Spider Veins
Having spider or varicose veins can affect more than your appearance. These veins can cause serious discomfort, and some varicose veins put you at risk for a complication like a blood clot or open sores on your legs.
Minimally invasive treatment can eliminate or reduce leg veins. Treatment can also diminish symptoms of pain and fatigue and prevent complications
Why We Get Visible Leg Veins
Varicose and spider veins are damaged veins. We develop them when tiny, one-way valves inside the veins weaken. In healthy veins, these valves push blood in one direction — back to our heart. When these valves weaken, some blood flows backward and accumulates in the vein, putting pressure on the vein walls.
With continual pressure, the vein walls weaken and bulge. In time, we see a varicose or spider vein.
Some people have a higher risk of developing these veins. Jobs that require sitting or standing for long periods of time predispose to their development, as do age and pregnancy. Genetics also plays a role, with multiple affected relatives imparting a higher risk. Spider veins are enhanced by sun damage, hormonal changes, or local injury.
Treatment Options and Tips
Spider veins or varicose veins may often cause a severe, throbbing pain in the legs. Various forms of treatment and lifestyle modifications can improve the quality of life in these patients.
Treatment includes the use of compression stockings, sclerotherapy, and endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation of the affected leg veins.
Self-care can alleviate the symptoms and the appearance of additional spider veins by improving circulation. Self-care tips include:
Exercising
Elevating your legs
Getting up and walking around every 30 minutes if your job requires sitting for long periods of time
Taking a break from standing if your job requires standing for long periods of time
Avoiding soaking in hot baths for long periods of time
At Associated Dermatologists, our treatments can alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with spider and varicose veins, and our patients appreciate the smoother appearance of their legs. Contact us today for a consultation.