and why is it so prolific? More importantly, how do you recognize the signs? Firstly, what exactly is P.A.D...
Here at the Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (MINT), we’re often asked the question “Can fibroids shrink with diet?” In truth, diet alone cannot cure fibroids, however, a well-balanced diet can and does help to ease many of the symptoms and complications associated with fibroid growth. So what exactly are...
Veins aren’t something we often about – until that is, we have a problem. Whether that’s a painful varicose vein or a more serious condition, one thing’s for sure, you can’t live without them. Of course, veins are responsible for carrying blood to the heart but what else can veins...
Typically, varicose veins are distinguished as unsightly blemishes just beneath the surface of the skin and while not always painful, it’s easy to ignore them hoping they will simply go away. The problem is that when left untreated, they can cause a whole host of varicose vein problems. It’s true...
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that form within the uterus. While they are not normally dangerous, they can in some cases cause pain, discomfort, and abnormal bleeding. As fibroid growth is predominantly stimulated by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, it is understandable to assume that when hormone levels start to...
While nobody wants purple building veins across their ankles or legs, did you know that over 40 million people in the US suffer with varicose veins? What’s more, if both parents suffer with varicose veins then there’s is a chance that you’ll suffer too in later life. However, because this issue...
If your clothes are fitting a little tighter, you’re struggling to tone your tummy and you’ve put on a few pounds recently, you might not think that it’s due to uterine fibroids. Well unfortunately – although it’s not a well-known symptom – fibroids can indeed cause weight gain, especially around...
Have you recently noticed bulging on your legs or spots of discoloration? If so, it could be due to varicose veins, a common health issue that – aside from being a cosmetic concern – can also become a painful and uncomfortable one too. When left without treatment, it may also...
If you’ve just been diagnosed with uterine fibroids then understandably, you might be feeling slightly shell-shocked, somewhat confused, and certainly, a little worried. Thoughts of “What exactly are they?” and “Are they dangerous?” are probably running through your mind. However, unlike periods and the menopause, fibroids are not widely talked about,...
