Have questions about vein disease and treatment options, but aren’t ready to schedule an appointment? You’re in the right place. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from our patients at Physicians Vein Clinics. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, give us a call at 888-782-8346 for even more information.
Vein Disease: Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins and can be blue, red, or flesh-colored. More severe varicose veins often look like bulging cords. They are often found on the thighs, backs of the calves or the inside of the leg. They can be hurtful as they cause symptoms of aching, pain and burning and can develop into a chronically swollen leg. Varicose veins can be dangerous and are considered a medical condition.
Spider veins are like varicose veins, but smaller and closer to the surface of the skin. Often, they are red, blue or purple and can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or very large area of the skin.
What causes varicose veins and spider veins?
Varicose veins can be caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins. The heart pumps blood to the whole body through the arteries. Veins then carry blood from the body back to the heart. As your leg muscles contract, they push blood back to the heart from your lower body against gravity. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps to prevent blood from flowing backward as it moves up your legs. If the valves become weak, blood can leak back into the veins and collect there. When backed-up blood makes the veins bigger, they can become varicose veins.
Spider veins can be caused by the backup of blood. They can also be caused by hormone changes, exposure to the sun, and injuries.
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Varicose veins are not always dangerous, but they should also not be ignored. In some cases, they can indicate underlying vein disease that could lead to complications like blood clots or skin changes if left untreated. You can come in for a free screening to help determine if your veins are medically significant or cosmetic only.
When should you worry about varicose veins?
Pay attention if your varicose veins are accompanied by symptoms like persistent swelling, leg aching, skin discoloration or heaviness. These signs may point to a deeper issue, like chronic venous insufficiency.
Are spider veins painful?
Spider veins are often painless and simply cosmetic. However, other patients experience itching, burning or achiness in the affected area. Sometimes spider veins can also be a sign of deeper vein concerns and are worth looking into.
Will spider veins and varicose veins come back after treatment?
Spider veins, treated by sclerotherapy procedures, are destroyed and will be reabsorbed by the body so they can’t come back. However, your body can still form new spider veins. New spider veins can be treated just as effectively as the early treated ones with sclerotherapy.
Varicose veins can be removed permanently by sclerotherapy and endovenous procedures. However, none of these treatment options will prevents new veins from forming.
What happens if my varicose veins are not treated?
Over time varicose veins may enlarge and become more problematic. Many people will give up or minimize certain daily activities to decrease the pain. In severe cases, varicose veins can cause skin damange, ulceration and blood clots. These complications can be avoided by early varicose vein treatment.
Are varicose veins caused by crossing your legs?
This behavior hasn’t been scientifically been proved. However, leg crossing has been claimed to cause extra venous compression which decreases the upward flow of blood through the veins. Blood will then pool in the veins below, increasing the venous pressure and theoretically developing varicose veins and spider veins.
Risk Factors and Demographics
Who is at risk for vein disease?
Risk factors include age (risk increases with age), family history and occupations that require long periods of sitting or standing. Women are more likely to develop vein issues than men, and the risk increases during pregnancy. Inactivity and obesity can also put additional strain on the veins.
Do varicose veins get worse during pregnancy?
Not every pregnant woman will experience varicose veins, though the risk is increased during this time. The added pressure from a growing uterus can put additional strain on the leg veins. If a woman already has varicose veins, they may worsen during pregnancy, and subsequent pregnancies further increase the risk of venous disease.
Are varicose veins and spider veins hereditary?
Genetics is a big factor in the development of varicose veins and spider veins. If you have grandparents, parents or siblings with vein disease, you are more likely to develop it. We recommend regular screenings if you have a family history of vein problems, as well as staying active, elevating your legs and moving positions frequently.
Vein Diagnosis
When should I see a vein doctor near me or visit a vein clinic near me for varicose veins?
You should see a doctor about varicose veins if:
- The vein has become swollen, red, tender or warm to the touch
- There are sores or a rash on the leg or near the ankle
- The skin on the ankle and calf becomes thick and changes color
- One of the varicose veins begins to bleed
- Symptoms are interfering with daily activities
- Veins are causing you distress and embarrassment
- Veins are compromising your lifestyle
If you’re having pain, even if it’s just a dull ache, call Physicians Vein Clinics toll-free at 888-782-8346 to schedule a free screening.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
Physicians Vein Clinics provides free screening to all patients seeking help for vein issues. Our board-certified vein doctors will look at your legs while you’re standing or sitting with your legs dangling. We will ask you about your symptoms, including any pain you’re having. You will have an ultrasound to check out the extent of the problem and to rule out other disorders.
