Spider Veins Specialist

What are spider veins?

Spider veins occur in the same way as varicose veins. When the tiny valves within your veins fail to function properly, blood flow is affected, and blood begins to pool in those veins.

Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins, lie closer to the skin, and are usually flat, not bulging. They are also more of an aesthetic issue, whereas varicose veins can cause serious medical problems.

What increases the risk of spider veins?

Some people seem to have a hereditary predisposition to developing spider veins. Other risk factors include:

• Obesity
• Hormonal birth control pills
• History of blood clots
• Occupations that require significant standing
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Significant abdominal pressure from tumors or constipation
  
  

Women tend to develop spider veins more frequently than men, and your risk rises as you age.

Can self-care help with spider veins?

Absolutely. Self-care efforts can make a big difference in improving your venous health. One approach is wearing special support stockings to provide gentle compression to the affected areas.

Making positive lifestyle changes can also help. Losing weight, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking are all great options. One of the most powerful ways to improve leg circulation and prevent venous problems is by incorporating moderate levels of walking into your weekly routines.

If these efforts don’t produce the desired results, it may be time to schedule an appointment to pursue more advanced treatment options.

What are some treatment options for spider veins?

One of the most effective ways to treat spider veins is a procedure called sclerotherapy. This approach is safe and effective and can bring a marked reduction in spider veins in only two to four treatments.

During your appointment, your doctor injects a sclerosing agent directly into the affected vein. The medication damages the cells lining your veins, which attracts blood platelets and cellular debris.

Soon, the treated veins become clotted and can no longer move blood. Eventually, your body absorbs the defunct veins, and healthy tissue takes its place.

Another treatment option is endovenous laser ablation, in which a special laser administers energy to target hemoglobin pigment in your red blood cells. The team at Fox Valley Vein Centers uses the VenaCure EVLT® system to deliver laser energy to your varicose veins using a laser fiber delivered through a catheter. That energy causes the vein walls to shrink and eventually close, which effectively stops blood flow to the treatment area.

If you’d like to learn more about these and other treatment options, schedule an appointment with Fox Valley Vein Centers right away. You can schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking one online.