Medically reviewed by Anuj Shah, MD, FACEP, on May 16, 2024
Veins are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood from various parts of the body back to the heart. They are a vital part of the circulatory system, transporting blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body. However, certain activities can put excessive stress on these vessels, potentially leading to conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, which is the root cause of vein disease and varicose veins. One such activity that can significantly impact vein health is horseback riding.
Equestrians' love for their sport runs deep. For many, it is more than just a passion; it's a way of life. Therefore, to have this part of themselves taken away due to chronic venous insufficiency, which can make horseback riding uncomfortable or even impossible, is truly devastating.
Venous insufficiency not only robs them of their physical ability to ride but also strips away a part of their identity, their sense of purpose, and, for many, their joy.
We spoke to Dr. Anuj Shah, the board-certified lead vein physician at Center for Vein Restoration’s vein clinic in Germantown, Maryland, about his patient who faced this heartbreak. Sarah, age 35, was having difficulty enjoying her passion for horseback riding because of worsening leg heaviness, aching, fatigue, and throbbing due to varicose veins. She had been experiencing these vein problems for almost nine years.
Dr. Anuj Shah: “We performed a Doppler ultrasound in our office, and we identified that she had bilateral, or on both sides of her legs, significant venous insufficiency, also known as venous reflux.
She'd been wearing compression stockings for many years. Initially, they helped her symptoms, but in recent years, they weren't doing the trick anymore. So, we recommended a minimally invasive vein treatment plan that consisted of:
Radiofrequency Ablation
A thin catheter is inserted into the vein, emitting radio waves that heat and close the diseased veins. The problem vein collapses, and nearby healthy veins take over improved blood flow.
Varithena
Varithena is an injectable medication that offers a non-surgical approach for various types of varicose veins. During the procedure, a microfoam is injected directly into affected veins, collapsing them and rerouting blood to healthier vessels.
Sclerotherapy
A sclerosing solution is injected into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and eventually fade from view. This safe and effective procedure improves the appearance of unsightly veins while relieving associated symptoms like aching, burning, or heaviness in the legs.
Microphlebectomy (Ambulatory Phlebectomy)
This minimally invasive procedure is used to remove larger varicose veins through tiny incisions along the affected vein. During this precise technique, the damaged vein is gently removed, effectively eliminating painful, bulging problem veins while leaving minimal scarring and requiring little downtime.
Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is a nationally recognized leader in treating varicose veins, spider veins, venous ulcers, and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. CVR’s board-certified doctors offer compassionate and affordable vein care nationwide using advanced, virtually painless treatment options to eliminate problem veins.
CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Dr. Anuj Shah: “Her entire treatment plan took place over a few weeks. We performed the vein procedures systematically stepwise to help promote the best results and prevent complications.”
Dr. Anuj Shah: “We performed all her vein procedures, and they all went very successfully. When she returned, she was ecstatic. She felt great; her legs felt great!
What made my day was that she showed me a picture of a new horse that she had bought. She had held off on buying her own horse just because she wasn't sure how her legs would feel, but after the treatments, she felt so much better that she bought her own horse.”
Sarah relayed to me that after vein treatment, when she was riding her horse, she didn't feel any leg discomfort, didn't think about the pain in her legs anymore, and focused just on the horse and riding. She was extremely happy. -Dr. Anuj Shah
Horseback riding has many health benefits, both physical and emotional. For an equestrian, it's not just a sport but a unique bond with their horse. This bond, coupled with the physical benefits of riding, can improve core strength and muscle tone, better balance and coordination, and, according to the American Heart Association, aerobic benefits that can improve cardiovascular health.
The emotional advantages of spending time with horses are equally as life-affirming. Spending time with horses and being in nature can be a calming and therapeutic experience that relieves stress. Mastering the skills required for horseback riding can boost self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. And for some individuals, interacting with horses can provide emotional therapy and a sense of emotional healing.
However, varicose veins can make horseback riding extremely uncomfortable or even impossible, depriving equestrians of these physical and emotional benefits. Seeking proper vein treatment becomes crucial for riders to alleviate symptoms, improve vein health, and ultimately regain their ability to pursue their beloved sport comfortably and without limitations.
Successfully treating a vein disease that prevents an equestrian from riding and restoring their ability to ride is life-changing. Dr Shah helped Sarah reclaim the physical benefits and, more importantly, rekindle that profound bond with their new equine partner. This bond is central to a horse enthusiast’s identity and well-being and reigniting the joy and emotional fulfillment that horseback riding brings.
Dr. Anuj Shah: “Knowledge is power, and regarding symptoms in one's legs, there are many different reasons to have leg discomfort—one of the main reasons humans get leg discomforts and heaviness is vein insufficiency. I would definitely recommend coming into one of our offices and getting a venous Doppler evaluation scan done.
Then, you would talk to our nurse and physicians, like me, to review the results. If there are any significant findings, we can best guide the patient on what to do and how to manage them.”
Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), America's largest physician-led vein center, offers comprehensive treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. With 110+ centers in 22 states and 70+ active physicians, CVR boasts a 98 percent patient satisfaction rating. Accepting various insurances, including Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Medicare, CVR provides accessible, compassionate, and effective vein care.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
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