What are spider veins?
Spider veins are often confused with varicose veins, but spider veins are the smaller veins that branch out directly underneath the skin in shades of purple, red, and blue.The most common place to have spider veins is on the legs, from the thighs down to the ankles. To a lesser extent, but still common, spider veins are seen in other areas on the body, particularly the face and breasts.
Spider veins occur in people of all ages and in both men and women. However, women tend to get spider veins at a much higher rate, especially when pregnant. Children even experience spider veins, particularly on the face, that tend to disappear with age.
Many people do not seek treatment for spider veins due to a belief that they are a cosmetic issue only.
What are the symptoms of spider veins?
There are several symptoms of spider veins other than the unsightly red, blue, and purple vein trails easily seen under the skin. These are:
- Swelling & Heaviness
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Tiredness in the legs
They appear in three different forms:
- Branching out from a central point to create a kind of circle of veins
- Branching out, but not from a central point
- Small individual lines
What causes spider veins?
Spider veins are caused by a build up of pressure inside the vein. This can be as a result of excess weight, frequently sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time, pregnancy, and normal aging.
How can I prevent spider veins?
Spider veins can be prevented from occurring or worsening. Here are some steps you can take to prevent spider veins:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Choose a quality compression stocking
What are my spider vein treatment options?
We offer a few treatment options for spider veins. You can expect one or more of the following treatments:
Custom Fitted Compression Stockings
Unlike store bought compression stockings, you are measured for a perfect fit. They provide relief from mild spider vein pain and other symptoms.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the standard to close spider veins. It may take three to five treatments to achieve desired results.
Sclerotherapy is performed in office. During sclerotherapy, an injected solution flushes red blood cells from the vein. There may be a slight stinging sensation for approximately 20-30 seconds after the injection. You may even feel a slight cramping feeling. The flushing creates an inflammatory reaction that causes fibrous tissue to form and close off the vein.
Performed in office, this treatment consists of closing veins by injecting a solution into the vein. There is no downtime from this procedure. Compression after treatment is recommended.
Ninety percent of patients see improvement after sclerotherapy treatment, usually by the second session. By the last treatment, spider veins will have almost completely disappeared.
Are untreated spider veins dangerous?
Although many people think of spider vein treatment as more cosmetic than medical, treatment of spider veins can help you to feel a lot better, and not just about how you look. However, most treatments to reduce spider veins are seen as cosmetic.
Will insurance cover spider vein treatment?
Most insurances do not cover spider vein treatment. Spider vein treatment is usually considered more cosmetic than medical. If your insurance does not cover treatment for spider veins, My VeinCare offers discounts to self-pay patients, as well as Care Credit financing.
Spider Vein Specialist in WV
Contact My VeinCare today for an initial consultation with a vein specialist for spider vein treatment.
Charleston, WV Office: 304-926-1001
(Located in Kanawha City. Providing treatment to Cross Lanes, Dunbar, Nitro, South Charleston, St. Albans, and surrounding cities in the Greater Charleston area.)
Beckley, WV Office: 304-252-3900
Spider Vein Photo © Nini00 [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons