What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are small red or blue veins that spread out like tree branches on the surface of the skin. These clusters of enlarged capillaries are a smaller version of varicose veins and a less serious type of blood vessel clusters (telangiectasias). They often appear on the legs, feet, and other areas. At Total Vein Treatment Centers, we see spider veins that affect both women and men, although they seem to appear more frequently on women (50-55%).
Causes of Spider Veins
While there are many causes of spider veins, such as genetics, obesity, sunburn, and hormone changes, spider veins are most often created when the valves controlling blood flow become weak or damaged. This failure of the vein valves results in the backup of blood or the enlargement of the veins. Suggested preventative measures include wearing sunscreen, regular exercise, weight control, avoid long periods of sitting or standing, avoid wearing high heels or crossing your legs for an extended period.
Symptoms of Spider Veins
Though being primarily treated as an appearance issue, spider veins should be looked at by our vein specialists, as they could be a first sign of another underlying problem. Symptoms may include:
- Unsightly appearance
- Consistent itching
- Throbbing in the leg
- Leg pain during prolonged periods of standing
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, contact our clinic to set up a personal consultation with Dr. Naifeh. Keep an eye out for other trouble signs in the spider veins – bleeding, spreading or changing color. Seek medical care especially if you have any sign of liver disease, such as yellowing skin, swollen stomach, or history of alcohol abuse.
Some effective treatments options are:
Non-surgical treatment options include:
- Wearing compression socks
- Exercises such as walking or swimming
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Elevating the leg when resting
When non-surgical options are not working, surgery might be recommended. One of our preferred surgery options for spider veins is foam sclerotherapy.  In sclerotherapy, a chemical foam is injected into the vein to seal it. After this simple procedure, which can be done in the doctor’s office, your spider veins will turn into scar tissue that fades over the course of a few weeks.
Testimonies from our patients:
We are accepting new patients!
Don’t suffer in uncertainty with varicose veins, spider veins, or other vascular disorders. We are currently accepting new patients. To schedule a consultation, please contact our clinic.