2 minute read
Spider Veins Causes and Treatments
Understanding Vein Health and Disease
What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
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Spider veins are those small superficial veins that present at ankles, knees, and other pressure points on the legs. Varicose veins are prominent, swollen, veins that are visible on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can sometimes be painful and bleed.
What are some of the symptoms of vein disease?
Aching, leg fatigue, swelling, itching, and skin discoloration.
Are spider veins only a cosmetic concern or a real health concern?
Treatment of spider veins is cosmetic however they can be a sign of underlying deeper vein disease.
How can I keep my lower veins healthy? Prevent spider veins?
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercise, compression stockings, and leg elevation are all helpful measures for excellent leg health. However, some medical conditions and genetics can play a role in developing vein disease.
What treatments are available?
Treatments have advanced in technology and most veins are able to be treated from inside the veins. No longer are vein strippings the treatment of choice. Malfunctioning veins can be treated by heat, foam, or glue to close down the vein.
What is recovery like after treatment?
In-office procedures have very little downtime and most people can return to work within one to two days.
What kind of physician should I see to treat vein disease?
One that specializes in vascular diseases.
Will insurance cover my vein issues?
Each insurance company has different criteria for vein treatment. Work with your vein specialist to decide which procedure your insurance company will cover.