Spider Veins: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are thin, thread-like clusters of veins that appear on the surface of the skin. They resemble spider webs or branches of trees.

Typically, spider veins are red, purple, or bluish.  

It is also known as Telangiectasia, occur due to damaged blood vessels. It is usually not painful. 

Spider veins on the legs are not unpleasant, but they can develop into varicose veins, which are considerably more challenging to manage if left untreated.

It is a sign that a venous issue has started developing.  

Why do Spider Veins Occur?

It can develop in different body parts, they most commonly occur in the legs. First, this is because veins in the legs are generally more susceptible to venous conditions. Second, this is because they need to work against the pull of gravity to carry blood back up to the heart.   

Venous conditions develop when the valves of the veins are damaged or defective. Usually, the valves in the veins operate as one-way flaps. If the valves don’t close properly, the blood can leak back into the bottom section of the vein instead of traveling towards the heart. As more blood gets caught in the vein, pressure builds, weakening the vein’s walls. As a result of the poor blood flow, blood accumulates in the veins.

A multitude of conditions can induce on legs, including:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal changes
• Hereditary
• Standing or sitting for long periods
• Wearing tight clothes
• Sun Exposure
• Taking Birth Control pills for too long

Who Gets Spider Veins?

Spider veins on legs can occur at any age, although they’re more common in women and appear later in life. 

Symptoms of Spider Veins?

These are thread-like bunches of veins that can be seen on the surface of the skin. They appear red, purple, or bluish. 

It not usually painful or do not have any other significant symptoms. But in some cases, one could experience symptoms such as: 

• Heavy feeling in the legs
• Itching
• Pain or cramps in the legs
• Swelling in the legs or ankle.
• Burning or tingling sensation in the legs.
• Fatigue or restlessness

How are Spider veins diagnosed? 

Your doctor will do a physical examination of the affected area. They will check and evaluate your legs throughout the investigation and inquire about any discomfort or other symptoms that you may be experiencing. Then, for further evaluation, your doctor may ask for an ultrasound or venogram. This test may be performed to inspect blood flow through your veins more closely. 

How are spider veins treated?

Usually, these are not a significant health concern. However, it could worsen over time. One might even want to have removed for cosmetic reasons. If you wish to know how to get rid of it, you might try the following:

Sclerotherapy

During this procedure, a tiny needle is used to inject medicine directly into the veins. It’s the most common way to get rid of. After a few rounds of sclerotherapy, the veins shrink and vanish. Several rounds of this procedure are required to get rid of spider veins completely. However, there is typically no need for downtime. 

Laser Treatment

This method involves directing focused laser energy into veins, which heats and kills them, ultimately causing them to vanish. 

Radio Frequency Ablation Treatment 

Radiofrequency ablation uses high-intensity, high-frequency radio waves to generate heat that seals the damaged veins. 

After any of these procedures, the doctor will recommend that you wear compression stockings. This will make the process more successful and promote recovery. 

Home Remedies for Managing Spider Veins 

If patients with spider veins do not want to go through a medical procedure, they can attempt home remedies for to relieve pain or manage other symptoms such as swelling.

• Do not sit or stand for long hours: Take frequent breaks to walk around if your work requires you to sit at one place for long hours. Walking promotes healthy blood circulation in the legs, reducing any heaviness.
• Stretch and Elevate your feet: When sitting, rest your legs on a stool as often as possible to let the blood in your legs circulate to your heart.
• Light exercises: Yoga and mild workouts are excellent forms of exercises to promote overall leg health 
• Manage Weight:  Being overweight can put a strain on your legs and hinder blood flow. Losing weight can help prevent the formation of new spider veins on your legs.
• Wear Compression Stockings: This is the most accessible and most non-invasive form of treatment. Compression stockings provide graduated compression to your legs, thus promoting blood circulation, relieving pain and swelling. Compression stockings are a gold standard for the management of any venous condition. They are also a great way to prevent your venous condition from progressing into something more serious. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Spider Veins and Varicose Veins Same?

Both spider veins and varicose veins occur due to malfunctioning blood vessels. Both these conditions have a lot in common, but the main difference is in appearance and severity. It a sign of the start of venous disease. If left untreated, it advances to form varicose veins. Varicose veins can be very painful, while spider veins typically don’t hurt.

Can Spider Veins go on their own?

Spider veins aren’t going to disappear on their own. Instead, it might worsen with time and develop into varicose veins. To prevent it from getting worse and new ones from appearing, adopt preventative measures such as wearing compression socks regularly.