To help more people restore their leg health, Dr. Barry Zadeh, of Medina Vein Center, is offering free leg screenings

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The source of your leg pain could point to something more serious.

By Laura Briedis

When Strongsville resident Tom was suffering from leg pain, he thought it was just a part of aging.

It proved to be much more.

“I was aware of the pain in my leg and just thought it came with age,” he says. “But my wife called a doctor for a leg screening and we found out that I had blockage. Now I feel 10 years younger.”

Thanks to an examination by Dr. Barry Zadeh, of Medina Vein Center, Tom was able to ward off more serious problems and now is pain free after having a minimally invasive procedure.

“Having healthy legs results in a healthier life,” comments Dr. Zadeh. “You are able to be more active and exercise, which leads to a healthier lifestyle that makes you feel better.”

Board certified cardiovascular and general surgeon Dr. Barry Zadeh has performed venous and arterial procedures over the past 30 years, treating tens of thousands of patients. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

Board certified cardiovascular and general surgeon Dr. Barry Zadeh has performed venous and arterial procedures over the past 30 years, treating tens of thousands of patients.

“In the general population, 40 to 60 percent of people over 50 years old experience problems with bad valves in their veins in which the flow of blood is impaired,” says Dr. Zadeh.

“But it is not uncommon for young mothers after pregnancies to have problems, as well as people whose jobs require standing, such as teachers, nurses, cashiers, wait staff and assembly line workers. However, even those with desk jobs and stay-at-home moms can get heavy legs.”

Treatments for Leg Ulcers
In addition to peripheral artery disease, in which the arteries narrow and cause cramping, pain and tiredness in the legs or hip muscles, many people develop leg ulcers. Most often people associate ulcers with that burning and gnawing feeling of a stomach ulcer. However, just as common are ulcers of the legs, feet or toes that come with their own painful symptoms.

“Leg ulcers affect both men and women of all ages and all backgrounds,” says Dr. Zadeh. “And they can be extremely painful.”

Just ask Randy, from Bucyrus, who suffered from leg ulcers.

“I had severe pain in my legs, calves and feet and had to walk with a cane—sometimes two canes,” he says. “I would develop leg ulcers when I bumped my legs on things. I could not even put on normal shoes due to the pain and swelling. When I met Dr. Zadeh, I felt like I was the only patient he had because he took his time and treated me so personally.”

Now Randy’s legs and feet are no longer severely swollen, and he can walk without pain and without using a cane.

Leg ulcers can often be treated with special garments, wraps and boots that will help offload the pressure, as well as minimally invasive surgery to redirect the veins so they stop leaking.

Minimally Invasive Procedures
If you are among those suffering from leg pain or swelling caused by vein reflux disease, varicose veins, valve insufficiencies and ulcers of the extremities, Medina Vein Center can bring you relief through minimally invasive procedures with virtually no downtime, all done in a convenient office setting.

As one of the most experienced doctors in the country performing endovascular ablation, mechanical chemical ablation and ClariVein, Dr. Zadeh explains that these minimally invasive procedures use tiny catheters to close off a damaged vein. Once the vein is closed, blood is re-routed to other healthy veins. Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site and patients can resume normal activities within a day.

Preventative Health Screenings
In addition to those who suffer from leg pain, Medina Vein Center screens patients for conditions that may not present any symptoms but pose health risks. These preventive screenings include:

  • Carotid artery ultrasounds to determine blockages or abnormalities
  • Abdominal aortic ultrasounds to assess aneurysm risks
  • Lower extremity arterial screening to assess peripheral artery disease

These tests can detect vascular disease, such as stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm, which are known as “silent killers” because there are often no warning signs until it’s too late.

“If you are 50 or older and have risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, high blood cholesterol or a family history of atherosclerotic/circulatory problems, then you should be screened,” says Dr. Zadeh.

Medina Vein Center is located in the Western Reserve Building, lower level, on Route 18 in Medina.

Most of these procedures and preventative screenings are covered by insurance, and the office staff will assist you with navigating your insurance plan and coverage options.

Are You a Candidate for a Free Leg Screening?
The source of your leg pain could point to something more serious. Here are some symptoms that may indicate you have a vein blockage:

  • Leg pain below the knee (including calf, ankle and foot)
  • Tingling, heaviness, numbness or swelling of your lower extremities
  • Restless legs at night when trying to sleep
  • Varicose veins (especially for women who develop varicose veins after pregnancy)
  • Leg wounds that don’t heal
  • Leg ulcers

If you have any of these issues, find out if you’re at risk—for free.

“The cost of a leg screening sometimes can be the one barrier preventing patients from seeing a doctor,” says Brian Barberic, general manager of Medina Vein Center. “We removed that barrier by offering our community free preventative leg screenings and exams.”

Medina Vein Center is located at 4015 Medina Road, Suite 90, in Medina. Call 330-723-VEIN (8346) for an appointment. For more information, visit LoveYourVeins.com.