Vein Treatments
What are varicose veins and spider veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that appear cord-like and bulging. They are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin and appear anywhere on the legs leg.
Spider veins are small veins red or blue in color and near the surface of the skin of the legs and appear like spider webs or even small branches.
What causes varicose veins and spider veins? The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body. Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the body parts. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart.
Veins have one-way valves that allow blood to return to the heart and not flow back. If the valves malfunction blood flows backwards and distends the veins causing varicose veins. This flowing backwards and pooling is called venous insufficiency. Veins in the body serve only purpose in the body and that is to return blood back to the heart and does so by being a valve pump unit. Problems or disease with them can be summarized as obstruction or valve malfunction.
Spider veins can also be caused by the backup of blood. Hormone changes, inherited factors, and exposure to the sun can also cause spider veins.
How common are abnormal leg veins?
About 50 to 55% of American women and 40 to 45% of American men suffer from some form of vein problem. Varicose veins affect 1 out of 2 people age 50 and older.
Who usually has varicose veins and spider veins?
Many factors increase a person's chances of developing varicose or spider veins.
These include:
- Increasing Age
- Family tendency or being born with weak vein valves
- Hormonal changes. These occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medicines containing estrogen and progesterone as in hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of varicose or spider veins
- Pregnancy. During pregnancy there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. A growing number of abnormal veins usually appear with each additional pregnancy
- Obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing can weaken vein valves
- Previous phlebitis
Why do varicose veins and spider veins usually appear in the legs?
The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins. Leg veins have the most downward pressure and this can be stronger than the veins' resistance.
Are varicose veins and spider veins painful or dangerous?
Spider veins usually do not need medical treatment but can be treated for their unsightly appearance. Varicose veins usually enlarge and worsen over time and can then cause health problems.
These include:
- Severe venous insufficiency. The pooling of blood in the veins slows the return of blood to the heart. This condition can cause blood clots and severe infections. Blood clots can be very dangerous because they can move from leg veins and travel to the lungs. Blood clots in the lungs are life-threatening because they can block the heart and lungs from functioning.
- Long term existence of varicose veins can lead to skin ulcers and even bleeding.
- Ongoing irritation, swelling and painful rashes of the legs.
What are the signs of varicose veins?
Some common symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Aching pain or cramps
- Easily tired legs
- Leg heaviness or discomfort
- Swelling in the legs
- Darkening of the skin (in severe cases)
- Numbness in the legs
- Itching or irritated rash in the legs
How can I prevent varicose veins and spider veins?
Not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. But some things can reduce your chances of getting new varicose and spider veins. These same things can help ease discomfort from the ones you already have:
- Walking or running will strengthen venous circulation.
- Control your weight to avoid placing too much pressure on your legs.
- Do not cross your legs when prolonged sitting.
- Elevate your legs when resting as much as possible.
- Do not stand or sit for long periods of time. If you must stand for a long time, shift your weight from one leg to the other every few minutes. If you must sit for long periods of time, stand up and move around or take a short walk every 30 minutes.
- Wear elastic support stockings and avoid tight clothing that constricts your waist, groin, or legs.
- Eat a low-salt diet rich in high-fiber foods. Eating fiber reduces the chances of constipation which can contribute to varicose veins. Eating too much salt can cause you to retain water or swell.
Treatment is aimed at controlling the signs and symptoms of varicose veins.