Spider Veins Don’t Have to be Scary!

Telangiectasia is the technical term, but most people know them as “spider veins.” The red, blue or purple veins that occur just under the surface of the skin may appear as short fine lines, clusters, or in a spider web shape.

According to Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen, spider veins can be an indication of early stage vein disease— the “tip of the iceberg,” if you will. Vein health is a continuum, so while spider veins may appear minimal, there could be a larger vein “leaking” underneath.

Here are some tips for coping with spider veins:

• Elevate your legs above your heart as often as possible— for as long as 30 minutes or as briefly as three minutes. The ideal time is after you have been standing for a long period or after a hot shower.
• Sit properly. Focus on good posture and avoid crossing your legs, or sitting in ways that can compress veins for prolonged periods.
• Walk. Walking causes the rhythmic contraction of calf muscles and helps promote blood flow to the heart. Just 30 minutes every day— all at once, or in shorter increments.
• Contact a board certified phlebologist for an evaluation. In the past, treatment for spider veins has been considered merely cosmetic, but spider veins are symptoms of early stage vein disease and left untreated can lead to increased symptoms.

Sclerotherapy is frequently used to treat spider veins and smaller veins. In this procedure, tiny needles inject a medicine called a sclerosing agent into the vein's interior wall. This substance causes the vein to become sticky and seal shut, causing the troublesome vein to disappear. Blood then finds a healthy path back to the heart.

With modern sclerosants, there is little risk of complication, and patients often experience an immediate relief of symptoms. Most patients can return to their regular activities after the procedure is over.

Treating spider veins can improve appearance but more importantly, treatment can help stop the progression of venous disease at its source.

To find out more about spider veins, sclerotherapy, and vein treatments, contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center. We look forward to hearing from you!

Spider Veins: Appearance or Something More?

Tiny, Web-Shaped Veins Could Be a Symptom of Venous Disease

Telangiectasia is the technical term, but most people know them as “spider veins.” The tiny red-, blue- or purple-colored veins occur just below the skin but are close enough to be seen on the surface. They may appear as short fine lines, clusters, or in a spider web shape.

Treating spider veins can improve appearance, and that can be a tremendous advantage for those struggling with them. But spider veins can also be an indication of early stage venous disease; treating them not only can improve appearance, but can also help stop the progression of venous disease at its source.

Are Your Spider Veins a Symptom of Venous Disease?

Vein health is a continuum, so while spider veins may appear minimal, there could be a larger vein ‘leaking’ underneath.

A basic understanding of how veins work can help one understand what causes disorders like spider veins. Veins carry blood from the legs and arms back to the heart. The blood in the legs travels up against gravity, so when the valves in the veins become damaged, blood “leaks” back into the legs and creates a “pooling” effect.

Treatment – For Your Overall Health

Effective treatment of spider veins begins with a thorough evaluation from a qualified phlebologist who will look for the source of the problem: the leaky valve or valves. An ultrasound is the best way to accurately determine the problem. Then, the physician can recommend the appropriate procedure or therapy.

Sclerotherapy is frequently used to treat spider veins. In this procedure, small needles provide access to the vein so that a sclerosing agent can be injected into the vein's interior wall. This substance causes the vein to become sticky and seal shut, allowing it to disappear. Blood then finds a healthy path back to the heart.

While these effective forms of treatment can be the solution to better looking legs, it's important to remember that they can be part of maintaining good health as well. You can learn more about spider veins and their treatment at The American College of Phlebology, where you can read about Vein Conditions and Treatment including information about sclerotherapy and other forms of treatment. You can also get the answers to common questions about vein disorders at the Vein Healthcare Center and request an appointment with a board certified phlebologist.