Spider Veins and Varicose Veins
Large twisted blue or purplish veins visible at the skins surface are known as varicose veins. Any vein in your body can become varicose but it usually occurs in the legs and feet due to the pressure the lower body endures to keep your body upright. It is caused by the weakening of the valves and veins in your legs. Varicose veins are usually hereditary. We are also more prone to get varicose veins as we age. Symptoms include itching, burning, throbbing or cramping in the legs and around the veins. Self-care measures such as exercising, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings are used to ease the pain and prevent varicose veins from getting worse. If these measures dont work, see your doctor to discuss medical treatments that are available to close or remove varicose veins.
Recently Answered
- Q What is cryo-sclerotherapy?
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Dr. Luis Navarro, Vascular MedicineThe conventional treatment for varicose veins is effective but uncomfortable. In this video, vein specialist Luis Navarro, MD, describes cryo-sclerotherapy and explains why it is an improvement. Full Answer
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- Q When should I call my doctor if I have varicose veins?
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Call your doctor if you have varicose veins and: Your leg suddenly becomes swollen and painful. You might have a blood clot in a deep vein, which can be serious and may need prompt attention. Skin over a varicose vein begins to bleed on its own or... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage varicose veins on a daily basis?
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If you have a mild case of varicose veins, you will not need to do anything daily. You might make some lifestyle adjustments such getting exercise, sitting with your feet up, or not standing or sitting for extended periods of time. You can make changes... Full Answer
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- Q How do varicose veins affect the body?
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Varicose veins are caused by changes in the circulatory system. Due to changes in blood flow or the elasticity in your veins, blood begins to pool in certain areas rather than being circulated back to the heart. This leads to the blue or purple color of... Full Answer
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- Q How is sclerotherapy performed?
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The veins to be treated are marked while the patient is standing. The skin over the spider veins is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Bright, indirect light and magnification help ensure that the process is completed with maximum precision. Larger... Full Answer
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- Q How can lasers help in the treatment of spider veins?
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Dr. Arthur Perry, Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeryLasers can be used to destroy spider veins. Honest surgeons will tell you that the lasers are a less efficient technique than sclerotherapy (a method of treating spider veins by injecting chemicals directly into the capillaries). Only small... Full Answer
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- Q What is sclerotherapy for varicose veins?
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Sclerotherapy uses an injection of a special chemical (sclerosant) into a varicose vein to damage and scar the inside lining of the vein. This causes the vein to close. During this procedure, the affected leg is elevated to drain blood and the sclerosant... Full Answer
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- Q What should I expect after having sclerotherapy for varicose veins?
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Sclerotherapy generally does not require any recovery period. You will likely be able to walk immediately after the treatment but you should take it easy for a day or two. Bed rest is not recommended, but you may need to avoid strenuous exercise for a... Full Answer
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- Q What are the risks of sclerotherapy for varicose veins?
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The risks of sclerotherapy include: Skin color changes along the treated vein. This is the most common side effect of sclerotherapy. The discoloration may take 6 to 12 months to disappear. In some people, it may be permanent. Failure of treatment... Full Answer
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- Q What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyBoth spider veins and varicose veins are caused by increased pressure on the valves in the veins. Dr. Oz explains the difference between spider veins and varicose veins in this video. Full Answer
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