Spider and Varicose Veins
An article written by Dr. Robelen. May, 2010
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, blue or purple veins that may appear gnarled or twisted. The major cause of varicose veins is weakness in the walls of superficial veins. This weakness may be hereditary, meaning if someone in your family has varicose veins, you may be more likely to have them as well. Other possible contributing factors might include:
- Hormonal fluctuations (especially during pregnancy)
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Obesity
- Trauma to the legs
- Intense weight training
In some cases, there are no physical symptoms to accompany the appearance of varicose veins.
In these cases, patients may seek treatment for purely cosmetic treatment. When symptoms do occur, they might involve:
- A heavy feeling or achiness in the legs
- Painful throbbing, especially after sitting or standing for long periods
- Swelling, cramping or itching
- Acute fatigue in the legs
Varicose veins may also contribute to an uncomfortable condition known as restless leg syndrome. More severe cases can lead to serious problems like thrombosis, phlebitis, dermatitis and ulceration.
Thrombosis indicates there is a blood clot in a vein. This is a potentially serious condition, since the clot can dislodge and travel to other parts of the body. Clots will generally develop in either the superficial veins or the deep veins, so there is a distinction between superficial vein thrombosis and deep vein thrombosis. Varicose veins are most likely to lead to superficial vein thrombosis. Symptoms of this condition might include:
- Pain in the area that can fluctuate from moderate to severe
- Swelling and redness in the area of the clot
- The area may feel hot to the touch
If thrombosis is detected in a patient, this condition must be treated before the varicose veins can be addressed. Treatment often involves removal of the clot and application of a compression bandage or stocking. An analgesic like aspirin may also be recommended. It may take several days to weeks for the thrombosis to resolve completely.
At the Southern Illinois Vein Center, we try to
treat varicose veins before complications arise. We use a combination of procedures to achieve the best results. The treatment prescribed will depend on the extent and severity of the disease.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are typically less serious than varicose veins, but they can present physical and cosmetic problems for the patient. These enlarged, red or blue veins are generally closer to the skin's surface and also appear on the face, chest, back and arms. Veins can appear as thin, separate lines, such as those that appear on the inner knee, or they may resemble a spider with a central spot and veins radiating outward. This pattern is frequently seen on the thighs.
The cause of spider veins is not fully understood, but some may be due to superficial venous insufficiency which results in the backup of blood. There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing spider veins:
- A job that requires prolonged sitting or standing
- The hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Excessive weight gain, which can hinder blood flow
- Sun exposure
- Some medications like oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
Most people with spider veins never experience any symptoms beyond the visible appearance of the veins. Those that do develop symptoms may experience:
- Itching, burning and tingling in the area of the veins
- Heaviness or throbbing pain
- Leg fatigue or cramping at night
There are two types of spider veins: telangiectasias (red) veins and reticular (blue) veins.
Telangiectasias veins are red spider veins that appear on the surface of the skin. Because these veins are fed by reticular veins, treatment may require a two-prong approach that addresses reticular veins first.
Reticular veins (blue veins) are beneath the surface of the skin and often feed telangiectasias veins. Because these veins are deeper, a special halogen light is sometimes used to assist in treatment.
Treatment for both telangiectasias and reticular veins usually involves sclerotherapy procedures using a special diluted solution designed for spider veins. Treatment sessions take about 20 minutes to complete and multiple sessions may be required to achieve desired results.
The Southern Illinois Vein Center believes your vein treatments begin the day you walk in for a consultation and do not end until your follow-up appointments have been completed. We provide a relaxed, friendly environment where our patients feel at ease throughout the treatment process
For an evaluation of your specific condition, call us at 618-998-8346 to make an appointment.
Spider and Varicose Veins
