Home | Symptoms | Spider Veins

Spider veins are unsightly and unwelcome even though they may not be bulging or painful. Medically referred to as telangiectsias, spider veins are generally red, purple or blue in color – making them a more cosmetic than painful nuisance.

 Spider veins are a vein disorder that causes blood to flow backwards and pool. While they are considered the mildest indication of venous reflux disease they can still require treatment. Spider veins do not bulge or require medical intervention unless Dr. Goldman and Dr. Varghese are able to confirm the presence of an underlying vein disorder through diagnostic ultrasound.

 Spider veins do not cause pain, swell or bulge but are small, branch-like, usually tangled bands of pooled blood vessels located just under the skin surface.  Sometimes they can itch and burn so if you are experiencing any feelings of discomfort (tiredness, heaviness, achiness) or pain, this may be a sign of an underlying vein disorder in the deeper vein areas of the leg.  A diagnostic ultrasound will confirm the presence of any deeper vein problems.

 While the exact cause of spider veins is unknown spider veins are most prominent in females, overweight people, and individuals whose occupations/lifestyle requires them to sit or stand for long periods. In general, added pressure on the circulatory system from a variety of conditions or environmental factors increases the chance of spider vein formation.

As with varicose veins, the most common factors are:

 

• Predisposition through heredity

• Aging

• Hormone fluctuations – menstruation, pregnancy, menopause

• Excess weight

• Occupation/Lifestyle – standing/sitting long periods

• Sun Exposure – especially in fair-skinned people

• Trauma/injury – sometimes spider veins won’t appear until later in life

• Certain medications

 Sclerotherapy is the most common, widely performed treatment for the removal of spider veins. A treatment session takes around 45 minutes and is performed in the comfort and convenience of either Goldman Vein Institute locations, Wellington or Jupiter. On average two to three sessions are necessary depending on the number of veins. Desired results can usually be achieved in 4 weeks. Sclerotherapy is completely safe and you can return to normal activity immediately following treatment and may be performed as a stand-alone procedure or in conjunction with other treatments.  Ask our staff which procedure is the best for you.