As runners and walkers, we have access to a vast amount of information about our muscular and skeletal systems, but one area of concern to many that we do not typically consider is our venous system health. Did you know that an estimated 72% of women and 42% of men will experience varicose veins by the time they are in their 60s?
In a free clinic held recently at =PR= Ashburn, Dr. Timothy Mountcastle of Mountcastle Plastic Surgery & Vein Institute shared his knowledge from years of practice in vein health. Runners learned about the causes and symptoms of vein disease and how compression gear can stave off some of these symptoms. The clinic is just one of many that we offer regularly to our running community to help us stay informed on topics that can impact our overall health and enjoyment of running and walking.
Dr. Mountcastle is a long-time friend to Potomac River Running. He has helped several on our staff with leg vein issues that arise from years of working in a standing profession and training long miles. He continues to be a generous supporter of our community events, races, and in-store clinics.
We’ve compiled some of Dr. Mountcastle’s words of wisdom on vein health to help you learn more about this important topic:
Leg Vein Anatomy
Your legs are made up of a series of vessels that carry blood back to your heart, including:
– Deep veins
– Veins closer to the skin surface called superficial veins
Perforating veins connect the deep system with the superficial system. They pass through the deep layer of muscular fascia tissue at the mid-thigh, knee, and ankle.
What is Venous Reflux Disease?
Venous reflux disease develops and progresses in the following ways:
1. Vein valves become damaged or diseased resulting in valve failure
2. Reflux or backward flow in the vein occurs
3. Pooling of blood causes pressure in the leg veins
4. Increased pressure may cause surface veins to become dilated (varicose)
Patient Demographics
It is estimated that in America, 72% of women and 42% of men will experience varicose veins by the time they are in their 60s.
The risk factors for varicose veins include:
– Multiple pregnancies
– Obesity
– Family history
– Standing profession
Symptoms
Approximately 24 million Americans suffer from Venous Reflux Disease. Typical symptoms will appear as:
– Varicose veins
– Pain
– Swollen limbs
– Leg heaviness and fatigue
– Skin changes and ulcers
What can you do?
– Elevate the legs
– Wear compression stockings from manufacturers like CEP to help with blood flow in the legs
These treatments are effective but usually have poor patient compliance because it requires diligence over a long period of time. These steps will alleviate the symptoms, but you will need further assessment and treatment to cure the underlying problem.
Treatment Options
Dr. Mountcastle gives patients a number of treatment options with the most effective being the VNUS Closure Procedure. This procedure has a high success rate due to the following highlights:
– Relief of symptoms
– Most patients resume normal activity within 1-2 days
– Outpatient procedure
– Local or general anesthetic
– Good cosmetic outcome with minimal scaring or bruising
– Covered by most insurance providers
If you or someone you know is suffering from the symptoms of venous reflux disease, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Timothy Mountcastle. Dr. Mountcastle is a trusted clinician who can help you solve the underlying causes and help you return to running and walking quickly and effectively.
About Timothy S. Mountcastle, M.D.
Dr. Timothy Mountcastle graduated with honors from Howard University and is a recognized specialist in plastic surgery. He trained at the prestigious Charity Hospital in New Orleans for seven years and earned degrees in both general and plastic surgery from Louisiana State University. During his tenure at LSU, he was appointed chief resident in both general and plastic surgery.
Dr. Mountcastle was the Chief of Plastic Surgery at INOVA Loudoun County Hospital from 2011-2013 and is the Medical Director of Mountcastle Plastic Surgery & Vein Institute in Reston, Leesburg and Ashburn. He also received the reader’s choice – Loudoun Times award for best plastic surgeon in Loudoun County for 2014. He is board certified in general surgery and is a member of the National Capital Society of Plastic Surgeons and Virginia Society of Plastic Surgeons as well. He is also a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, which is reserved for Physician members with all true honors accompanied by the responsibility to sustain the vision and goals of the society: Professionalism, Scholarship, Leadership and Service.
Practicing aesthetic and reconstructive surgery since 2004 and vein surgery since 1999, Dr. Mountcastle is one of only a few plastic surgeons in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area who performs “DIEP” breast reconstruction and vein surgery.
An active member of his Leesburg, Va. community, he is deeply committed to community service and charitable endeavors such as children’s outreach and on-site assistance to medical missions in Honduras, Colombia, and Bolivia. Dr. Mountcastle also sits on the board of directors of Borromeo Housing Inc., which manages the Elizabeth House residential program for homeless teenage mothers and their children in Arlington, Va. He has also been a supporter and sponsor of Potomac River Running and Loudoun Soccer.
