Varicose veins and spider veins are normal veins that have expanded due to increased venous pressure. Sometimes, people with varicose veins and spider veins complain only about their unpleasant appearance. At other times, varicose veins can cause swelling of the ankles and feet, pain or aching in the legs, itchy legs and fatigue. They can also lead to more serious problems such as ulceration and deep vein thrombosis.
What should Chicago, IL residents know about the causes of varicose veins and spider veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, rope-like veins that appear just under the skin surface usually in the legs. Veins carry blood from all of your body organs and tissues back to your heart. Veins have one-way valves that are supposed to keep your blood from backing up into your tissues. When these valves are damaged, blood flow can reverse in direction and cause pressure on the outer walls of your veins. This increased pressure causes veins to enlarge which leads to varicose veins.
Spider veins are tiny, enlarged blood vessels that also appear near the skin surface. Their name is related to their appearance which is like that of a spider web. They can be red, blue or purple and can occur in the legs, face or other parts of the body. They are due to broken capillaries. Capillaries are extremely small blood vessels in your body tissues that transport blood from the arteries to the veins. Varicose veins can lead to spider veins because the increased backflow of blood can cause rupture of the small capillary blood vessels that feed into the veins.
Risk factors for varicose veins and spider veins
- Age – Aging causes wear and tear on the valves of veins.
- Sex – Women are at higher risk.
- Obesity – Being overweight puts more pressure on the veins.
- Pregnancy – Increased pelvic pressure transmits increased pressure to the leg veins.
- Prolonged standing or sitting – The blood in the legs does not flow as well.
- Heredity – Having a family history of vein problems increases your risk.
Vein treatment at the Chicago Vein Care Center
Simple interventions such as regular exercise, weight loss, leg elevation and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting — can reduce pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse. Compression stockings purchased at a local pharmacy or medical supply store can help support weak veins and allow them to move blood more easily.
If problems persist, leading vein doctor, Dr. Ramon Castro, can decide on the most appropriate vein disease treatment option for you. He may suggest one of these vein treatment procedures: sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation, phlebectomy or vein stripping. All procedures are performed without the need for general anesthesia at the Chicago, IL vein treatment center. The Chicago Vein Care Center offers professional, compassionate and affordable vein care. Their courteous and highly trained staff is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding varicose vein treatment and spider vein treatment. Please contact the Center at (773) 283-7887 to set up your appointment.