The discoloration of your veins, usually found on your legs, is caused by the blood in your veins being restricted from flowing properly, which is known as venous insufficiency. This condition can come about in different ways and varies from person to person, but these damaged veins that are not flowing correctly result in the physical appearance of producing spider veins or more severe varicose veins, both of which can require medical treatment. Snake River Vascular Surgery offers non-invasive treatments for those who deal with spider veins or are suffering from varicose veins no matter your age. Our goal is to diagnose the severity of your veins to provide you with the best treatment options for your venous-related problems. These two types of vein conditions, spider and varicose, both stem from the cause of venous insufficiency but have different appearances and symptoms but can be treated in a very similar way.
Smaller Veins or Spider Veins
Spider veins draw their name from making your veins appear darker and can create small webbing patterns on the skin. These darkened veins are closer to the surface of the skin and can take on the colors of blue, red, or purple. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are not typically raised above the skin but can expand underneath the surface in their webbing patterns. Spider veins can reside in your skin and not leave you with any medical issues, as they mostly just cause discoloration and cosmetic issues. While spider veins do not typically cause pain but can be a harbinger of future problems. There are some symptoms that might be accompanied by this condition.
- Itching
- Skin discoloration
- Burning sensation
- Light pain with prolonged standing
- Muscle cramps
Larger Varicose Veins
Enlarged and twisted veins are the significantly bigger varicose veins that tend to cause more pain than spider veins. These veins are typically raised above the surface of the skin as they are enlarged and swollen, unlike the spider veins. More often than not, varicose veins are found on the thighs or on the legs and can be accompanied by intense pain. Due to the constant state of the veins being inflamed, those with varicose veins often deal with a number of unfavorable, but treatable, symptoms.
- Aching or throbbing veins
- Heaviness or swelling in the legs
- Bleeding veins
- Intense pain when standing
- Spasms
- Infections or ulcers
Evaluation
An ultrasound exam is the medical standard of care prior to any venous treatment. Any “Vein Clinic” not fully evaluating the possibility of underlying venous insufficiency is missing potential long-term complications.
Treatments for Spider Veins
There are surgical and nonsurgical procedures and treatments available to those who are dealing with the impacts of these two types of venous insufficiencies of spider or varicose veins.
Available Options
Laser Ablation: The possible cause of spider veins and venous disease, venous insufficiency, can be treated similarly to varicose veins using a treatment called endovenous ablation which uses heat to seal off the veins so the blood is redirected to non-damaged veins and create better flow out of your legs. This procedure can reduce the physical appearance of these veins while also lessening the painful
Laser light on skin: With spider veins being so close to the surface and not nearly as inflamed as varicose veins, skin surface laser treatments can be utilized to break down the veins from outside the skin to get rid of the damaged parts which help to remove the physical appearance of the darkened veins.
Sclerotherapy is also available as a procedure. A medicine is injections with a tiny needle into the veins causing immediate irritation and scaring of the spider veins. This can stop the flow of blood to them and through them, causing them to shrink and absorb into your body.
There are long-term benefits but also complications with any treatment. Some should not be used as treatment for larger varicose veins.
Snake River Vascular Surgery
Whether you are dealing with the cosmetic issues and light symptoms associated with spider veins, or you are experiencing the pain and discomfort that come with varicose veins, be sure to get in touch with the experienced vascular disease specialists at Snake River Vascular Surgery. Our advanced non-invasive treatments and compassionate care can help to shrink and erase the signs and symptoms that these veins can leave behind. If you have dealt with spider veins or varicose veins for a long time, or you are just now experiencing them, give us a call to discuss your treatment options and how we can help you look and feel better today.