Spider veins are a common problem for many people. They usually occur on the legs and can be caused by several different factors. This article will discuss what spider veins are, their causes, and how they can be treated so that you can have smooth skin again!
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are small, red veins that appear on the surface of your skin. They are often found in clusters and can be seen around the areas such as the ankles or calves. However, they may also spread to other parts of your body if you spend a lot of time standing up. Other symptoms include pain, swelling of the legs, and welts on your skin.
What causes spider veins?
Spider veins can be caused by many factors. Some of the most common ones include:
- Sitting or standing for long periods, especially if you work in an office job and spend a lot of time sitting at your desk
- Pregnancy (usually caused by increased blood flow)
- Aging (the skin loses its elasticity over time)
How can they be treated?
There are several different treatments available for spider veins. In this case, make sure to talk to your doctor for you to make a more informed decision regarding the most viable option for you. If you have no idea which type of doctor to approach, take the time to explore the internet. It is in these online sources where you will most likely come across a vein doctor description encompassing a phlebologist, vascular surgeon, or vein specialist. From there, you will have a good idea of which type of medical professional to consult. Your doctor may then prescribe any one of the most common treatments for spider veins listed below.
- Sclerotherapy
This treatment involves injecting the vein with a solution that causes it to collapse and fade away over time. The injections also reduce any pain or discomfort associated with spider veins. It is important to note, however, that this method does not always work and may require more than one session. Thus, it is a good idea to have this treatment done by an experienced physician.
- Laser surgery
This type of treatment is conducted by a doctor that specializes in surgery, most likely an ophthalmologist or plastic surgeon. People from all around Texas’ most populated city are looking for Houston Vascular Surgery experts who can perform this treatment with precision. It involves the use of lasers to seal off spider veins near the surface of your skin, making it so they no longer appear on its surface. This usually takes several sessions, and while it does not always work, the results for the effective treatments are long-lasting.
- Endovenous ablation
This treatment is performed by a vascular or vein specialist. It involves running a catheter through your veins to seal off spider veins that run deep into your skin from above the surface of your skin. This procedure requires general anesthesia because you will be asleep during the procedure, and it is sometimes combined with sclerotherapy. It is considered to be a more invasive form of treatment, but it works quite well at making spider veins disappear for good.
Prevention methods
Spider veins can be prevented through a variety of methods. Some ways to prevent them include:
- Wearing compression socks – These are worn during the day or while you work out and help improve circulation in your legs, which can make spider veins less likely to appear over time.
- Exercising regularly – This is one way that allows you to increase your circulation and improve your overall health, which can reduce the likelihood of spider veins appearing over time.
- Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods – If you work in an office job where most of your day is spent seated at a desk with nothing to do but stare at a computer screen, this would be one way to help prevent spider veins from forming.
Long-term effects, if any
There are no long-term effects associated with spider veins. They do not cause any problems, nor can they lead to more serious conditions such as cancer or heart disease, though you should still see your doctor if you notice them on the surface of your skin. More often than not, spider veins are nothing to worry about.
However, if the spider veins have been there for a while and you do not notice them fading away naturally over time, then it is best to consult your doctor as soon as possible before they get worse or spread throughout your body. This way, you can prevent any serious health problems from occurring down the road.
Spider veins are a common vascular condition that can be treated with minimally invasive procedures. If you have spider veins, make sure to avoid things like sitting for long periods and wearing high heels which may worsen the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about prevention methods or treatments if it seems like there’s an issue!