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Spider Veins |
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What are Spider Veins? |
Spider Veins
before treatment |
Spider veins are collection of visibly dilated veins on the skin surface. Unlike other varicose veins‚ they do not bulge out from the skin and are often seen as either blue or red veins on the skin of the legs. They are usually located on the outside or inside of the thigh‚ the back of the knee or near the ankle. The technical term for these veins is reticular (blue) veins and telangiectasias (red) veins. Reticular veins are deeper beneath the surface of the skin and often must be treated first as they may feed the telangiectasias veins which are at the skin surface. |
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| The same process that causes varicose veins can cause spider veins. About 20% of patients with spider veins will have underlying venous insufficiency. In fact‚ reticular veins around the ankle are called Corona Phlebectatica and are one of the hallmarks of venous insufficiency. If venous insufficiency is present it must be addressed before spider veins can be effectively treated. |
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Symptoms... |
| Symptoms include red and blue veins under the skin surface. Spider veins have also been known to cause pain‚ aching‚ tingling and burning in the legs. There are several studies which show relief of pain after treatment of spider veins. Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not consider treatment of spider veins to be medically necessary. |
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Treatment Options... |
At the Southern Illinois Vein Center we begin with a thorough exam, including ultrasound, to see if venous insufficiency is present. If not, we use the most advanced and effective treatment methods. Common treatment for spider veins is ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. The sclerosant is injected using a very small needle. Each session lasts about twenty minutes and usually results in a 25–30% clearance of spider veins. Several sessions are required before the desired result‚ about 75% clearance‚ is achieved.
At the end of your treatment, and before you get off the procedure table, you will be fitted and taught how to put on graduated compression hose. Wearing compression hose is an important component in the success of the overall treatment for vein disease including spider veins. For optimum results‚ they should be worn for the prescribed amount of time. |
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Take Action. |
| Contact the Southern Illinois Vein Center to learn more about any of the conditions or treatments discussed on our website, sign up to attend one of our events or view our maps & directions for easy-to-follow instructions for driving to the center nearest you. |
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