What are spider veins?
Spider veins are small, thin, red, blue, or purple veins close to the skin's surface. Spider veins can appear anywhere on the body. However, they are most common on the legs or face.
Spider veins affect slightly more women than men.
What is the cause of spider veins?
What causes spider veins isn't known. Veins have one-way valves that regulate blood flow back to the heart.
If damaged, it can disrupt these valves and the one-way flow. Blood can back up, or even pool, in the veins, weakening the vessel walls and causing the veins to enlarge and distort.
What are the risks of spider veins?
Several risk factors increase your chances of developing spider veins. These factors include:
- Family history
- Sitting or standing for long periods
- Obesity
- Female gender
- Pregnancy
- Advancing age
- Use of hormonal birth control or menopausal hormone therapy
- Previous conditions, like blood clots, which may have damaged valves in the veins
While spider veins may only be a cosmetic issue, you should not ignore them in case they require treatment. See Dr. Odiete at PACE for an evaluation.
What are the symptoms of spider veins?
Spider veins usually appear on the thighs or legs but sometimes on the face, forearms, or hands. Aside from cosmetic issues, there are typically no symptoms, but mild discomfort or burning sensations can occur at the site.
If symptoms do occur, they may worsen upon standing or sitting for long periods. Symptoms are generally relieved by resting and putting your legs up.
How are spider veins diagnosed?
Dr. Odiete starts with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms, risks, and family history. He may order additional tests, like an ultrasound or other imaging tests, to check on the health of your veins.
How are spider veins treated?
The treatment goals are to improve the veins' appearance and relieve symptoms. Dr. Odiete may recommend a combination of therapies to achieve these goals, including:
Lifestyle changes
Patients are encouraged to consider weight management, increasing physical activity, and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods.
Endovascular treatment
These procedures include endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), which uses high-energy lasers to destroy the veins, or ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, which injects medication to close the affected veins.
These are generally same-day outpatient procedures, are well tolerated, and do not have significant side effects or long post-treatment downtimes.
It is possible that spider veins may reappear, and you may need more than one treatment.
Compression therapy
This involves using compression socks/stockings or bandages to help relieve pain and discomfort.
If you are troubled by spider veins, call the office or use the online tool to make an appointment at PACE for a consultation and determine the best treatments for you.
