Free Yourself From Vein Pain

“The pain I was living with almost cost me my career. I could barely walk a block before my legs flared up and the discomfort became unbearable. I tried various over-the-counter options and indulged in every remedy suggested to me by family and friends, all to no avail. There has to be a lasting solution, one that would keep me from living a life of accepted pain.”

Beyond the physical manifestation of bulging veins, venous disease can limit motion, activities, even employment opportunities. Treated improperly, sufferers are often left with a plan for managing day-to-day pain. It doesn’t need to be that way, and the professionals at O’Donnell Vein & Laser are more than happy to sit down and discuss treatment options that will get you back on your feet in no time.

Marylands First IAC Accredited Vein Center

Choosing the right provider for your Annapolis vein care can make the world of difference in your outcome, satisfaction — and comfort. O’Donnell Vein & Laser is the first vein center in Maryland accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, an honor extended to only facilities offering the highest level of care and service.

You know that you’re in the best hands possible as our patient under the leadership and guidance of Dr. Kelly O’Donnell, certified as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) and a Registered Physician of Vascular Interpretation (RPVI), with board certification in venous disease from the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and active memberships in the American College of Phlebology and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. From your initial consultation through treatment and aftercare, our skilled team of Annapolis vein specialists will first create a personalized plan to address your condition and then monitor your progress.

Additional Reading

While your treatment will depend on the type and severity of your symptoms or Pain, along with the location and size of your diseased veins, our team will spend the necessary time needed to review and explain your condition and options. And we’ll answer all your questions, removing any doubts that you’ve made the right decision. For treatment of non-healing wounds and venous ulcers, our expertise is such that mid-Atlantic wound centers often refer patients to O’Donnell Vein & Laser because of our reputation for advanced training, exceptional results and care throughout any procedure.

Conditions and Symptoms

Regrettably, venous disease is not a condition that will go away on its own. Left untreated it will adversely affect your quality of life, possibly leading to serious, debilitating medical conditions like chronic inflammatory skin changes, blood clots and ulcers.

There are four common vascular conditions:

Vericose Veins

These engorged blue and purple veins are visible on the surface of the skin. In some cases they may protrude, bulge and twist, causing significant cosmetic concern in many patients. While any vein may become varicose, the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs and feet. Varicose veins are caused by venous insufficiency. Valves inside the veins are responsible for keeping blood flowing in a single direction toward the heart. When these valves become damaged or simply wear out over time, blood can begin to pool inside the veins because it cannot efficiently move out of the vein any longer. This results in swelling of the vein and the appearance of varicose veins, which are most common on the thighs and lower legs. Often they are also pain to touch.

Varicose veins may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

Heaviness or aching in the legs
Cramping, particularly at night
Restless leg syndrome
Itching, burning or skin discoloration on the lower leg
Swelling of the lower legs, ankles and feet
The formation of open sores around the ankle

Spider Veins

Also known as telangiectasias, spider veins are networks of vessels that become visible on the skin’s surface. They get their name because they often resemble a spider’s web. Like varicose veins, spider veins may be caused by venous insufficiency, heredity, skin trauma, hormonal fluctuations or sun damage. Although spider veins are often asymptomatic, some patients report itching and stinging overtop the vessels. In worst cases these small vessels become so engorged that they rupture spontaneously and bleed. Bleeding may also occur when shaving affected areas.

Spider veins rarely cause the same physical symptoms as varicose veins. They can, however, pose a serious cosmetic concern, particularly when they appear on visible areas like the calves, face and chest.

Additional Reading

When spider veins are visible inside the knees or ankles, great saphenous vein insufficiency is often present. This underlying venous congestion causes eruption of the spider veins. An ultrasound venous scan may be advised if other symptoms such as heaviness and aching are present. The “gold standard” treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy; laser and radiofrequency energy treatments are generally much less effective.

Non-Healing Wounds/Pain

Proper treatment quickly is key for chronic leg ulcers. Most people are familiar with pressure sores or pressure ulcers, more commonly known as bedsores. However, did you know that untreated varicose veins that result in venous ulcers account for 80% of all lower extremity ulcerations? Regrettably, many patients who suffer from leg ulcers try to treat the condition on their own, or worse, wait until they have an infection to seek proper help from a physician. A chronic leg ulcer is often pain and debilitating. Ulcers usually occur around the ankles and are thought to be caused from long-standing “water logging” or pooling from blood congestion in the affected leg. Faulty valves inside the veins prevent proper blood flow. When valves fail to close effectively, blood leaks back toward the feet and gathers, causing pressure and bulging of the veins. This congestion produces symptoms of aching, heaviness, throbbing, itching and restless legs.

Additional Reading

When venous disease and blood pooling become severe, venous ulcers can develop in the skin. The congestion causes an obstruction in blood flow, which leads to changes in the skin pressure. The actual ulcer forms when the combined effect of the blood flow obstruction couples with a drop in oxygen levels. It usually begins as swelling and skin discoloration below the knee, and can show no signs of healing after three or more months. These ulcers often recur and can persist from a few weeks to many years.

Yet, despite the frequency of this condition, receiving a correct diagnosis and treatment is not always easy. Patients who have experienced trauma to the skin — skin cancer removed/skin biopsies — may have underlying venous disease which contributes to slow healing process and make sores more difficult to heal. If treated, it is likely to heal more quickly.

