Spider veins are unsightly veins that occur on the surface of the skin. Spider veins New York can limit your mobility, especially when your legs start to ache and feel heavy. Apart from adjusting your lifestyle choices, other treatment options are available, including sclerotherapy and laser therapy.
Spider veins can appear anywhere, including your face, thighs, and legs. Remember that they can worsen if left untreated, so it is important to seek treatment to prevent complications.
Causes
Poor blood circulation can lead to spider veins because of the extra pressure your veins might experience. Certain actions like sitting or standing too long can lead to blood pooling in your veins due to poor circulation. Other conditions that can affect your blood circulation like deep vein thrombosis and chronic venous insufficiency.
Other factors that might increase your likelihood of getting spider veins to include:
- Weight gain or obesity
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Hormonal changes
- Sun exposure
- Genetics
Symptoms
If you have spider veins, you might experience aching, itching, burning, heaviness, and night cramps. When you experience such symptoms and have spider veins, it is time to contact your specialist for a treatment plan. Your specialist will evaluate your spider veins and help you identify the cause of your spider veins, and offer suitable treatment.
Treatment options
Your treatment plan will largely depend on the cause of your spider veins. For example, your specialist will treat your spider veins and address the underlying cause to avoid recurrent spider veins. The following are common outpatient treatment methods for spider veins.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a treatment method that involves the injection of a specific solution that seals your vein shut. Once the vein is closed, your body will divert the blood to healthier veins. The procedure uses a solution like sodium tetradecyl sulfate (Sotradecol), which patients respond better to than traditional hypertonic saline solutions.
The treated vein will disappear with time because your body absorbs it making it invisible. Your specialist can recommend wearing compression stockings after the treatment.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy uses thermal energy to heat spider veins. The thermal energy causes the veins to collapse and seal shut. Your specialist will discuss the number of treatments you might need for optimal results. After the procedure, you can resume your daily activities since it requires little to no downtime. Your specialist can use a local anesthetic to ease discomfort during the process.
Preventive measures
Depending on what is causing your spider veins, you can take certain steps to reduce the likelihood of getting them. Use the following tips to minimize your possibility of getting spider veins.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Have a regular exercise plan
- Take breaks if you stand or sit for long periods
- Elevate your legs after a long day
- Wear compression stockings
- Wear age-appropriate sunscreen
If you have unsightly spider veins, visit Upper East Side Cardiology for treatment. You will meet experienced vein specialists that can offer personalized treatment depending on your condition. Call or book an appointment online today.
