Blog Archive

Excel V+ Laser Mar 8th, 2023

If you're ready for clear skin again - free of visible veins, hyperpigmentation, sun spots and more - the groundbreaking excel V+ by Cutera makes it happen.  The excel V+ is the latest generattion of high-powered, precise, dual-wavelength lasers! What makes the excel V+ better than other lasers?   The excel...

VenaSeal™ - Minneapolis Vein Center now offers the latest treatment for Varicose Vein Aug 6th, 2018

Minneapolis Vein Center Now Offers VenaSeal™ Recovery Treatments for Varicose Veins and MoreVenaSeal™ is one of the most exciting innovations in treating varicose veins and one of many treatment options available through Minneapolis Vein Center in Plymouth, MN, serving the surrounding communities of Minneapolis, St. Paul and areas of Wisconsin....

Causes of Varicose Veins in Adults Jun 27th, 2018

Causes of Varicose Veins in AdultsVaricose veins, also called varicoses or varicosities, happen when your veins become enlarged, dilated and overfilled with blood. Varicose veins typically appear swollen and raised, and they’re bluish-purple or red in color. They’re often painful and may appear swollen. Varicose veins are a condition common...

Bringing Verve and Vitality to Your Blood: Facts About Venous Valves Jun 20th, 2018

Veins are helpful to our bodies in many ways – some that we might not realize. Yes, veins pump blood through our bodies. Yes, they’re responsible for returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Yes, they can bulge, collapse or even burst. Veins, as you know, are blood vessels. But did...

Ten Vein Violators: The Top Ten Causes of Spider Veins May 1st, 2018

Ten Vein Violators: The Top Ten Causes of Spider VeinsA number of factors predispose us to spider veins, which are milder forms of those pesky enlarged, engorged veins called varicose veins. Why should you care? Well if you want to protect your legs, it’s helpful to now appreciate the causes....

Different Strokes: What’s a Spider Vein vs. a Varicose Vein? Apr 1st, 2018

Different Strokes: What’s a Spider Vein vs. a Varicose Vein?Wondering what that bluish bulge inside your thigh is? Seeing little blue lines going up your calf? Chances are you’ve got a varicose vein or spider vein, respectively. But while the two are similar in causes, symptoms and treatment, they’re not...

Are Steroid Injections Safe? Sep 28th, 2017

 Steroid injections for the treatment of chronic back, neck or joint pain are becoming more and more common.  Steroid injections, also known as corticosteroids, are not the same thing that some athletes have been known to abuse. It’s actually a drug that mimics cortisol, a hormone that your body produces...

Best Treatments for Swimmer’s Shoulder Sep 15th, 2017

Swimmer’s shoulder is a term used for a wide range of painful shoulder injuries caused by overuse. Much like stress fractures, swimmer’s shoulder occurs from small, repeated strain, rather than one major incident. Since the shoulder is a very flexible joint, it is surrounded by muscles and ligaments needed to...

Blood Clot Symptoms Jul 28th, 2017

A blood clot is a clump of blood that has changed from a liquid to a gel-like form. This is a normal and helpful reaction by your body when you have a cut or are injured, stopping blood from flowing out of your body. When this occurs inside your veins,...

Sunscreen 101 Jun 27th, 2017

Summer’s here and outdoor activities are on the rise! With more time spent in the sun, it is natural to want to protect your skin. Sunscreen is a great way to care for your skin, and with a few simple tips you will be well informed and ready to enjoy...

Sclerotherapy Benefits: Is It Worth It? Jun 12th, 2017

Sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for spider veins. It is affordable, low risk, and causes minimal discomfort to the patient. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into your veins with a very fine needle, irritating the blood vessel lining. This irritation causes the veins to scar and collapse, eventually to...

