Spider Veins

Spider veins are tiny, thin veins that can be seen very close to the skin’s surface. They look like red, blue or green spider webs just beneath the skin. Sometimes they are also described as looking like marble. Spider veins are caused by a backup of blood. These become non-functional “dead end” veins.

Spider Vein Symptoms

Spider veins are very small varicose veins. Although they don’t usually cause discomfort, the deeper veins that often accompany them can. Many vein disease sufferers have a combination of both varicose and spider veins. While they may seek treatment for cosmetic improvement, many of our patients are looking for relief from pain.

For spider veins and other small veins closer to the skin’s surface, ultrasound guidance is usually not necessary. In these cases, our physicians and nurses can effectively treat these veins with sclerotherapy. A typical treatment session may last for 15 to 20 minutes and will consist of microinjections.

Once the vein is closed, the blood that was circulating through the abnormal vein is naturally rerouted to other healthy veins. Over time, the treated vein is absorbed by the body.

Varicose and spider veins can be uncomfortable and may only get worse if left untreated.

Spider Vein Causes

What Causes Vein Disease?

There are many myths around vein disease. For instance, although pregnancy can aggravate vein disease, it doesn’t cause it. If you have varicose or spider veins it is likely that someone else in your family has them as well. More than 80 percent of the time it is genetic. This means they aren’t caused by long periods of standing or crossing your legs when you sit down. Even so, long periods of standing, as well as obesity, can make it worse.

Spider Vein Diagnosis

To diagnose spider veins, a doctor can conduct a physical exam to look for red, blue, or purple veins that have a web-like appearance. They can also ask you whether you’ve experienced common spider vein symptoms such as feelings of discomfort in the legs, swelling, throbbing, restlessness, and/or skin ulcers.

Spider Vein Treatments

Lifestyle Changes

Home treatment may be all you need to ease your symptoms and keep the varicose veins from getting worse.

You can:

• Wear compression stockings. Compression stockings are designed to decrease tension on the veins in the legs. While they generally provide symptomatic relief, they do not correct the underlying problem or prevent vein disease from getting worse. Vein disease sufferers often have difficulty regularly wearing the stockings since they can be hot and uncomfortable.
• Prop up (elevate) your legs.
• Avoid long periods of sitting or standing.
• Get plenty of exercise.

Treatment Options

Ambulatory Phlebectomy Minimally Invasive Vein Ablation

If you would like to schedule an appointment at Preferred Vascular Group to have a consult with a Board-Certified physician or would like to have one of our highly trained care providers reach out to you, please click on a button below: