Varicose & Spider Veins

Varicose veins result from an enlargement and dilatation of veins just beneath the skin and occur mainly in the legs. This enlargement of the veins results from a weakening in the vein wall, and a dysfunction of vein valves which regulate blood flow through the vein. The condition can be aggravated by pregnancy, obesity, and occupations requiring long periods of standing. Varicose veins range in severity from spider veins (telangiectasia) to severe, ropy, twisted veins accompanied with skin sores (venous ulcerations).

There may be no symptoms with even large varicose veins, whereas, some people with smaller varicose or spider veins may experience symptoms. Localized pain around the vein, swelling, and intermittent episodes of redness, pain and inflammation (phlebitis) are the hallmark symptoms of varicose veins. The main reason patients have their veins treated are because of the above symptoms or because of a cosmetic concern.

Treatment
Some of the symptoms of varicose veins can be treated without intervention by wearing support stockings during the day. However, for definitive treatment the vein needs to be surgically removed or 'stripped', or in many cases the vein can be treated by sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves injecting an irritating solution into the vein and applying a compression dressing to the leg. This injection into the vein then causes the vein to scar closed and, thus, obliterates the offending vein.

If you think you have symptoms from varicose veins, it is important to rule out other possible causes before attributing it to the vein. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask our nursing staff or one of the vascular surgeons about your concerns.