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| As you read this, thousands of miles of blood vessels are carrying vital oxygen and nutrients to every teeny tiny corner of your body. We generally only stop to think about these blood vessels when a problem arises. Nearly half of the American population deals with some form of vein dysfunction, and common among these are varicose and spider veins. According to veindirectory.org, “In the vast majority of cases, spider and varicose veins do not serve any useful function. In fact, they are dysfunctional veins.” Varicose veins are generally known to be the more problematic of the two, and they are usually found in the legs. The National Women’s Health Information Center describes varicose veins as “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.” On the other hand, 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. Spider veins are usually found on the legs and face. Varicose and spider veins are essentially caused by backed-up blood in faulty vessels. The National Women’s Health Information Center says, “Veins carry oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart. The squeezing of the 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. If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back in the vein and collect there. This problem is called venous insufficiency. Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose. Spider veins can also be caused by the backup of blood.” So why are some people plagued by varicose and/or spider veins while others never develop them? There are several factors that can increase their likelihood, including family history, hormonal changes, pregnancy, age, obesity, prolonged standing, injury to the legs, and sun exposure. Spider veins in and of themselves are generally not dangerous and do not require medical care, although if they appear suddenly or increase abruptly in severity, it may be a sign of another underlying problem. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are known to worsen and become more complicated with time. Aside from being unsightly, varicose veins are often painful and may be accompanied by other serious problems. One such issue to watch for is a skin ulcer, which may initially appear as a darkened area on the surface of the skin near the varicose vein. Ulcers are most common around the ankles, as “increased pressure of blood within the affected veins can cause ‘water logging,’ which is a cause of the ulcers,” according to veindirectory.org. “It is important to see a physician immediately if you suspect you’ve developed an ulcer.” Ongoing pain and discomfort from varicose veins is reason enough to make an appointment with a physician, but if you have sudden severe swelling in your legs, it is advised that you see a doctor immediately. Severe swelling can be a sign that a blood clot has developed, and urgent medical intervention might be required. Your regular physician may be able to make an initial diagnosis and perform routine tests for vein disease using x-rays and ultrasound. For further examination and treatment options, you may want to see a vein specialist or a phlebologist. Vein specialists may be part of a larger network or group of physicians. For example, at veinaffiliates.com, its members are required to be trained in a surgical-related specialty; have received additional intensive training on current venous treatment techniques; must submit representative cases relating to aspects of venous disease; and must complete continuing education programs in venous treatment annually. Treatment options for varicose and spider veins range from wearing compression stockings to intensive surgeries. Sclerotherapy is the most common therapy for both varicose and spider veins. The veins are injected with a special solution that essentially causes the veins to collapse. The appearance of the vein will then fade, but the procedure can be painful and may need to be repeated for optimal results. Laser therapy is another option for treating spider veins. Using very intense and directed light, this treatment can be effective for fading the appearance of small spider veins. For varicose veins, there are a few other treatment options. An Endovenous technique known as the Closure technique includes radiofrequency and lasers and is becoming more popular for treating severe varicose veins that previously would have required more invasive surgery. A small catheter is inserted into the vein, and then either radiofrequencies or lasers are used to collapse the varicose vein. Healthy veins in the same area take over the work of the collapsed diseased vein. Surgical options for varicose veins are still used and include surgical ligation and stripping, ambulatory phlebectomy, and endoscopic vein surgery. In the end, it is important to remember that varicose veins (as well as spider veins, to a degree) can be “successfully treated, but (the) disorder cannot be permanently cured,” according to phlebology.org. Today, there are various medical spas, salons, and clinics that offer treatment for spider veins since it is usually a cosmetic issue. When seeking treatment at these facilities, there are a few precautions that should be taken. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, these treatments are “medical/surgical procedures that should be performed by a fully qualified physician or under the direct supervision of the physician.” Ask if the technician has treated spider veins similar to yours and to see photographs of their work. Inquire about the training they have with the tools they will be using, and ask for client references. |
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