Health

Everything You Should Know About Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

What are Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

When the veins fail to circulate the blood properly, they bulge with pools of blood. These bulging and visible veins are known as varicose veins. They are commonly found in the thighs and legs but are prone to develop anywhere in the body.

Small spider veins are also visible on the skin surface. They look like short and fine lines, starburst clusters or a web-like maze. Spider veins are commonly found in the feet, ankles, and thighs. They can also appear on the face. The medical term for spider veins is telangiectasias.

Who are vulnerable to varicose and spider veins?

Varicose and spider veins can happen to anyone, but most commonly impacts pregnant women and older people. It is very common to have varicose veins. It can also depend on the family history of varicose veins and older age also increase the chances of developing varicose and spider veins. Other risk factors encompass:

  1. A sedentary lifestyle
  2. Weight gain
  3. Prolonged standing
  4. Pregnancy

What are the Causes of Varicose and Spider Veins?

In some cases, the non-presence and weakness of valves can cause poor venous circulation or the blood flow in veins and can cause varicose veins. The valves present inside the veins act normally to make sure that the blood in the veins doesn’t go in the retrograde or in the backward direction away from the large and deep veins and the heart. They are primarily located in some deep veins and perforating veins. In many cases, when the veins turn weak, they may cause a pooling of the blood. The walls of the blood vessel become weak and causes the volume of the blood in the veins to rise, hence causing varicose veins. They are also caused by diseases like:

  1. Phlebitis or inflammation of the veins
  2. Blood clots
  3. Any kind of obstruction to blood flow in the veins
  4. Abnormalities of the veins.

What are the Symptoms that Signify the Varicose and Spider Veins?

  1. Aching
  2. Cramping
  3. Itching
  4. Swelling
  5. Fatigue

What is the Treatment of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

The treatment of varicose and spider veins are listed on the basis of the size and location of the affected veins. The symptoms and skin changes are also taken into consideration. Potential treatments may include

  1. Leg elevation while sitting or sleeping
  2. Compression dressings with single or multi layered systems
  3. Compression stockings

  1. Sclerotherapy involves injection of the solution directly into the affected vein. The medicine injected into the vein can shrink the affected vein. Helpful in treating both varicose and spider veins.
  2. Ablation or destruction of abnormal veins with the help of techniques like laser, radiofrequency or other modalities
  3. Surgery which involves removal of the affected veins

So, in general, laser therapy and sclerotherapy are always helpful for spider vein treatment and ablation and surgery for large varicose veins.

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