Vein Treatment Specialist

What are spider veins and varicose veins?

Spider veins are small, red, purple, or blue twisted blood vessels that you can see through the skin. Most often, you see spider veins on the legs and face. Similar to spider veins are varicose veins, which are swollen, raised, and twisted blood vessels that you can see through the skin. Most often, varicose veins appear on the legs.

What causes spider veins and varicose veins?

Spider veins and varicose can appear as a result of a number of factors, including:

• Obesity
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, etc.)
• A history of blood clots
• Increased pressure in the abdomen (caused by constipation, tumors, waist trainers, etc.)
• Heredity
• Careers that involve long hours standing (hairdressing, teaching, factory working, nursing, etc.)

You’re also at a higher risk for spider veins and varicose veins if you:

• Have had trauma to the skin
• Are older
• Are a woman
• Have previously had vein surgery

Do spider veins and varicose veins hurt?

In addition to being unsightly, spider veins and varicose veins can cause pain and other unpleasant symptoms. The most common symptoms you experience with these veins include:

• Leg aching and cramping
• Headaches
• Heaviness in the legs
• Tired legs
• Restless legs
• Burning or tingling in the legs
• Throbbing legs

Less often, with spider and varicose veins you may experience:

• Darkening of the skin
• Swelling, especially around the ankles
• Ulcers

What is the treatment for spider veins and varicose veins?

To treat spider veins and varicose veins, the team at Alliance OB/GYN offers different options, including vein ablation. Vein ablation is faster, safer, and less invasive than traditional vein surgery. It also doesn’t leave scars.

During vein ablation, Dr. Obianwu cauterizes the offending veins using ClosureFast™, a small catheter that, when he inserts it into the vein, delivers heat precisely. This heat causes the vein to shrink, collapse, and seal shut.

Other treatments for spider and varicose veins include:

• Vein stripping
• Vein ligation
• Ambulatory phlebotomy
• Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT)
• Sclerotherapy
• Transilluminated powered phlebectomy (TIPP)
• Compression socks
• Lifestyle changes (weight loss, walking, spending less time on your feet, improved hygiene, etc.)

If you have painful or unsightly spider veins or varicose veins, don’t let them hold you back anymore. Reach out to the team at Alliance OB/GYN over the phone or online today to schedule a consultation.