Varicose veins and spider veins are common conditions found among older people and those who are overweight and sedentary. When it comes down to spider veins vs varicose veins, they are not the same. Spider veins are small red or blue blood vessels that are visible under the skin. They are normally harmless and can occur due to poor circulation. Spider veins are also smaller than varicose veins and can be as small as the width of one blood cell.
Varicose veins are twisted, swollen veins that have a ropey appearance. These abnormal veins appear just under the surface of the skin and normally occur in the legs, but can also make their presence known in other bodily areas.
Veins contain tiny, one-way valves that ensure that blood continues flowing to the heart. When these valves become damaged or weak, they can fail, leading to the backing up and pooling of blood. This valve failure causes the veins to swell to a larger size than normal, leading to the development of varicose veins.
It is very common for people to have varicose veins, particularly those who are obese, older, female and sedentary. Those with a family history of varicose veins are also more likely to develop them, as well as women who are pregnant.
Losing weight, exercising, and elevating the legs while resting can prevent varicose veins from worsening. Other things that can help are not crossing the legs when sitting, avoiding standing for long periods and wearing loose-fitting clothing.
Regarding treatment options for spider veins vs varicose veins, one popular treatment for both conditions is sclerotherapy. This treatment normally eliminates from 50 to 80 percent of the affected veins and relieves symptoms like burning, aching, cramping and swelling.
Sclerotherapy is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure involves the injection of a special solution that dissolves the abnormal veins. How many veins are treated at one time will vary based upon the location and size of the veins to be treated.
In addition to sclerotherapy, spider veins and varicose veins can also be treated with other techniques, such as laser light, radiofrequency energy and more. All of the treatments are meant to be as non-invasive as possible, with little to no downtime afterwards.
When it comes down to picking the most effective treatment for removing your spider veins vs varicose veins, the best way to make a decision on treatment is to schedule a consultation at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center in El Segundo. Our practice happily serves the Los Angeles and surrounding cities. Contact us today to book your appointment.