Spider veins may appear as small purple, red, or blue lines. They are usually on the legs, but they may appear elsewhere on the body. They are often cosmetic issues, but some patients may experience pain. Dr. Soffer can customize your Aventura spider veins treatment to improve the appearance and alleviate pain.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are twisted or swollen capillaries that appear below the skin. They are similar to varicose veins, but they affect smaller blood vessels.
As with varicose veins, spider veins are caused by blockages affecting blood flow. Blood is constricted, forcing it to move in a different direction. The blood flows into a vein causing it to bulge.
Most spider veins patients are less likely to experience pain and discomfort. But for a few cases, it may cause burning, itching, and cramps. While they may appear anywhere on the body, spider veins often appear on the face and legs.
Causes of spider veins
The leading cause of spider veins is venous insufficiency. It happens when valves in the blood vessels malfunction and cannot pump blood adequately. The blood then pools around the malfunctioning valve.
People between the age of 30 and 50 are at a higher risk of developing spider veins. Aging may weaken blood vessel tissue, causing valves to malfunction. It is also more likely to affect people with a family history of the condition.
Sitting for long periods can also increase blood pressure in your legs. Swelling and inflammation around your legs can also trigger spider veins.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking and a lack of exercise can increase the chances of developing the condition. Pregnancy and obesity could also cause spider veins.
Spider veins diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will perform a series of physical exams to confirm if you have spider veins. The doctor will check visible signs on your calf and legs. An x-ray and dye test are sometimes necessary for producing sharper images of your veins.
Ultrasound is another reliable diagnostic tool to check for spider veins. Ultrasound produces detailed visual images to show the direction of the blood flow.
Besides visual clues, your practitioner will also consider your symptoms. Some signs may include swollen ankles, leg fatigue, throbbing, or an itching sensation.
Diagnosis and treatment options
Mild to moderate cases can be managed by making some lifestyle changes. Your provider may suggest weight loss and exercise to improve blood flow through your leg. Avoid sitting or standing for extended periods.
Another non-invasive treatment for spider veins is the use of compression socks. The stockings are made of a special elastic that places mild pressure on the ankles and legs. Compression stockings facilitate vein function to encourage blood flow in the legs.
There are also minimally-invasive procedures for the treatment of spider veins. Sealing involves making minute incisions to insert a catheter into the blood vessels. The catheter closes the vein, forcing blood flow to redirect elsewhere.
Consult Soffer Health Institute to schedule an appointment for non-invasive spider veins treatment today.
