Spider Veins
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are often very small. They are caused by a dilation of tiny capillaries on the skin’s surface. These blue, red and purple clusters of veins often appear at a young age and can develop into painful, complicated vein insufficiencies over time. Without treatment, spider veins can become much more than an unsightly cosmetic condition!
A healthy venous system ensures that blood flows up in an uninterrupted manner, from the lower half of your body, back up to your heart. This process occurs with the help of valves within the vein system, allowing blood to flow freely in the body. In contrast, a dysfunctional vein system will create blood reflux, or backflow of blood, causing veins to bulge and discolour.
What Triggers The Onset of Spider Veins?
Women may experience a quicker onset of spider veins than men, due to the many physical stresses brought on by pregnancy and childbirth. Various factors are considered to contribute to spider veins in both men and women alike. These can include hormonal changes (female menopause), a sedentary lifestyle, weight fluctuations, and hereditary factors like genetic predispositions to the condition.
Symptoms
- Rash
- Cramping or throbbing in legs
- Restless legs
- Swelling
- Small, flat, dilated blood vessels on the skin’s surface
While spider veins are not often painful, the issue is characterized by a cluster of discolored blue, green and red veins seen on the thighs, calves, ankles, and sometimes on the face, hands and arms. These spider veins can become noticeable at different times during an individual’s life, and are typically 1-2mm thick. While many people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, untreated spider veins can also result in substantial pain and discomfort, requiring therapy.
Individuals may choose to have these unsightly patches of veins removed for a number of reasons. Treatments may include injective and minimally invasive procedures like sclerotherapy or non-surgical treatments like the use of compression stockings.
Our vascular surgeons provide patient advice tailored to each individual's needs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out which varicose vein treatment is right for you.