*
Varicose vein disease is extremely common in men and women. While spider veins are very small, reddish veins on the surface of the skin, varicose veins are much larger, bulging and “tangled” veins that appear blue in color. Men and women suffer from varicose veins, although women are much more likely to have them.
Patients often complain of heavy or tired legs, swelling in the lower leg or near the ankles, pain and tenderness upon touching the area of the vein, and a general sense of restlessness with the legs.
Both spider veins and varicose veins have a strong genetic component, but lack of exercise, weight gain and obesity, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time all contribute to the risk of developing varicose veins and venous insufficiency.
Once a vein becomes weakened, the elastic vein wall and valves that send blood back to the heart lose its strength, much like an old rubberband, and blood will start to pool in the vein.
While varicose veins initially are not symptomatic, they can be associated with and lead to more serious medical conditions, such as:
• Phlebitis – inflammation of the vein
• Thromboses – blood clots form in the enlarged vein
• Venous Stasis Ulcers – ulcers that form when proper drainage in the enlarged vein is not available.
Treatment options for varicose and spider veins will vary from person to person as no two cases are the same. The proper procedure will require determining the actual cause of the varicose or spider veins. While many individuals with varicose veins do not seek treatment or therapy, untreated varicose veins can lead to painful ulcers, bleeding, and more serious medical conditions. Know that your varicose veins and spider veins can be treated in our office with safe, effective and generally painless procedures by our caring staff.
Real Patients