Spider Veins Symptoms and Causes
Watch our 3D Educational Video on Spider Veins
Symptoms
- Veins that are dark purple or blue in color
- Veins that appear twisted and bulging
- An achy or heavy feeling in your legs
- Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs
- Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
- Itching around one or more of your veins
- Skin discoloration around a varicose vein
Causes
While anyone can get these veins and need spider vein treatment, some factors can predispose you to have them more than others, such as:
- You are a woman – sorry to say, but women are more likely to have spider veins than men
- They run in your family – spider veins can be passed down through genetics
- You spend most of your day standing – people who have jobs such as nurses, teachers, hair stylists, and warehouse workers
- If you are obese
- Hormonal changes – particularly during times like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause or if you are engaging in postmenopausal hormone replacement or using birth control pills
- History of vein issues or blood clots
- Conditions that cause increased pressure on the abdomen – this can include tumors, excessive use of girdles/corsets or even prolonged constipation
What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
Spider veins (sometimes called thread veins) are smaller than varicose veins. While varicose veins bulge out from the skin, your skin will still be smooth with spider veins. Varicose veins are painful while spider veins can cause discomfort such as a dull ache more than pain.
How can you treat spider veins?
Thankfully, there are several treatment options for these web-like vessels. You can have all of these spider vein removal procedures done at our top-rated vein clinic in Frisco, Texas. Dr. G will work with you to determine the best course of treatment, which may be one or a combination of the options below. As the best vein doctor in Frisco, Dallas, Allen or any other part of North Texas, he will ensure you are ready to show off your spider vein-free legs soon! Treatment options we offer include:
- Sclerotherapy. Dr. G will inject your veins with a solution that will scar and close them. Blood flow will then be re-directed through healthier veins. Within a few weeks, your spider veins will fade. No anesthesia is required.
- Laser surgery. Laser surgery sends strong bursts of light into the bad veins, making them slowly fade or disappear. Removal of spider veins by laser is a popular option because no needles are used and no incisions created, however it can be less effective, depending on the vein.
Remember, no two veins or patients are alike, which is why we take the time to do a consult and help you come up with a plan you are comfortable with. Spider vein removal is possible—give us a call and see.