The presence of spider veins can have an undesirable effect on a person’s appearance and, in many cases, the condition can hurt the self-esteem as well. Spider veins are visible through the skin and usually look like the legs of a spider as they branch off in different directions. Sometimes, they appear interwoven like a spider’s web. Obviously, this is how they got their name.
Spider veins frequently appear on the legs and face. As a result, many people seek treatment to make them go away so the appearance can return to normal, just as it was before the spider veins formed.
Fortunately for individuals who have spider veins, they usually do not create any serious health effects. In the vast majority of cases, the only issue they cause is related to the appearance. In some cases, however, spider veins can cause feelings of burning or itching. In rare cases, spider veins can be indicative of blood backup in veins that are deeper within the tissue and not visible through the skin.
When blood begins to back up or pool in larger vessels, varicose veins can develop. They are much more likely to produce symptoms that can interfere with a person’s lifestyle. They can at times be painful, and they are more likely to cause itching and burning than spider veins are. Varicose veins can also cause swelling of the feet and ankles and, in more severe cases, swelling of the legs.
If you have spider or varicose veins, you may want to have a conversation with our team to find out what treatment methods are feasible, based on your specific condition. If you are having symptoms, you should definitely bring them to our attention.
Sclerotherapy is an old treatment method that is still widely used today because of its effectiveness. It is done when a solution in injected into the targeted veins. This solution thickens the blood and irritates the walls of the vessel. It then causes the vein to seal off and turn into scar tissue. The remaining tissue is absorbed by the body over the next several weeks and the veins start to disappear from view.
Laser treatments are also widely used to eliminate spider and varicose veins. When this method is used, the laser is focused on the vein that is to be removed. The heat from the laser then destroys the vein.
Both of these treatments can be done in the comfort of our office and do not require a hospital stay. In addition, persons who receive the treatments can return to their normal daily activities right away, with no need for extended time away from work.
If you are struggling with varicose or spider veins and have been hesitant to seek treatment because you were concerned about recovery times or discomfort, there is good news available. Talking with the team at Cardiology Consultants of Southwest Florida and The Vein Center may very well give you hope for an easily administered treatment that you never thought would be available to you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Fort Myers.
