Blog Archive

### Understanding Varicose Veins and the Role of Varithena   Varicose veins are a common yet often overlooked health concern that can affect individuals of all ages. Characterized by swollen, twisted veins that are typically blue or dark purple, these veins primarily occur in the legs and can be more...

### Why Our Medical Practice Choose Medtronic Radio Frequency Vein Ablation   At our medical practice, we are committed to providing our patients with the most advanced and effective treatment options available. One of the standout therapies we utilize is Medtronic Radio Frequency Vein Ablation (RFVA). This innovative procedure has...

### Occupations that can be at risk for Venous and Peripheral Vascular Disease    In our fast-paced world, many of us are focused on climbing the career ladder, honing our skills, and meeting deadlines. However, behind the scenes of our professional lives lies a critical health concern that often goes unnoticed—venous and...

Approximately 10% of women and men in the United States experience a bout of plantar fasciitis at some point in their lives. However, only about 1% receive a medical diagnosis for this painful condition each year.  You may not even know that you have something called the plantar fascia until...

# Understanding Community Care Eligibility for Veterans who live in Houston or the Greater Surrounding Area   Navigating the healthcare options available to veterans can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding eligibility for community care. Community care is designed to provide veterans with access to necessary healthcare...

Venous disease refers to any condition that negatively affects the health and function of your veins. Veins are blood vessels that carry blood to your heart.  With age, trauma, or due to a medical condition, your veins may weaken. More than 30 million women and men in the United States...

As we navigate through our daily lives, our legs and feet often endure a lot of wear and tear. Whether it's from an active lifestyle, accidents, or underlying health conditions, wounds can emerge on these vital parts of our body. While some minor wounds may seem manageable at first glance,...

### Understanding the Importance of Vascular Ultrasound for Diabetics and Those with High Blood Pressure   Living with diabetes or high blood pressure can often feel like an uphill battle, and unfortunately, managing these conditions doesn’t stop there. Many individuals with these health issues experience additional complications such as leg...

PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE (PAD) One in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has P.A.D., a condition that raises the risk for heart attack and stroke. Peripheral arterial disease, or P.A.D., develops when your arteries become clogged with plaque—fatty deposits that limit blood flow to your legs. Just like...

More than 100,000 ankle fractures occur every year in the United States. Kids and teens account for about a quarter of those fractures. You can fracture any one or all of your ankle bones, including the: Tibia (aka shin) with medial malleolus (the bump on the inside of your ankle)...

 A combination of genetics, aging, and other factors can lead the blood vessels in your face and legs to degrade and become dysfunctional. Whether you have spider veins, varicose veins, or a combination of the two, if you’re plagued by clusters of visible veins, they’re not working for you. Both...

Getting Your Heart and Vein Health on Track Your heart and vein health are closely interconnected and play a crucial role in your overall well-being. While the demands of daily life often push health priorities aside, taking proactive steps to care for your cardiovascular and venous systems is essential for...

Prioritizing Your Heart Health During the Holidays The holiday season is a time of celebration, family, and joy, but it can also bring unique challenges to maintaining your heart health. With the hustle and bustle of gatherings, indulgent meals, and added stress, it's easy for heart-healthy habits to take a...

Symptoms of Varicose Veins: What to Look Out For   Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern—they’re a signal that your vein health needs attention. These enlarged, twisted veins often appear on the legs and feet, and while they’re common, they can cause discomfort and potentially lead to...

Worldwide, diabetes has surged from 200 million cases in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. An increasingly Western diet and lifestyle habits are probably responsible for the huge leap in this blood-sugar-regulation disease. In addition, mortality rates have increased since 2000. Although you can control, and even reverse, type 2...

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

What Is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and Why You Should Care Do you know that feeling when your legs cramp or ache after a walk, and you think it’s just because you’re tired? Sometimes, it’s more than just fatigue—it could be a warning sign of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). At...

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic issue; they can signal underlying health problems that require attention. At Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group, we aim to educate our patients about the causes, symptoms, and advanced treatment options available for varicose veins. What Are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins are...

A bunion is a joint foot deformity where your big toe shifts inward toward the other toes, creating a large lump. This lump isn’t a tumor, though. It’s your big toe joint jutting out. Bunions can develop from genetics, specific foot shapes, tight footwear, or stress on your foot, and...

In this Q&A, we sit down with Dr. Walkes, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon and the owner of Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group, which has four locations across Houston, Texas. Dr. Walkes shares his expertise on venous disease—its causes, symptoms, and the latest advancements in treatment. Despite affecting millions of...

If you struggle with impossible-to-ignore varicose veins, you’re not alone — 1 in every 3 adults develops them. Most varicose veins are nothing to worry about, but if they become painful or create open wounds, they could indicate an underlying medical problem. At Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group, Dr....

Complex Wounds which are difficult-to-heal, result from different factors, including, disruption from tissue loss, comorbid disease states, and inadequate blood flow. These wound types require wound care specialists to incorporate an extra component into their management, such as wound biologics (or skin substitutes).    What are Skin Substitutes? Skin substitutes...

A B-12 shot is an injection of Vitamin B-12, or cyanocobalamin, which is an essential nutrient for many bodily functions. These injections are known to boost energy levels, brain function, and metabolism. B-12 injections are now available at Texas Heart & Vein.  Older adults, people with digestive issues, and vegans...