What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are the small red, blue, or purple veins that we often find on the legs. They typically have a branch-like pattern and are often the cause of embarrassment as they're hard to hide. These unsightly veins can become painful and can oftentimes worsen if treatment is not sought out. By treating spider veins at Vitality Vein Care, you can not only reduce the risk of these veins spreading over time, but you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you can wear the clothes you want without worrying about the appearance of spider veins. For more information, contact board-certified vein specialists Drs. Bradley Hart and Aaron Roberts in Prosper, TX to schedule a consultation.
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What Are the Benefits of Spider Vein Removal?
Are you tired of hiding your legs because of those unsightly spider veins? At Vitality Vein Care, our team has the perfect solution for you in Prosper, TX. With our state-of-the-art spider vein treatments, you can strut confidently once again with treatment benefits that include:
- Quick and Painless: Our treatments are often completed in under an hour with minimal discomfort.
- No Downtime: Get back to your regular activities immediately following the procedure.
- Cosmetic and Health Benefits: Not only will your legs look better, but treating spider veins can also prevent future vascular issues.
- Long-lasting Results: Say goodbye to spider veins and hello to clear, beautiful legs for years to come.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins occur when veins near the surface of the skin become dilated and overfilled with blood. Several factors contribute to the development of enlarged veins, including:
- Genetics: You are more likely to develop spider veins if a close relative (such as a sibling or parent) has them.
- Pregnancy: Hormone changes may contribute to the formation of spider veins. Additionally, the extra weight from pregnancy puts added pressure on the veins.
- Obesity: Excess weight places strain on the veins, causing them to become enlarged.
- Standing or sitting for long periods: If you spend most of your day standing or sitting, gravity can cause blood to pool in your veins and make them larger.
What are the risk factors for spider veins?
Similar to the causes of spider veins listed above, some of the primary risk factors for developing spider veins include:
- Advanced age
- Being a woman
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Hormone changes
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- Sun exposure
What are the Symptoms of Spider Veins?
Spider veins are more than a cosmetic issue. While they may not be painful, they can cause a great deal of discomfort and impact your health and quality of life. It is somewhat common to experience the following symptoms:
- Aching or cramping in the legs
- Heaviness or fatigue in the legs
- Swelling in the feet or ankles
- Itching or burning sensation
- Restless legs syndrome
Anyone showing these symptoms should seek medical attention to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Vitality Vein Care is committed to providing the best spider vein solutions possible.
How are spider veins diagnosed?
Generally speaking, the diagnosis of spider veins is relatively routine. Our knowledgeable team will first perform a visual inspection of your veins along with a discussion of your health and medical history, looking for the classic signs and symptoms of spider veins. We may also perform an ultrasound of the affected areas to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other underlying venous condition. Once your spider veins have been diagnosed and a root cause has been determined, we will recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment option to help restore a clearer complexion along with your improved vein health and comfort.
How Are Spider Veins Treated?
At Vitality Vein Care, the first thing we will do in regard to your spider veins is to establish the root cause. This will help us treat them in a way that may delay them from reoccurring. While we can't cure spider veins, we can treat them cosmetically. Once we target the problem area, we inject a sclerosing agent that will flush the blood out of the vein, disrupt the lining in the vessel, and shrink it. Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for spider veins. Depending on the severity of your spider vein, they can typically be treated in 1 – 3 sessions. Usually, most of our patients experience a reduction of about 70 – 80 percent in the visibility of the spider vein. Because there is no cure for spider veins, periodic maintenance may be necessary. However, someone from our team will walk you through what to expect after your treatment.
What Should I Expect Following Sclerotherapy?
Following sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins at Vitality Vein Care in Prosper, TX, you shouldn’t experience many side effects or severe side effects. You may have some mild bruising or reddening of the skin near the treatment site, but this is usually resolved after a few days. There is no downtime associated with sclerotherapy, and you can return to your daily routine following a treatment, but you will likely have some aftercare instructions to follow. These typically include making sure to walk around to get the blood moving in your legs and prevent clots as well as wearing compression garments around the treatment areas.
Spider Veins FAQ
How many people get spider veins?
It’s estimated that about 30 - 60% of adults have spider veins.
Do spider veins go away on their own?
No, spider veins don’t go away on their own and typically tend to worsen over time. That’s why Vitality Vein Care offers effective treatment options to reduce the appearance of your spider veins.
Why do you get spider veins?
Spider veins happen when blood pools in the veins, usually from damaged vein valves, leading to what are called “dead veins”. These can be caused by genetics, hormonal imbalances, sitting or standing too much, pregnancy, and weight gain or obesity.
Does coffee cause spider veins or make them worse?
Any type of caffeine, whether it be in coffee, tea, or energy drinks, can constrict your blood vessels and elevate your blood pressure. Prolonged elevated blood pressure places a higher strain on your veins, which can damage the vein valves in your legs and ankles, leading to a higher risk of developing spider veins. It’s still OK to drink tea and coffee, but as with anything, moderation is always key.
What are the best ways to prevent spider veins?
You can reduce your risk of developing spider veins by doing just a few simple things, like:
- Exercising regularly
- Watching your weight
- Wearing compression socks
- Not crossing your legs while sitting
- Elevating your legs when resting
- Taking regular breaks when sitting or standing for long periods
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Reduce the Appearance of Spider Veins
Do you have spider veins on your legs or elsewhere that keep you from wearing shorts or other clothing? At Vitality Vein Care, board-certified vein specialists Drs. Bradley Hart and Aaron Roberts offer McKinney, Plano, and Frisco, TX residents the opportunity to reduce the visibility of their spider veins while slowing down the chances of getting them in the near future. For more information on spider veins and how to treat them, contact our Prosper, TX office today.