Spotlight on Spider Veins
You may have noticed them on your grandmother when you were growing up, but you never thought they’d appear on your legs. Perhaps you thought you had a slight bruise at first, until it never actually went away and more “bruising” appeared. It’s likely that you are one of the 60% of Americans who have spider veins.
What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are like varicose veins, but smaller because they are flooded capillaries. They are also closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Often red or blue, they can look like tree branches or spiderwebs with short, jagged lines. They are often found on the legs and ankles, but can appear anywhere on the body.
Spider veins are highly common. While they don't often cause medical problems, they can be eliminated for medical or cosmetic reasons.
What Causes Spider Veins?
The exact cause of spider veins is unknown. Researchers believe several causes may contribute to the development of spider veins. These causes may be genetic, environmental, or a combination of both.
Genetics is one of the most common causes of spider veins. A family history of venous disease makes you much more likely to develop them yourself, even if you do everything to prevent them. Other considerations that can contribute to spider veins on the legs, include:
Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop spider veins.
Occupation: If your job requires sitting or standing for long periods of time, you’re more likely to develop spider veins on the legs and ankles.
Pregnancy: Each pregnancy increases your risk of developing spider veins and varicose veins.
Aging: The older you get, the more likely you are to develop some form of venous disease.
Obesity: If you’re overweight, you’re more likely to develop varicose veins and spider veins on the legs and ankles.
Spider Vein Treatment
Some spider veins will disappear on their own over time, and some may be small enough or in a place on the body that they don’t bother you. However, if you’re tired of spider veins on your legs and ankles, or you’ve noticed that your veins itch or bleed, it’s time to consider treatment.
At Elmore Medical Vein and Laser Center we treat most spider veins with a procedure called sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution called a sclerosant directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and stick together and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view.
Ready to get rid of those unsightly spider veins? Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us today to set up a consultation appointment.