Spider Veins & Varicose Veins

Causes and Treatments

Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the veins in the legs fail to properly return blood to the heart.

Healthy veins in the legs have one-way valves that push blood upwards towards the heart.

In a blood vessel with CVI disease, these valves become damaged or weakened, allowing blood to pool or even flow backwards. This can cause the veins to bulge, stretch and twist, resulting in varicose veins. A more minor form of varicose veins are spider veins.

Spider Veins

Spider veins are tiny damaged blood vessels that lay just under the surface of the skin, often on legs. They are blue, purple or red in color and often have a web-like or spider-like appearance. Spider veins are usually harmless and often don’t have any physical symptoms besides their appearance. However, sometimes people with spider veins may experience a mild aching or discomfort, or a burning or itching sensation around the affected area.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are larger than spider veins. They are bulging, twisted veins that can be blue, dark purple, or the color of the skin. Varicose veins are typically located in the legs. Common symptoms of varicose veins and of chronic venous insufficiency include: an aching pain and discomfort, leg cramps, fatigue, swelling of the legs or ankles, or an itching or burning sensation around the affected area.

Treatments for Spider Veins and Varicose Veins

We offer three options for spider vein and varicose vein treatments, depending on the severity and underlying conditions:

Frequently Asked Questions

Spider veins and varicose veins are a product of chronic venous insufficiency and are caused by a variety of factors, including:

Genetics – A family history of spider veins and varicose veins could increase your chances of developing them.

Hormonal changes – This can be caused by hormonal birth control, pregnancy and menopause.

Sun Exposure – Prolonged sun exposure can weaken the blood vessels and result in spider veins or varicose veins.

A Sedentary Lifestyle – Sitting and standing for extended periods of time can cause pressure on the blood vessels, causing them to dilate.

Obesity – Excess weight can also put pressure on the blood vessels, causing them to dilate.

Smoking – Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can cause your veins to narrow, increasing your likelihood of damaging valves in your veins.

To help prevent spider veins and varicose veins from developing, you can make improvements to your lifestyle, such as:

Stay active – Walking, moving around and getting regular exercise improves circulation and vein function.

Avoiding sitting or standing for extended periods of time – Take breaks to move around and improve blood flow.

Maintain a healthy weight – Reducing excess weight decreases pressure on the veins.

Avoid prolonged sun exposure – This can weaken the blood vessels.

Refrain from smoking – Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can cause vein damage.

Elevate your legs – When sitting or laying down, raise your legs above your heart level.

Wear compression stockings – to help with blood circulation, especially if you are already experiencing symptoms.

Cardiologists are doctors who specialize in treating the heart and the vascular system including veins. Our doctors and advanced practice providers are trained in vein disease and vascular treatments for varicose veins and spider veins.

A vein consultation appointment is required in advance of any vascular treatment such as sclerotherapy, laser vein ablation, or phlebectomy. Our provider examines the patient and explains the procedure options. After the initial consultation, our provider may ask the patient to come back for a venous ultrasound appointment. This is to determine the severity and condition of the chronic venous insufficiency. If the underlying condition is merely cosmetic, the provider may recommend returning for a sclerotherapy appointment. If the condition is more serious, they may recommend laser vein ablation or phlebectomy. If serious underlying chronic venous insufficiency is not treated first, then sclerotherapy will not be as effective.

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