Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are smaller, more subtle veins that twist and turn underneath the skin, easily visible through their red, purple, and blue colors. These veins are mostly seen on the legs, chest, and face and often appear like branching webs. However, these veins do not often cause pain or indicate worsening health conditions; most often, these veins are treated for cosmetic reasons. When it comes to treating spider veins, our vein specialists at the Vein Center of North Texas can provide numerous treatment options to remove spider veins and help manage your vein health for years to come.

Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins

Spider veins, also called thread veins, are small areas of damaged veins that appear close to the skin’s surface. Often appearing blue, red, or purple in color, these veins don’t often cause pain but are the result of malfunctioning valves in the vessels. The likelihood of spider veins can be increased by conditions such as obesity, pregnancy, menopause, and heredity. Although these veins appear more superficially than varicose veins, spider veins don’t often hurt, whereas varicose veins do.

However, it’s essential to note that the development of spider veins increases the likelihood of other conditions developing. These conditions include leg muscle cramps, swollen ankles, throbbing legs, and tiredness, all of which can be signs of venous insufficiency. Spider veins, varicose veins, and venous insufficiency can be caused by underlying health conditions such as congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease. Receiving treatment for spider veins can help remove these blemishes and address underlying problems before they potentially worsen.

Treatment Options For Spider Veins

There are many options for potentially treating spider veins beyond surgery. At Vein Center of North Texas, our specialists can provide you with the best resources for caring for your vein health and managing conditions such as venous insufficiency. Some treatment options for spider veins can include:

• Sclerotherapy: This procedure involves injecting chemical solutions or foam into the spider veins to scar and close the veins off. By closing the veins off, the blood can be redirected through healthier veins and help reduce signs of spider veins.
• Vein Laser Treatment: Vein laser treatment works by sending strong bursts of light onto the vein to make the vein slowly fade over time without using needles or cuts.
• Radiofrequency or Laser Ablation: Both laser and radiofrequency ablation work to heat and scar the spider veins using a catheter, allowing the veins to disappear and be reabsorbed back into the body.

It’s important to understand that not all vein treatments listed above may be appropriate for treating spider veins. For the best and most up-to-date information about how spider veins can be treated, visiting your vein specialist can help guide you towards the treatments you need. If you suffer from spider veins and experience venous insufficiency, then contacting our office at Vein Center of North Texas today for an appointment can help you get the treatment you need for clearer, younger-looking legs.