VARICOSE VEINS AND SPIDER VEINS

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins (fig.1,2) are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins called hemorrhoids can form in the vagina or around the anus.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. They can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.

What causes varicose veins and spider veins?

The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body. Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the body parts. Veins carry oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart.
The squeezing of leg muscles pumps blood back to the heart from the lower body. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. These valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs (fig.3). If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there. This problem is called venous insufficiency. Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose. Spider veins (fig.4,5) can also be caused by the backup of blood. Hormone changes, inherited factors, and exposure to the sun can also cause spider veins.
Varicose veins affect 1 out of 2 people age 50 and older.

 

Symptoms of varicose veins:

Aching pain
Easily tired legs
Leg heaviness
Swelling in the legs
Darkening of the skin (in severe cases)
Numbness in the legs
Itching or irritated rash in the legs

Prevention of varicose veins and spider veins:

Wear Sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.


Exercise regularly to improve your leg strength, such as walking or running.

Control your weight.

Wear elastic support stockings and avoid tight clothing that constricts your waist, groin, or legs.

SPIDER VEINS TREATMENT

Sclerotherapy

This is the most common treatment for both spider veins and varicose veins. The doctor injects a solution into the vein that causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood and the vein turns into scar tissue. In a few weeks, the vein should fade. The same vein may need to be treated more than once.


Surgery

Surgery is used mostly to treat very large varicose veins. Types of surgery for varicose veins include:
Surgical Ligation and Stripping (fig.8,9,10) - With this treatment, problematic veins are tied shut and completely removed from the leg. Removing
the veins does not affect the circulation of blood in the leg. Veins deeper in the leg take care of the larger volumes of blood. Most varicose veins removed by surgery are surface veins and collect blood only from the skin. This surgery requires either local or general anesthesia and must be done in an operating room on an outpatient basis.
Possible side effects: Serious side effects or problems from this surgery are uncommon.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

With this surgery, a special light source marks the location of the vein (fig.11,12). Tiny cuts are made in the skin, and surgical hooks pull the vein out of the leg. This surgery requires local or regional anesthesia. The vein usually is removed in one treatment. Very large varicose veins can be removed with this treatment while leaving only very small scars. Patients can return to normal activity the day after treatment.

Possible Side Effects:

• Slight bruising
• Temporary numbness

Endoscopic vein surgery

With this surgery, a small video camera is used to see inside the veins. Then varicose veins are removed through small cuts. People who have this surgery must have some kind of anesthesia including epidural, spinal, or general anesthesia. Patients can return to normal activity within a few weeks.

Can varicose and spider veins return even after treatment?

Current treatments for varicose veins and spider veins have very high success rates compared to traditional surgical treatments. Over a period of years, however, more abnormal veins can develop. The major reason for this is that there is no cure for weak vein valves. So with time, pressure gradually builds up in the leg veins. Ultrasound can be used to keep track of how badly the valves are leaking (venous insufficiency). Ongoing treatment can help keep this problem under control.The single most important thing a person can do to slow down thedevelopment of new varicose veins is to wear graduated compression support stockings as much as possible during the day.