Spider Veins

Spider Veins are web like veins that lie just beneath the skin. Similar to varicose veins, but much smaller. They are often one of the first signs of venous insufficiency.


Risk Factors

Spider veins are caused by a condition known as venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs are unable to fully return the blood back up to the heart because of incompetent valves. The veins have one way valves which normally only allow blood from the legs to travel up the leg to the lungs to become reoxygenated. If the valves are damaged, they do not close and allow the blood to fall back down to the feet. This leads to the blood pooling in the legs. This cause pressure on the veins which then dilate over time.

Symptoms

Often asymptomatic

Heaviness in the legs, especially when standing up a lot or at the end of the day

Aching in the legs


Diagnosis

Physical examination by your vascular surgeon will show the web like veins under the skin (see picture). Your surgeon may also request venous insufficiency ultrasound to check the function of the valves in your veins and to make sure there are no blood clots in the veins (DVT-Deep Vein Thrombosis).


Treatment

The vascular surgeon will inject a sclerosing agent into the spider veins. A sclerosing agent is a chemical irritant that will clot the vein. It will then break down naturally and be reabsorbed by the body over time. Usually, this is considered a cosmetic treatment and the cost of treatment will not be covered by the insurance company.

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