Varicose veins and spider veins are problems you want to treat quickly should they arise as they are both uncomfortable and unsightly. Spider veins and varicose veins are often thought to be the same condition; however, several subtle differences can affect how each problem is treated. If you want to check your vein health near Batavia, the Gilvydis Vein Clinic can diagnose the problem and help you find the right treatment plan.
Varicose veins occur in legs when the valves in your veins malfunction and allow blood to flow back and forth through the valve. When the valve is functioning properly, it keeps blood flowing towards the heart, so it does not build up inside your veins. If the valve is not working correctly, it allows blood to flow both ways, leading to trapped blood that causes your veins to swell and bulge.
Spider veins can appear anywhere on your body and typically look like a red or blue spiderweb that resemble bruises. This condition is usually more unsightly than it is uncomfortable because swollen or bulging veins do not cause them.
Both varicose veins and spider veins have similar risk factors. All of the factors listed below increase the likelihood that you will develop one of these two conditions.
Varicose veins are often uncomfortable. In addition to visibly bulging veins, the condition also causes pain and swelling in the leg. Your legs may also feel itchy or heavy, and you could begin to experience restless leg syndrome.
Spider veins usually have minimal discomfort. The primary symptom of the condition is the colored spiderweb pattern that appears on your skin. Occasionally, you may feel a mild burning sensation at the site of your spider veins.
Because varicose veins are actually swollen vessels, they have the potential to lead to several other conditions, including pulmonary embolism. Pain and swelling are also common problems, with the potential to even develop an ulcer.
There are a few secondary conditions associated with spider veins. The primary concern is bleeding both underneath and above the skin, although it is usually minimal. Occasionally, untreated spider veins lead to chronic burning and itching.
There are a few treatment options that benefit both varicose and spider veins. Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may prescribe compressions or conservative care. For minor problems, compression wraps can constrict blood flow to keep your veins from bulging. Conservative care involves monitoring your weight and increasing your activity level so you can keep blood flowing through your veins easily.
If you have a moderate or severe case of varicose veins, sclerotherapy may be recommended. For larger veins, ablation or an ambulatory phlebectomy may be required. For spider veins, compression wraps and sclerotherapy are the treatment options of choice. Compression wraps often eliminate the appearance of the veins without requiring surgery, but sclerotherapy is an effective option for many people.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, M.D, is the co-founder of Northern Illinois Vein Clinic (NIVC) in Rockford, Illinois, and the founder of Gilvydis Vein Clinic (GVC) in Naperville, Sycamore, and Geneva, Illinois. A board-certified interventionalist and diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, Dr. Gilvydis has been treating varicose veins with minimally invasive techniques since they were first introduced.
If you suffer from spider veins or varicose veins and are located near Elburn, contact Gilvydis Vein Clinic today to discuss your treatment options. We can help you determine the treatment option that is most effective for relieving your symptoms to improve your quality of life.
We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.
We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.