Spider veins are a common problem that affects people of all ages. Though they usually aren’t serious, they can prevent you from wearing your favorite outfits or confidently showing off your legs. At The Woodlands Heart & Vascular Center, cardiologist Jasmine Khan, MD, and the team provide comprehensive care for spider veins. To make an appointment at the office in Shenandoah and Sugar Land, Texas, call the office today or schedule online.
Spider veins are small, squiggly veins that appear on your legs and face. They occur when the valves inside your veins stop working, causing your blood to flow backward and pool.
Spider veins are green, blue, or purple. They usually aren’t a sign of a more serious health problem, but they can negatively affect the appearance of your skin.
Spider veins affect people of all ages, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
You’re also more likely to develop spider veins if you’ve experienced a blood clot or vein damage in the past.
The team at The Woodlands Heart & Vascular Center diagnoses spider veins by conducting a physical exam and asking about your symptoms. Spider veins are visible to the eye, so there’s no need for additional tests like diagnostic imaging.
The treatment of spider veins depends on the severity of the issue, your budget, and goals. Your provider might recommend:
If you only have a few spider veins, your provider might recommend wearing compression stockings. Compression stockings are made from stretchy materials like elastin and nylon. They put pressure on the veins in your legs, improving blood flow. What’s more, they can reduce the risk of blood clots and leg swelling.
Sclerotherapy involves your provider injecting a medical-grade solution into your veins. The solution irritates your veins and prevents blood from flowing through them. Over time, these processes reduce swelling and cause your treated veins to shrink.
Closure system treatment is very similar to sclerotherapy. Your provider injects a medical-grade solution into your veins that causes them to stick together. That cuts off blood flow to your treated veins, causing them to fade and disappear over time.
EVLT is an outpatient procedure that involves your provider inserting a small laser fiber into an affected vein. The laser causes your vein to heat up and collapse, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins throughout your body.
To learn more about the treatment options for spider veins, make an appointment at The Woodlands Heart & Vascular Center by calling the office today or scheduling online.
