VERICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS

Vericose veins are enlarged veins that can be dark purple, blue or flesh color. These viens are usually protruding the skin and appear bulging and twisted.  Vericose veins are typically found on the backs of calves, inside of the leg, and sometimes on the thighs.  Another common area to find vericose veins are in the vagina and anus - a common condition during pregnancy.

Spider veins are very similar to varicose veins, but are smaller in size. Spider veins are typically red or blue in appearance, are much closer to the surface of the skin, and appear like spider webs or tree branches with very short and sharp lines.  Spider veins can cover very large areas such as the legs, face, or back, or appear quite small. 

CAUSES OF VERICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS

The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the entire body. Arteries are the supply lines that carry blood from the heart towards the body's extremeties and organs. Veins are the return lines and carry oxygen depleted blood from the various organs and extremeties back to the heart.

The squeezing of muscles and movement of organs pumps blood back to the heart from the body. All veins have valves that act as a one-way flap. These so-called flaps are designed to prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it flows back toward the heart. If the one-way valve become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and pool there. This problem is called "venous insufficiency". Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes vericose or turn in to a spider vein.  Hormonal changes, tissue injuries, genetic factors, and exposure to sun and chemicals can also be a cause of spider veins.   Approximately 50% to 55% of American women and 40% - 45% of American men are affected by some form of vein problems.   Factors that increase the changes of developing vericose or spider veins are:  increasing age, horomonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, leg injuries, prolonged standing, sun exposures, poor nutrition and certain medicines or chemicals.

Generally, vericose and spider veins are not painful and do not need medical attention.  Some vericose veins unusually enlarge and worsen over time, and these veins can cause other health problems such as blood clots and severe infections.  Blood clots in particular can be very dangerous because they can move to the lungs, heart or brain.  Also, ulscers can occur on skin tissue and vericose veins.  Some patients with such a condition also experieince irritation, swelling and painful rashes on their legs.  Some common symptoms of vericose veins include: aching pains, legs that tire easily, legs that feel unusually heavy, swelling, darkening of the skin, numbness, and itchy or irratated skin rash.

PREVENTION

Some things you can do to prevent getting new vericose and spider veins are:  wear sunscreen to protect skin from the sun and to limit breakouts on the face.  Exercise regularly to improve your circulation and vein strenght.  Focus on exercises that work out your legs such as walking, running, or swimming.  Manage your weight - being over-weight puts additional stress on your legs, and heart.  Do not cross your legs when sitting.  When convenient, slightly elevate your legs while at rest.  Do not sit or stand for long periods of time, or at least shift your weight around, move around or take a short walk every 30 minutes.  Try to avoid wearing tight clothing that constricts your waist, groin or legs.  Eat a diet that is low in salt and rich in high-fiber foods.

If your vericose veins become swollen, red or very tender, it is wise to consult a physician.  If you see unusual swelling in your feet, a consultation with a doctor might be in order. 

TREATMENT FOR VERICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS

After a thorough physical exam, your doctor can take x-rays or ultrasound pictures of the vein to find the cause and severity of the problem. If you suspect that you are suffering from vericose veins, it is a good idea to see a doctor who specializes in vein diseases or phlebology.

Spider Veins are generally easy to treat.  Some of the options are Scerotherapy, Lasers, and Endovenus treatments.  Scerotherapy involves injections of a solution in to the vein that causes the walls of the vein to swell, stick together and seal shut.  This action stops the flow of blood and the vein turns in to scar tissue.  After a few weeks, the vein should fade.  It is typically to have several treatments for the same area with sclerotherapy ultimately yielding 50% - 90% improvement.  The treatment is done in a doctor's office and does not require anesthesia with mild to moderate discomfort reported.

With lasers to treat spider veins, the technology is quite effective. Using a laser to sends very strong bursts of light onto the vein will cause the vein to be shut down and it will fail slowly and disappear.  Lasers are extremely direct and accurate but should only be used by a skilled doctor.  Laser provide results quickly, sometimes in as little as 1 or 2 treatments, do not use needles or incisions.  The discomfort reported is mild to moderate with most patients reporting very high satisfaction with results.  Treatments are quick, with a sensation of a quick heat burst,  a mild sting, and the patient can return to normal activitiy within 24 hours.  Veins up to 3mm in width are treated very successufly with lasers.

Current treatments for varicose veins and spider veins have very high success rates compared to traditional surgical treatments. Over a period of years, however, more abnormal veins can develop. The major reason for this is that there is no cure for weak vein valves. So with time, pressure gradually builds up in the leg veins. Ultrasound can be used to keep track of how badly the valves are leaking (venous insufficiency). Ongoing treatment can help keep this problem under control.

The single most important thing a person can do to slow down the development of new varicose veins is to wear graduated compression support stockings as much as possible during the day.