How Your Diet Can Affect Your Skin May 22nd, 2017

Your skin reflects your body’s internal needs. When you are short on nutrients, your skin can look discolored, turn dry and flaky, or develop dark spots or premature wrinkles. An increased risk of varicose veins or varicose vein discomfort can also result from internal deficiencies such as an unhealthy diet....

Interventional Radiologist Spotlight: Bilal Anwer, M.D. Mar 29th, 2017

This month we are pleased to introduce patients and friends to Dr. Bilal Anwer, who recently joined Minneapolis Vein Center. Read on to get to know Dr. Anwer, and find out what one healthy habit he wants everyone to follow.What led you to the field of interventional radiology?With previous experience...

Varicose Vein Treatment Timeline Mar 15th, 2017

If you’ve been thinking about varicose vein treatment, you’re probably ready to get rid of those veins right now! However, if you plan to use your health insurance to pay for the procedure, you might be surprised to learn that most plans require a round of conservative varicose vein treatment...

Varicose Veins: Non-Surgical Treatment Options Feb 28th, 2017

The interventional radiologists at Minneapolis Vein Center offer non-surgical treatment options for varicose veins and spider veins. Surgery isn’t the only way to relieve painful symptoms of varicose veins or feel better about the appearance of your legs. Learn more about the minimally-invasive, non-surgical treatment options that may be right...

Compression Socks for Women Jan 27th, 2017

At Minneapolis Vein Center, we carry a wide variety of compression socks for women—and they don’t look like something your grandmother would wear. Our compression socks for women look just like regular socks, while providing all the benefits of compression socks.About Compression Socks for WomenCompression socks promote normal blood flow...

Varicose Vein Myths Debunked Jan 11th, 2017

Myth: Varicose veins are a normal part of getting older.Truth: Varicose veins are caused by vein walls or valves that do not function properly, which can happen at any age. Varicose veins are common—the condition affects nearly half of the U.S. population—but the condition shouldn’t be ignored. If you have...

How To Treat a Leg Ulcer Dec 20th, 2016

Before you learn how to treat a leg ulcer, it’s important to understand what it is and how it develops. About 70% of leg ulcers are caused by venous disease, in which veins are not working properly and allowing blood to flow backward or build up in the leg. That...

Injections for Back Pain Nov 21st, 2016

Injections for back pain are also known as epidural steroid injections (ESI). Injections for back pain deliver medication directly to the source of pain and can provide significant pain relief.HOW ARE INJECTIONS FOR BACK PAIN PERFORMED?At Minneapolis Vein Center, injections for back pain are performed by board certified interventional radiologists...

Hysterectomy Alternatives Oct 25th, 2016

A hysterectomy alternative is available at Minneapolis Vein Center. If you’ve been living with uterine fibroids, you don’t have to have major surgery or lose your uterus to find relief from painful fibroid symptoms. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), is a minimally invasive procedure that is less risky, less costly, and...

Common Tennis Injuries Oct 10th, 2016

The most common tennis injuries are tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, and Achilles tendonitis. While most tennis players will suffer with one or more of these injuries at some point, you can get them from any repetitive motion activity, not just tennis. In fact, less than 5% of tennis elbow...

Plantar Fasciitis Minneapolis Sep 30th, 2016

Is your plantar fasciitis keeping you from enjoying all that Minneapolis has to offer? From water sports to hiking to scenic parks, there’s always something fun to do in the great outdoors of Minneapolis. But if you have plantar fasciitis, your heel pain may be holding you back. Learn more...

Sclerotherapy Cost: Your Questions Answered Sep 19th, 2016

Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard for the treatment of varicose veins. During the procedure, a solution is injected into the vein, which causes it to close up and fade away. Before your treat your varicose veins, learn more about sclerotherapy costs at Minneapolis Vein Center.HOW MUCH DOES SCLEROTHERAPY COST?Sclerotherapy...

