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, burning and can develop to a chronic swollen disfigured leg. Varicose veins are 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.
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 always 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 behaviour hasn’t 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 theroretically developing varicose veins and spider veins.
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
How do I begin vein treatment?
During your first initial consultation, your legs will be examined and any of your concern will also be concerned by our vein specialists at our vein clinics.
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.