Spider veins are those unsightly branch-like veins that are visible on your thighs, legs, and face. If you suffer from spider veins, then you know the loss of confidence they can cause. Feeling as if you must hide your legs all the time can take its toll. And while spider veins are usually asymptomatic, they can sometimes cause swelling, throbbing, or pain in your legs. Below is more information about your options for spider vein treatments.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins have a rather simple cause. In every vein, there is a valve that allows blood to flow in only one direction—towards the heart. However, if this valve becomes damaged or weakened, it will allow blood to move in the wrong direction. Blood will then begin to pool in the vein, further weakening the vein wall and causing it to bulge and become visible just under the skin.
Who Is at Risk for Spider Veins?
On the whole, women are more at risk for spider veins. Studies have proven that the hormone estrogen contributes to the development of spider veins, and women who take hormonal birth control are more at risk. Some other factors that put people at risk for spider veins are standing for long periods of time, pregnancy, and having a family history of spider veins. Age and being overweight can also increase your risk of developing spider veins.
Spider Vein Treatments
Below, you can read about the most common types of spider vein treatments.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a safe treatment that has been proven very effective at treating spider veins. For this treatment, our doctor will actually inject a chemical into the affected spider vein. This chemical will then cause the vein wall to swell shut, thus stopping the pooling of blood. Within 3 to 6 weeks, the vein will close completely and become scar tissue.
Endovenous Therapy
Endovenous therapy is another way to treat spider veins. This therapy uses heat energy instead of chemicals. Our doctor will insert a small tube into the spider vein and then will thread a probe through the tube. The tip of this probe then heats up while inside of the vein, and the heat then causes the vein to close permanently.
Who Qualifies for Spider Vein Treatments?
Most patients make excellent candidates for spider vein treatments. However, if you have a history of blood clots, are pregnant, or are taking hormonal birth control, you made not qualify for spider vein treatments. During your initial consultation at Pacific Vein Care, we will talk through all of your options, discuss your medical history, and decide on the best treatment for your needs. We are conveniently located in McHenry, IL. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!