Are you starting to see little web like lines appear on your legs? These are spider veins, a smaller version of a varicose vein. Vein disease is more that just a cosmetic concern. Many people who experience this problem suffer pain and restlessness in their legs, as well. The good news is there are a variety of spider vein treatment options available at the vein clinic. Consider some of the ways you can find relief with vein treatment.
What Causes Spider Veins?
The network of veins in your legs utilize valves to help the blood move towards the heart to get oxygen. As the muscles in the vein contract, the values open and bloods move upwards against gravity. When the muscles relax, the valves close to keep the blood from flowing backwards.
As you get older, some of the valves become damaged or weak. They fail to close completely, so the blood ends up pooling in the vein, causing it swell and twist. This is a varicose vein. Spider veins are the same thing, but the pooling occurs in smaller veins closer to the skin surface.
Spider Vein Treatments
Vein doctors will want to try less invasive treatments first. Things like compression stockings and lifestyle changes can improve your leg health. Lifestyle changes include:
- Weight loss
- Increased exercise
- Leg elevation
Thanks to the advancements in technology, there are a number of procedures available for more stubborn cases.
- Sclerotherapy – The vascular surgeons inject an FDA-approved sclerosant or concentrated saline into the spider vein. This causes the vein to collapse. Over time, it will disappear.
- Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy – This is the same treatment, but the doctor is able to reach a deeper vein using ultrasound as a guide.
Spider veins are generally harmless, but they do look unsightly. If you see these tiny lines on your legs, there may also be deeper varicose veins causing you discomfort. Visit the Premier Heart and Vein doctors to see which spider vein treatment is right for you.