The risk factors for developing leg ulcers are similar to venous disease in general. Leg ulcers are more common in women than men, and risk factors include advanced age, obesity, previous leg injuries, deep venous thrombosis (blood clots) and phlebitis. A family history of venous disease as well as working in occupations that require extended time standing can also contribute to the risk in developing this condition.

Venous Ulcers

Open sores appearing on the lower leg or ankle are called venous ulcers — these are signs that the venous disease has progressed. The most common areas of ulceration are above the inside and outside of the ankle. This condition can be difficult to treat effectively and has a very high recurrence rate.

Effective treatment for venous ulcers includes treating the underlying cause of the problem, as well as treating the ulceration. When venous insufficiency is treated, the ulcer heals more quickly and recurrence is less common. It can take weeks or even months before a severe venous ulcer is completely eliminated, but Dr. O’Donnell is considered an expert in this field.

Before & After Results

Annapolis vein treatment before and after

Vein Treatments

Fast. Safe. Effective. veins and venous disease has never been easier. O’Donnell Vein & Laser is the first vein center in Maryland accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, so you know you’re in the best hands possible as our patient. From your initial consultation through vein treatment Annapolis vein specialist Dr. O'Donnell and her skilled team of professionals will first create a personalized plan to address your condition and then monitor your progress. While your treatment will depend on the type and severity of your symptoms, along with the location and size of your diseased veins, our team will spend the necessary time needed to review and explain your condition and options. And we’ll answer all your questions, removing any doubts that you’ve made the right decision.

Treatment options based on your medical condition include:

Endovenous Ablation

This technique disables the diseased veins using laser or radiofrequency heat, causing them to gradually disappear while rerouting blood through healthier veins. By cauterizing your diseased veins you will experience relief of symptoms associated with the pressure of chronic blood pooling — such as aching, heaviness, fatigue, Pain, cramping and throbbing. Advantages:

In-office, minimally invasive treatment
Highly effective — up to 98 percent success rate
Performed in less than an hour
Requires no general anesthesia or hospitalization
Immediate return to normal activities
Excellent cosmetic results — no scars and little risk of complications

Microphlebectomy

For conditions where large varicose veins are present, the microphlebectomy technique employs very small punctures in the skin, through which segments of the vein are removed. Advantages:

Eliminates symptoms of varicose veins
Easily tolerated procedure under local anesthesia
Excellent cosmetic results

Sclerotherapy

Although often a cosmetic concern, spider veins may indicate an underlying medical condition. Sclerotherapy is the preferred treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. This technique incorporates a sclerosant medication injected into the vein to disable and eventually shrink it away. Advantages:

Relief of symptomatic spider veins — itching, burning, bleeding
Excellent cosmetic results

VascularFrequently Asked Questions

Does the closure procedure hurt?

Local anesthetic is used to provide comfort. For most patients the anticipation is worse than the procedure itself.

Will my spider veins go away after the closure procedure?

No, however cosmetic sclerotherapy after treatment of underlying venous disease may be more effective.

Do I need all my veins?

No. Your legs have deep and superficial venous systems that are connected. When the diseased superficial vein is eliminated the blood is rerouted into the deep venous system and other healthy superficial veins.

What are the possible complications?

The risk of bruising from needle sticks is the most common. Often, one leg bruises more than the other. Localized inflammation or infection is rare. The highly uncommon complication is the formation of a deep vein clot (< 0.1%). In the rare case of deep vein thrombosis, the most common location is a small vein in the lower leg, and patients are usually treated with observation and anti-inflammatory medication.

Will I need a sedative for the closure procedure?

Most of our patients do not use any sedatives. If you want to be relaxed, a prescription will be provided. Medication will need to be taken one hour prior to your scheduled procedure. But — you must have a ride to and from the procedure if any sedatives are taken.

When can I go back to my normal routine?

Patients are able to drive themselves to and from their procedure, but each case is individual and most patients do not miss any work. You should be able to perform your usual daily activities immediately — and you must walk on the same day of treatment. Lack of mobility is a contraindication to venous closure and can lead to post-treatment complications. Strenuous exercise, such as running and weight training, should be avoided for one week after your procedure.

Will I have recurrent problems after treatment?

Superficial venous disease is a chronic condition. Your treatment plan has been designed to alleviate your current symptoms and our success is very high. We will continue to follow your progression and address recurrent symptoms if and when they arise.

Will my insurance cover the cost of my treatment?

In most cases, insurance will cover the treatment.

Vascular Treatmentsin Annapolis & Easton, MD

Free Yourself From Vein Pain

Marylands First IAC Accredited Vein Center

Additional Reading

Conditions and Symptoms

Vericose Veins

Spider Veins

Additional Reading

Non-Healing Wounds/Pain

Additional Reading

Venous Ulcers

Before & After Results

Vein Treatments

Treatment options based on your medical condition include:

Microphlebectomy

Sclerotherapy

VascularFrequently Asked Questions

Does the closure procedure hurt?

Will my spider veins go away after the closure procedure?

Do I need all my veins?

What are the possible complications?

Will I need a sedative for the closure procedure?

When can I go back to my normal routine?

Will I have recurrent problems after treatment?

Will my insurance cover the cost of my treatment?

Patient Reviews

The freedom to be yourself

Our Hours