What Are Spider Veins A Sign Of?
March 25, 2019
The first sign of spider veins is sometimes upsetting for patients. Many are eventually relieved that these unwanted vessels are often only a cosmetic concern rather than a health problem. However, their presence signals the need to check for the presence of varicose veins, which can cause health concerns. Understanding the link between them is helpful for patients diagnosed with varicose vessels and who need varicose vein treatment.
Overview of Abnormal Vessels
Many people commonly use the term varicose to refer to anything ranging in size from tiny spider veins to larger varicose vessels. While spider veins can develop on the face, the legs, and other places on the body, varicose vessels most often occur on the legs. One important characteristic that the two types of veins share is the reason why they developed. Both types of blood vessels arise when one-way valves in veins become defective, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The role of these valves is to prevent blood returning to the heart from the extremities from succumbing to gravity and falling backward. When valves fail to function correctly, blood pools behind them. As the collection grows, it exerts pressure on and enlarges vein walls. The typical result is a spider vein or a varicose vessel. When a patient has spider veins, a vein specialist usually suggests an exam to look for varicose vessels that lie deeper below the surface of the skin. Doppler vascular ultrasound can evaluate veins prior to creating a vein treatment plan once the physician has completed a comprehensive physical exam that includes reviewing the patient’s medical history and risk factors. The Office on Women’s Health notes that beyond discomfort, varicose vessels sometimes lead to serious health issues such as:- • Bleeding
- • Superficial thrombophlebitis
- • Sores and skin ulcers
- • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
Vein doctors offer a number of varicose vein treatment alternatives on an outpatient basis. The most conservative are wearing compression stockings and making lifestyle changes such as shedding excess weight and avoiding extended periods of standing or sitting, the Cleveland Clinic explains. When additional treatment is necessary, vein clinics offer options such as:- • Laser ablation that destroys abnormal veins
- • An ambulatory microphlebectomy to remove vessels through small incisions in the skin
- • Ultrasound-guided ablation that seals deeper veins with chemical injections
- • Foam sclerotherapy to cause closure by injection of veins that a laser is unable to close