I only see spider veins on my legs. Why do I need an ultrasound?
In many cases, if spider veins appear in certain areas of your legs, they are an indication of a deeper vein problem. 25% of patients whose spider veins are diagnosed with “cosmetic” reasons, turn out to have more serious vein problems. If the larger vein problem underneath your skin is not diagnosed and treated first, the spider veins won’t respond to any treatment procedures and will get worse until the large feeding vein is treated. A vein doctor with specialty in vein disease will determine whether deeper problems are likely during your consultations.
What is a Duplex Ultrasound Examination?
The venous duplex examination allows your vein doctor to see the anatomy and check the flow of your vein beneath the skin. He will then be able to adequately diagnose your specific vein problem and plan out your treatment plan.
Vein Preventative Care & Treatment
How do I know if my varicose veins are bad enough that I need the procedure?
Every case is unique. Diagnosis is and should be made by a vein specialist. Symptoms may vary, but bulging veins with a burning sensation or pain after long periods of standing is a warning signal.
How can I prevent varicose veins and spider veins?
Not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. But, there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting new varicose and spider veins. These same things can help ease discomfort from the ones you already have:
- Wear sunscreen
- Exercise regularly
- Control your weight
- Don’t cross your legs for long times when sitting
- Elevate your legs when resting as much as possible
- Don’t stand or sit for long periods of time
- Wear elastic support stockings
- Avoid tight clothing that constricts your waist, groin or legs
- Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time
- Eat a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods
Do compression stockings help varicose veins?
Compression stockings can help manage symptoms of varicose veins like swelling, achiness and heaviness by supporting better blood flow in the legs. They won’t make varicose veins disappear, but they can slow progression and provide daily relief. We often recommend graduated prescription-grade stockings as a first step in treatment.
How do I begin vein treatment?
During your initial consultation, your legs will be examined, and your concerns will be discussed by our vein specialists at our vein clinics. You will receive diagnostics, such as an ultrasound, to determine whether there is venous insufficiency. You will start with conservative treatments for 6 to 12 weeks, followed by additional treatments if necessary.
How do you treat varicose veins and spider veins?
- Conservative Therapy: This is typically the first approach and includes wearing prescription-grade compression stockings (20-30mmHg graduated compression or higher), leg elevation and lifestyle adjustments to help manage symptoms.
- Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation: A treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to deliver heat to damaged veins and close them off.
- VenaSeal: This treatment uses a medical-grade adhesive to seal problem veins shut.
- Varithena: An injectable foam that fills and collapses veins that may be difficult to treat with other methods.
- Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected directly into smaller veins, causing them to shrink and gradually fade.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Larger surface veins are physically removed through tiny openings in the skin.
How long will my vein treatment take?
Sclerotherapy treatment sessions usually last 25-30 minutes. Every patient is different, and the number of sessions needed varies depending on the severity of your condition. Most cases require three to six treatment, however, this is only a guideline and your individual case may be different. Your legs may begin to show improvemnt in as little as a few weeks, but the best results are usually seen after several treatment sessions.
What are my post procedure instructions?
If you had a Cosmetic Sclerotherapy, Ambulatory Phlebectomy, Radiofrequency Ablation , Varithena Sclerotherapy, Medical Sclerotherapy, or a VenaSeal procedure, download the post procedure instructions below.
About Us
What should I expect at a vein clinic consultation?
During your consultation, one of our doctors will review your medical history and perform diagnostics to evaluate the condition of your veins. We will walk you through what we find, explain your treatment options and answer any questions you have.
How do I choose a vein doctor?
Look for a doctor who is board-certified and has specific training in venous and lymphatic medicine. At Physicians Vein Clinics, our physicians hold certifications like DABVLM (Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine) and RPhS (Registered Phlebology Sonographer), which means they specialize in diagnosing and treating vein conditions.
What is the process like?
Some patients start with a free screening to determine whether their concerns are cosmetic or medical. From there, if further evaluation is needed, we’ll schedule a consultation that includes a diagnostic ultrasound and a personalized treatment plan. Once a plan is in place, we will guide you through each step from navigating insurance to pre and post-treatment instructions.