When To Visit A Vein Treatment Center Aug 31st, 2016

When to Visit a Vein Treatment CenterIf you’ve been experiencing the painful side effects of varicose veins, or you’re tired of seeing spider veins, you’re ready to find the vein treatment center that’s right for you.Visit a Vein Treatment Center to Eliminate Painful SymptomsVaricose veins are caused by a condition...

What Causes Varicose Veins Aug 24th, 2016

What Causes Varicose Veins:It is not always clear what causes varicose veins. However, there are some risk factors, which are known to increase the likelihood of developing the condition.AgeVeins can lose elasticity over time, which means as people get older, their risk for varicose veins increases. It is estimated that...

Varicose Vein Symptoms Aug 12th, 2016

Varicose vein symptoms vary from person to person. Varicose veins are caused by weak vein walls and valves, which allow blood to flow backward and pool in the vein. They often appear twisted, bulging, and bluish in color. Some people may experience no other symptoms other than the appearance of...

Vein Stripping: New Alternatives Jun 29th, 2016

Vein stripping may be what comes to mind when you think of varicose vein treatment, but there are many more options available! While vein stripping used to be the most common treatment option, it is rarely used anymore. Vein stripping is never used at Minneapolis Vein Center. MVC physicians rely...

Compression Stockings: Why and How to Wear Them Jun 24th, 2016

Why Wear Compression StockingsCompression stockings provide graduated pressure to the leg, which helps keep blood moving in the right direction through the veins. If you have varicose veins, weak vein walls or valves allow blood to flow backward or pool in the leg, which causes the typical blue bulging appearance...

What Causes Spider Veins? May 25th, 2016

Spider veins, also called telangiectasia, get their name from the red or blue web pattern that often appears at the surface of the skin. They are similar to varicose veins except they are smaller and closer to the surface of the skin. Spider veins are most often found on the...

Spider Vein Treatment Minneapolis May 10th, 2016

If you’re looking for spider vein treatment in Minneapolis, look no further than Minneapolis Vein Center. Our board certified, fellowship trained interventional radiologists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating vein disease, including spider veins.Spider Vein Treatment at Minneapolis Vein CenterMinneapolis Vein Center offers spider vein treatment plans that may include...

Heel Pain: Achilles Tendonitis vs. Plantar Fasciitis Apr 24th, 2016

The most common causes of heel pain are Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Only a physician can properly diagnose your heel pain. However, you can learn more about the differences and some at-home remedies that may relieve your pain.Achilles TendonitisAchilles tendonitis is a result of strain on the Achilles tendon,...

Achilles Tendonitis Treatment Apr 12th, 2016

Achilles tendonitis is a result of strain on the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. The most common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis are pain at the back of the heel or leg that gets worse during activity, pain and/or stiffness at...

Girls Night Out - April 5, 2016 Mar 28th, 2016

Girls Night Out is coming to the Breast Center of Maple Grove on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.Join us for a screening mammogram, free leg vein screening, appetizers, wine, prizes and more free stuff.Call (763) 398-6370 to reserve your space, today!

Varicose Vein Treatment: How to Prepare Mar 21st, 2016

Minneapolis Vein Center offers minimally invasive varicose vein treatment procedures including sclerotherapy, ablation, and phlebectomy. These modern varicose vein treatments utilize advanced technology and techniques that produce excellent results for most patients, while leaving behind only a tiny nick in the skin.How to Prepare for Your Varicose Vein TreatmentWear loose...

Varicose Vein Treatment: Conservative Therapy Options Mar 7th, 2016

Healthy veins carry blood from the extremities back to the heart, where it becomes oxygenated, and then circulates throughout the body again. Sometimes, vein walls and valves become weak, and that allows blood to flow backward or pool in the vein, which causes the telltale twisted, blue veins known as...

Spotlight: Paul Reha Butros, M.D. Feb 28th, 2016

Dr. Butros has been working with Minneapolis Vein Center since July 2015. He is an experienced interventional radiology physician with fellowships in Interventional Radiology from Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, and Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute in Miami, FL.We’re shining the spotlight on Dr. Butros this month and he’s...

