Causes of Spider Veins

 

Spider veins develop as a result of weak or damaged valves within the veins. If the valves cannot open to allow blood to flow through, the blood backs up and the vein swells. There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing spider veins, including:

• Heredity

• History of blood clots

• Hormonal shifts

• Standing or sitting for long periods due to occupation

• Pregnancy

• Weight fluctuation

• Obesity

• Aging

• Injury or trauma

• Other vein conditions, such as varicose veins

With an estimated 30-60% of adults affected by spider veins, it is one of the most common cosmetic conditions and is often the result of a number of factors. (Cleveland Clinic)

 

Symptoms of Spider Veins

 

The most common symptoms of spider veins are cosmetic concerns. However, as the condition develops patients may experience pain, itching, and stinging around the clusters. Other possible symptoms patients who keep an eye out for are skin ulcers, skin discoloration, numbness, swelling, throbbing, cramping, or aching in the legs. If pain, ulcers, or tenderness occurs, patients should seek treatment from their doctor.

 

Treatment of Spider Veins

 

While there is no cure for spider veins, the most common treatment options are compression therapy and sclerotherapy. At the initial development of spider veins, conservative treatment of compression therapy is often recommended to slow disease’s progression. Compression therapy consists of wearing compression stockings to prevent blood from pooling in the veins of the legs. While this can alleviate discomfort it will not fix the underlying problem and the disease will progressive, just at a slower rate.

 

The most common treatment of spider veins is sclerotherapy, also known as injection therapy. Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure in which a solution, most often a saline solution, is injected into the spider veins. The introduction of the solution into the veins causes the veins to slowly collapse and fade away within a few weeks. In order to achieve the desired results, multiple treatments may be necessary.

 

Spider Vein Treatments in St .Louis, MO

 

Dr. Ricardo Rao is a fellowship-trained, board certified vascular surgeon who specializes in non-surgical treatments for the treatment of varicose and spider veins and minimally invasive vascular surgery. The staff at the Complete Vein Center of St. Louis is committed to providing the highest quality experience and treatments to patients in greater St. Louis area. For more information about spider veins and treatment options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rao at the Complete Vein Center of St. Louis 314.989.WELL​.