Spider veins are a common vein condition. Very similar in most respects to varicose veins, they can appear for a variety of reasons. Here’s what you need to know and what to do about them.
How Spider Veins Begin
As with varicose veins, spider veins are a result of improper blood flow. This condition occurs most often in the legs, but is known to happen in the arms and face, as well. Veins show up visibly under the skin when the valves begin to work improperly, such that blood flow becomes irregular. When this occurs, veins become twisted and enlarged to accommodate the blood that is pooling within them. This often results in varicose veins, but spider veins are formed in a similar manner. They usually look like small red, blue or purple lines under the skin, and often look like a spider web. Unlike varicose veins, they’re usually flat against the skin or only slightly raised.
Spider veins are less serious than varicose veins. They involve smaller veins that are closer to the surface of the skin, whereas varicose veins usually occur in deeper tissue and are more potentially painful and hazardous for your health. People with spider veins may also feel heaviness, tiredness and swelling in the affected area, indicating a possible underlying problem.
Spider veins, like varicose veins, are a result of venous insufficiency, and usually show up as a result of physical stress on the body. The risk factors for spider veins are much the same as those for varicose veins, and include living a sedentary lifestyle, gender/pregnancy, genetics, weight issues and overexposure to the sun.
What To Do About Spider Veins
Preventative care is always the best route. If you think you could be at risk for developing spider or varicose veins, start listening to your bodily needs. When sitting, prop up your feet to improve circulation, as blood flowing from the legs has to fight gravity to return to the heart.
If you have this condition, sclerotherapy is an option for treating it. Besides the above mentioned preventative tips, another method is to use compression technology to improve your circulation. Wearing compression socks or stockings will help with this and reduce the risk of the condition worsening. If your vein condition does get worse, several outpatient procedure options are available to remove or heal the affected veins, such as sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy.
How Virginia Vein & Wellness Center Can Help
At Virginia Vein & Wellness Center, we do in-house Sigvaris compression stocking fittings through our certified custom fitter. This ensures that your vein condition is properly addressed and treated. We also have three quick and easy procedures that can treat damaged veins and promote proper blood flow. We can help you determine the best options for your personal condition. Contact us today to set up an appointment.