Removing Varicose and Spider Veins

Causes

• Leg vein problems start when the vein valves become weak or malfunction as they are not able to prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction (known as “reflux”). This produces a blood pool in the veins, forcing them to protrude from the skin appearing rope-like. This added venous pressure can bring on more failure of other vein valves and varicose veins.

• Besides being very unattractive and at times embarrassing, varicose veins and spider veins can cause multiple levels of discomfort, including:– swelling– throbbing– aching– leg cramps

• Spider veins, or broken capillaries, are medically known as telangiectasia. They are dilated capillary veins under 2mm in diameter that exist right under the skin’s surface on the legs or face. Spider veins are blue, red, or purplish in color and typically have a web-like or linear appearance.

Spider Veins on the Nose

Contributing Factors• There are many variables that can increase

the likelihood of developing leg vein problems.

• One of the primary factors that contributes to the development of varicose and spider veins is heredity, or one’s genes are susceptible to weak vein walls and vein valves resulting in leg vein issues.

• There are also many lifestyle factors which stimulate the development of varicose or spider veins:– pregnancy– birth control pills– lack of exercise– prolonged sitting or standing– obesity – hormone replacement therapies– aging

• Varicose veins are swollen veins that are viewable through your skin. They typically appear as twisted blue, and bulging. If not treated, varicose veins may worsen with time. Varicose veins can cause aching and feelings of fatigue and changes in your skin such as rashes, redness, and sores. Approximately 40 million Americans, the majority being women, have varicose veins.

Varicose Veins in Legs

Treatment for Veins in Legs

Treatments

• Some popular Methods of treatment for varicose veins and spider veins are sclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy, endovenous laser, and micro-phlebectomy.

Consumer Resources

• Browse over to: • http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/varicose-v

eins/DS00256

• www.VeinDirectory.org

• http://www.surgery.org/consumers/procedures/skin/spider-vein-treatment