Choosing A Vein Clinic in Minneapolis - St. Paul Metro Area Feb 17th, 2016

With so many options, choosing a vein clinic in Minneapolis-St. Paul can be difficult. Learn more about Minneapolis Vein Center to decide if it’s the right Minneapolis vein clinic for you.Full Service Vein Clinic in Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro AreaMinneapolis Vein Center offers a full line of vein treatment procedures to...

Plantar Fasciitis Treatments Jan 15th, 2016

Plantar fasciitis treatments can range from minimally invasive to open surgery. While some cases can be treated with simple home remedies, chronic plantar fasciitis requires an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment in order to avoid future foot, knee, hip or back problems.Rest, Ice and Over-the-counter Medication – For patients who are...

What Is Plantar Fasciitis? Jan 14th, 2016

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain – approximately 2 million patients are treated for this condition each year. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch of the foot. Injury, certain types of...

Spotlight: Dr. Maria R. Gomes Jan 8th, 2016

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our very own Dr. Maria Gomes, fellowship trained Interventional Radiologist and Medical Director at Minneapolis Vein Center. Dr. Gomes has over 20 years of experience in the field, and has been with Minneapolis Vein Center (MVC) since 2005 when the center opened.What’s the...

Varicose Veins While Pregnant Dec 23rd, 2015

Varicose veins while pregnant are common. The bulging, bluish veins can be unpleasant to look at and may also cause some uncomfortable symptoms like swelling and heaviness. Varicose veins during pregnancy are caused by some of the many pregnancy-related changes in the body.A pregnant woman has 30-50% more blood in...

Spider Veins on the Face: Causes and Treatment Dec 9th, 2015

Spider veins on the face, also known as Telangiectasias, are most often found around the nose, cheeks and chin. Some people may have no symptoms other than the appearance, while others may notice pain or itching around the area.Causes of Spider Veins on the FaceWhile most cases of spider veins...

Sclerotherapy: Treat Your Spider Veins Now, Be Ready for Spring Nov 27th, 2015

Sclerotherapy is a treatment for spider veins. If you’ve been thinking about treating your spider veins, now is a great time of year to schedule your vein consultation and consider a Sclerotherapy procedure. Patients who start the process during this time of year will typically achieve noticeable results by Spring.During...

Do I Need That Vein? Oct 30th, 2015

If you’re considering varicose vein treatment, you probably have many questions. One common concern from patients is “do I need that vein?” The simple answer is “no” but we’ll explain why.What Happens When the Vein is RemovedThe body’s circulatory system, made up of the arteries, veins and capillaries that carry...

Spider Veins on Legs Oct 16th, 2015

If you’ve been living with spider veins on your legs, you probably think treating them is just a cosmetic procedure. You could be wrong—spider veins on legs aren’t always just a cosmetic concern. Spider veins on legs are caused by a problem known as venous insufficiency. This can be more...

Leg Swelling: Could It Be Deep Vein Thrombosis? Oct 3rd, 2015

Sudden leg swelling and pain are some of the telltale symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the leg or pelvis. Other symptoms include abnormal warmth and discoloration. Leg swelling and other symptoms are almost always present...

Top 5 Myths About Varicose Veins Aug 26th, 2015

A myth can be dangerous because it could prevent someone from seeking out the care they need to treat their varicose veins. If left untreated, varicose veins could develop into a more serious condition. We’re debunking 5 of the most common myths surrounding varicose veins so you can be armed...

Why Go to An Interventional Radiologist? Jul 23rd, 2015

When it comes to varicose vein treatment, you have a choice when it comes to the type of treatment you choose and which physician you trust to perform the procedure. In addition to interventional radiologists, many different types of doctors offer varicose vein treatments including vascular surgeons, general surgeons, dermatologists,...

