Why am I Getting Spider Veins on My Legs?

Spider veins typically look like red or blue spider webs or tree branches. They are smaller than varicose veins and usually don’t make the skin protrude as varicose veins do. These unsightly leg veins are the result of problems with the valves in the veins.

Healthy veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. When the valves don’t close properly, blood can leak back into the lower part of the vein rather than going toward the heart. Pressure can then build up and weaken the vein walls causing spider veins or larger varicose veins.

Although for many people spider veins may not cause discomfort, others may have pain, itching or heaviness. Additionally, the skin that covers spider veins is often more brittle than the surrounding skin, which means that if it is rubbed or scratched, sores or ulcers may form as well.

There are a number of factors that may contribute to this weakening of the vein valves including aging, genetics, obesity, hormones, sun exposure, leg injury, and prolonged sitting or standing. Those who have spider veins can suffer from decreased self-confidence about their appearance and may be reluctant to wear clothing that will reveal their legs, and without treatment spider veins can increase.

For those who are experiencing spider veins and who would like a non-surgical option, help is available with highly-effective laser treatment for spider veins. Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard treatment for spider veins treatment.

During this procedure, a varicose vein specialist uses a tiny needle to introduce an FDA-approved sclerosant into the vein, drops at a time. This gentle, yet effective medication causes the vein to collapse and close. Over time, the closed vein gets absorbed by the body and disappears. The sessions are typically completed in the office, within 20 minutes per leg.

Because no scalpels or sutures are utilized, there are no long-lasting scars or keloids. There’s minimal discomfort, and most treatments are characterized as being virtually painless. With these modern therapies, most people can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment. Additionally, most major health insurance carriers provide coverage for the treatment of vein disease and venous insufficiency when medically necessary.

If you would like more information regarding best treatment for spider veins, please contact the Goldman Vein Institute today at one of our two convenient locations: Jupiter 561-625-9853 or Wellington 561-790-4550 or visit us at www.goldmanveininstitute.com.

At the Goldman Vein Institute, our mission is to provide our patients with comprehensive care for varicose veins, spider veins, and other conditions caused by venous insufficiency. Our highly-qualified and experienced, board-certified vein specialists, Dr. Goldman and Dr. Varghese-Goldman, combine their extensive knowledge and experience, with the latest innovations in vein treatments.

With our offices in Jupiter and Wellington Florida, the Goldman Vein Institute serves patients from Stuart, Hobe Sound, Tequesta, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Hialeah, Sunny Isles, Bay Harbor, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, Aventura, Surfside, Hallandale, and Hollywood, and we welcome patients across South Florida to visit our state-of-the-art vein centers, where we provide the latest in vein treatment technology.

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