Varicose veins are enlarged, bulgy, and twisted veins. They are mostly seen in a person’s legs and feet. Varicose veins result from a condition known as “venous insufficiency”. Venous insufficiency develops when the valves inside of a vein does not work properly.
In healthy veins, the valves prevent blood from flowing backwards. In diseased or insufficient veins, the valves do not close properly, which results in blood pooling in certain parts of the vein. This is known as “reflux”.
This reflux, or backwards pooling of the blood can put too much pressure on the vein causing it to expand and protrude, which leads to the unsightly appearance of varicose veins.
Anyone can have varicose veins, but there are certain factors that could make someone more vulnerable to acquiring them. It is important to consider these risk factors because varicose veins can indicate other cardiovascular problems. There are also certain preventive measures that one can take to discourage the growth of varicose veins. These measures can also work to improve the symptoms of existing veins; however, if left untreated varicose veins will worsen overtime.
In mild cases, one may experience pesky little spider veins, which are tiny veins at the surface of the skin, and can appear without any associated symptoms. Although the appearance of spider veins can be bothersome, treatment is considered a cosmetic service, and cannot be covered by insurance because they are usually too small to do harm unlike varicose veins. However, spider veins can often signal the development of larger varicose veins so it is a good idea to have them looked at.
LA Vascular Center offers a variety of vein treatments. All of our services are performed right here in the office, and require zero downtime.
Varicose Vein Treatment Options include:
- DUPLEX ULTRASOUND EVALUATION
- SCLEROTHERAPY (Liquid, Foam, and Ultrasound Guided)
- ENDOVENOUS LASER TREATMENT (EVLT)
- MICROPHLEBECTOMY
- COMPRESSION STOCKING THERAPY
Please CONTACT US if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following in the legs, ankles, or feet:
- Visible, bulging veins
- Pain, aching, or cramping
- Swelling
- Skin discoloration or texture changes
- Burning or itching
- Heaviness or fatigue
- Restlessness
SPIDER VEINS: CAUSES
Varicose veins are common in all parts of the world, however multiple contributing factors can increase the risk. It is vital to recognize these elements FACTORS because varicose veins can indicate other cardiovascular problems. Comprehending the distinguishes between spider veins and varicose veins is absolutely vital in further treatment. By using cutting edgetechnology for performing ultrasound and vein mapping, our highly skilled experts and board certified vein surgeon, LA Vascular Specialists will assist you in tackling thaw problems with your veins. Spider and varicose veins may be an early warning sign of an unhealthy vein network. Also, varicose veins are frequently the cause for emerging spider veins!
TREATING YOUR VARICOSE VEINS CAN BE AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP TO CORRECTING SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
There are multiple conditions that can result into varicose and spider veins. Comprehending the distinguishes between spider veins and varicose veins is absolutely vital in further treatment. Spider veins are normally without any specific symptoms which has resulted into their treatment to be considered cosmetic. However, varicose veins are commonly the cause for emerging spider veins so it is a good idea to consult a physician if there are associated symptoms, such as: Pain (aching or cramping), heaviness/tiredness, swelling or edema, skin discoloration, skin ulcer, bulging veins, burning or tingling sensations, throbbing sensations, tenderness, dryness and itching/ eczema. Spider and varicose veins may be an early warning sign of an unhealthy vein network.
TREATMENT
It is understandable for the patient to be irritated by the appearances of spider veins. The treatment is therefore considered rather cosmetic. This treatment is rather quick minimally invasive, and requires no downtime.
DIAGNOSIS
Normally, LA Vascular Center can easily diagnose spider veins visually, or via a physical examination with a Veinlite (an LED instrument that enhances the appearance of veins). However, he may recommend that a client should have an ultrasound examination done if they have symptoms. An ultrasound is operated by our registered vascular technicians and is the main way to be sure that there are no further issues with the venous system. Once the thorough examination of the patients medical history is done, the discussion over determination of the best course of treatment and next steps will start.
SCLEROTHERAPY
This is the treatment of choice for spider veins or tiny varicose veins. LA Vascular Specialists injects an FDA approved sclerosing agent (Sotradecol or Asclera) directly into the problematic veins in order to close them.
The body will absorb the veins after treatment. We perform sclerotherapy in our office by using a special vein light. The treatment process usually takes no more than 15 minutes.