All About Compression Stockings Jul 23rd, 2015

Compression stockings can provide much-needed relief from pain and swelling caused by varicose veins and may also aid in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you’re imagining compression stockings as ugly and clinical-looking, think again! The compression stockings available today are not the same compression stockings your grandma...

August Girls Night Out Jul 15th, 2015

Girls Night Out is coming to the Breast Center of Maple Grove on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.Join us for a screening mammogram, free leg vein screening, appetizers, wine, prizes and more free stuff. Plus all Epionce products will be 15% off.Call (763) 398-6370 to reserve your...

Non-Surgical Options for Chronic or Severe Back Pain Jun 12th, 2015

An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a non-surgical treatment for neck, back and/or leg pain. The interventional radiologists at Minneapolis Vein Center provide this image-guided, minimally invasive pain management procedure to assist in reducing the inflammation and irritation of the nerve root with the use of steroids that is injected...

Varicose Vein Treatment for Men May 11th, 2015

 Varicose veins aren’t just something your mother and grandmother get. Varicose veins affect men almost just as much as women; about 40-45% of men in the United States have some type of vein problem. The good news is that varicose vein treatment for men is effective and safe. Schedule a ConsultationThe...

5 Things Not To Do If You Have Varicose Veins Apr 19th, 2015

Most cases of varicose veins are caused by factors out of your control, like heredity, gender, and age. However, you may be doing some things that are contributing to the condition getting worse. Here are 5 things you should stop doing if you have varicose veins: 1) Don’t sit or stand for...

5 Things To Do If You Have Varicose Veins Mar 31st, 2015

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent varicose veins. However, there are things you can do that may slow the onset of the condition or prevent it from getting worse. 1) Elevate Your LegsThe veins in your legs carry blood back to your heart—a job that is made more difficult by...

Win a Spider Vein Treatment and Elta MD Products Mar 21st, 2015

Are your legs ready for summer?! Enter for your chance to win a Cosmetic Spider Vein Treatment (a $375 Value) to take care of spider veins and $200 worth of your favorite Elta MD skincare products that refresh and improve the health of your skin!Visit our Facebook Page to Learn...

What Is a Venous Leg Ulcer, and How Is It Treated? Mar 12th, 2015

What is a venous leg ulcer?Venous disease causes weakness in vain walls and valves. When blood leaks out of a leg vein into surrounding tissue, that tissue may begin to break down and cause a venous leg ulcer. Legs with venous ulcers usually appear swollen and the skin around the...

New Year, New Deductible Feb 10th, 2015

If you’ve been thinking about vein treatment but you’re worried about costs, you might be surprised to learn that it’s actually quite affordable, and often covered by insurance. Insurance Terms DefinedCo-insurance – describes the amount to be paid by the patient and the insurer.  For example, if your policy is 80/20, that...

Minneapolis Vein Center Celebrates 10 Years Oct 10th, 2014

On September 24, 2014, the Minneapolis Vein Center celebrated 10 years of service to the community with an Open House event. We were pleased to welcome 75 patients, friends and staff from our referring physician offices. Attendees were able to meet our Medical Director, Dr. Gomes, receive free screenings and...

Steroid Recall Oct 8th, 2012

In light of the recent media coverage regarding the recall of a steroid manufactured by one specialty pharmacy, Minneapolis Radiology Associates would like to provide the following clarification: Minneapolis Radiology has neither received nor used steroid from the pharmacy involved with the medicine recall at any of our locations. Should...

Your Radiologist Aug 21st, 2011

Your radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disease and injury by using medical imaging techniques such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), fusion imaging, and ultrasound.Learn More

Thermographic Imaging Systems for Breast Cancer Screening: FDA Safety Communication Jun 2nd, 2011

FDA notified consumers, women who participate in breast cancer screening and healthcare professionals that thermography is not a replacement for screening mammography and should not be used by itself to diagnose breast cancer.Read the full FDA notification here.