If you shy away from wearing skirts or shorts in the summer, is it because you don’t want to display the unflattering spider veins on your legs? Both men and women can have this issue, and not only are they unsightly and possibly uncomfortable, but they can also be a risk for blood clots or open sores.
If you are thinking about getting treatments, consider these 5 things you need to know before getting spider vein treatment.
Know What Causes Spider Veins
Spider veins are damaged veins that become enlarged and bulge outward above the skin. A normal healthy vein has valves that push the blood in one direction forward to the heart. When these valves weaken, some blood can flow in the wrong direction and then accumulate in the vein. This in turn puts pressure on the walls of the vein, and overtime they will bulge outward.
Someone who sits OR stands too long in their daily life may develop spider or varicose veins. Risk for developing spider veins increases with age, pregnancy, and if there is a family history of spider veins.
Find Out About At Home Care
If you prefer to try some self care to attack spider veins prior to professional treatment options, you can do the following:
- If you sit for prolonged periods, get up every 30 minutes and walk around.
- If you stand on your feet all day, sit at regular intervals.
- Keep your legs elevated at home or whenever possible.
- Engage in some regular exercise.
Be aware these suggestions will help to prevent new spider veins, but will not treat any that already exist.
Have A Thorough Evaluation By A Professional
This all important physical exam is critical before proceeding with any spider vein treatment. Vein Center at Brinton Lake will evaluate your medical history and examine your leg veins in order to determine if a treatment is safe for you.
A full exam will include a Doppler ultrasound to indicate how the blood is flowing, and a Plethysmography which uses a blood pressure cuff to measure any differences in the blood volume. Ultimately these non-invasive tests will diagnose any abnormal blood flow issues.
Discover Your Treatment Options
If the Vein Center at Brinton Lake determines that treatment is recommended, ask about your options.
The simplest treatment option is to wear compression stockings. The compression helps move the blood steadily toward the heart. In addition they will help with leg swelling and reduce the risk of developing blood clots.
A common treatment for spider veins and smaller varicose veins is Sclerotherapy. A chemical is injected into the vein in several different places causing the vein to collapse and fade while improving circulation. You will leave with compression stockings in place to be worn for several weeks. The veins will disappear within 3 – 6 weeks. It’s possible the treatment may need to be repeated.
Laser treatments are another tool to treat spider veins. Lasers will destroy the veins without harming the skin. Very small veins may disappear immediately or it may take 3 months before noticing results. Additional treatments may also be needed.
A newer laser treatment for spider veins is called Endovenous Laser Therapy, or EVLT, which is used to replace more invasive surgeries.
Most of these treatments allow the patient to return to work the next day.
Always Know Your Risks
Although most of the risks for spider vein treatment are minor and temporary, ask about advantages and risks for each type of treatment, and with that knowledge decide if the treatment results will be worth any risks.
Request an Appointment in Glen Mills Today!
Our board-certified vein specialists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients in Glen Mills, PA for vein diseases. Call (610) 579-3516 or request an appointment online to schedule an evaluation with Vein Center at Brinton Lake to find out which treatment might be best for you.
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