Spider veins are the irritated veins that show up just beneath the skin’s surface and are often blue, red, or purple in nature. They’re most commonly found in women though men and women both may develop spider veins. Most often they can be seen on the legs, behind the knees, around the ankles and on the feet though they also show up on various parts of the face and chest as well.
Spider veins may be the result of any number of factors with the strongest being a predisposition due to hereditary tendencies. Birth control pills, hormonal fluctuations during menopause, pregnancy or puberty, obesity, a history of blood clots, or a job which requires long periods of standing or sitting may all contribute to the development of spider veins. They may show up in very small quantities or may cover large areas of the skin causing both embarrassment and discomfort. Many people assume that they will just have to accept and deal with the damaged veins and make little effort to treat them.
People suffering from spider veins should be aware that there are several side effects related to these damaged veins if they go untreated, side effects which may lead to more serious conditions. Patients may begin to notice a general itchiness or numb feeling around the area of the spider veins. Restless legs which keep the patient up at night, a constant tingling of the area, tired legs in general, a heaviness in the legs, throbbing, aching and cramping are all common side effects to those suffering from venous insufficiencies. Women with spider veins may find that these side effects become more prominent during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. If the spider veins remain untreated, they can lead to more serious problems such as ulcers (large sores), increased pain and discomfort, discoloration of the skin (particularly around the ankle where the skin is thinner than the rest of the leg), blood clots, and inflammation.
Each patient is different as is their spider vein condition but it’s important to seek medical attention to make sure they don’t develop some of these unwanted side effects. A vein specialist can treat the area affected by spider veins to keep them from developing further and even get rid of the spider veins that are currently present. There’s no need to live with the discomfort and embarrassment of spider veins any longer. Schedule a consultation to discuss how your spider veins can be removed permanently.