10 Things You Really Need To Know about Spider Veins

1. Why are they called ‘spider veins'?

The medical name for spider veins is 'telangiectasias' – so enough said really. Most people find it a whole lot easier to call them spider veins or thread veins. Spider veins show up as a network of thin blue or red veins just below the skin's surface on the legs and face. The pattern made by spider veins resembles the branches of a tree or the structure of a spider's web - hence the name most of us use.

2. How common are spider veins?

Spider veins are extremely common affecting an amazing one in four women at some stage in their lives, and a slightly lower percentage of men.

3. When am I most likely to get them?

Although they can affect people at all stages of life, spider veins are more common after mid-life when the skin becomes thinner and loses some of its collagen allowing the spider veins to show through.

4. What causes spider veins?

Spider veins result from weak vein valves which cause blood to leak back into the vein and collect there. It is this leaked blood that becomes visible and unsightly to the naked eye.

No one knows the exact causes of spider veins but there are several factors that may make it more likely for you to develop them including: age, genes, pregnancy and hormonal changes, excess weight, standing or sitting for long periods and unprotected sun exposure. Of all these– your genes are the single most important determining factor. If your mum or dad had spider veins you are much more likely to develop them yourself.

5. Why are legs most affected?

The force of gravity, the pressure of bearing your body weight and the hard task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make legs the main area of risk for spider veins. Compared to the work done by other veins in the body, your leg veins have a really tough job to do to get the blood back up to your heart. Leg veins have to endure huge pressure and it can simply prove to be too strong for the valve mechanism to cope with.

6. Are they the same as varicose veins?

No – varicose veins are a completely different condition. Varicose vein sufferers do not necessarily get spider veins and vice versa.

7. Are spider veins dangerous?

No, spider veins are not dangerous. Of course, they can be a source of anxiety and may affect your quality of life and your self-confidence. At the very least they are unsightly and it is for this reason alone that so many women want to get rid of them.

8. Can spider veins be treated?

Yes, spider veins can be treated - nowadays with a high degree of success.

9. What's the best method of treating spider veins?

There are two main methods of treating spider veins. The first involves treatment with lasers in which strong bursts of light are used to destroy the blocked veins. The second treatment method is scelerotherapy which involves the injection of a solution into the veins causing the vein to seal shut and die. Both these methods involve visits to a clinic for treatment by a medical professional. Otherwise home remedies are available for the treatment of spider veins using creams and lotions which can be bought on the internet.

10. Will spider veins come back after treatment?

Current treatments for spider veins have a very high success rate although there is no guarantee that they won't return. Watching weight, eating a varied diet high in antioxidants and taking plenty of leg exercise can all help prevent any recurrence.

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Bulging, Ugly Veins? What Can You Do? - by Kevin Agrawal

Are your veins reddish or bluish, threadlike veins that appear just below the surface of the skin. They can appear on any part of the body, hidden or conspicuous, but are often seen on legs. They are can cover a small or large patch of your body. Many times they are accompanied with a dull throbbing discomfort, burning sensation or heaviness in the legs. With or without discomfort, spider veins are unsightly blemishes on the skin. Since these types of unsightly bulging veins appear mostly in women due to hormonal changes, they can spoil the appearance of smooth, fine looking legs and cause them to look older or unattractive.

Whether bulging veins are a bothersome discomfort or just unattractive, or both, there are several practical steps you can take.
General Tips to Avoid Spider Veins!

• Wear support hose. This helps to relieve the discomfort of bulging veins and also provide venous support so that bulging veins do not develop.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly to get the blood pumping through the circulatory system.
• Put your legs up against a wall at a 90 degree angle to your torso for about 10 to 15 minutes a day. Or, try keeping your legs elevated on some extra pillows while you are sleeping at night.
• Eat a high fiber diet to avoid constipation which puts pressure on veins. Constipation is often associated with painful bulging veins and more serious complications.
• Wear low-heeled shoes. High-heeled shoes are believed to restrict the proper circulation of blood in the legs.
• Protect your face from the sun by using a sunscreen. Bulging, visible facial veins, especially in very fair-skinned people, could be caused by too much exposure to the sun.
• Avoid wearing tight-fighting clothes that could restrict circulation to your legs, tight jeans or girdles are good examples.
• Avoid crossing your legs if you have to sit for long hours.
• If your job requires you to stand or sit for a long periods, take a 15-minute break every 2 to 3 hours.

Clinical and Surgical Choices

• Sclerotherapy. This is the most popular vein therapy for treating unwanted bulging veins. In this procedure, a tiny needle is injected into each vein and a chemical is released which either closes up the vein or makes it collapse. Appearance of spider veins usually is unnoticeable after a month. This procedure has a 50 to 90 percent chance of obliterating veins.
• Laser Surgery. This procedure involves sending light pulses into the vein which closes the vein. Multiple sittings are required. More intricate surgical methods are used for large veins.
• Endovenous methods involving radiofrequency and laser ablation are used to treat deep veins. The energy produced heats up the blood vessel, shrinks it and causes it to close.

Nutritional Supplements

The foods we eat have a direct bearing on our health. There are certain foods which help certain functions of the body. For vein health, include plenty of berries in your diet. All kinds of brightly-colored berries have bioflavonoids containing antioxidant potency. Antioxidants help to keep blood vessels strong. Citrus fruits contain Vitamin C. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant and plays a role in the healthy circulation of blood. Green vegetables help to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and support venous health.
In addition, several nutrients and herbs have been well-researched and have been traditionally used for supporting venous health:

• Diosmin - an antioxidant which supports the elasticity of veins.
• Hesperidin - an antioxidant in citrus fruits which helps to support healthy blood circulation.
• Horse Chestnuts - support blood circulation especially in the lower legs
• Gotu Kola - supports the production of collagen and elastin especially the one-way valves in the inner walls of blood vessels
• Butcher's Broom - supports the healthy circulation of blood in the system

Vein supplements like Vein Matrix, are well-formulated to support vein health. Taken regularly it can help support the healthy circulation of blood and healthy blood vessels. It basically provides nutritional support to help keep your legs looking healthy and beautiful!

Pathogenesis of Varicosity - by bcured

Chronic venous disease of the lower limbs is one of the most common medical conditions seen in clinical practice. There is some disagreement over the actual prevalence of chronic venous insufficiency due to the lack of a standardized definition. There have been several large epidemiological studies with varied criteria for venous disease. Amazingly, approximately 50% of middle aged adults have varicose veins. Definitions range from "any prominent superficial vein in the lower extremity" to "a vein which has permanently lost its valvular efficiency and, as a result of continuous dilation under pressure, in the course of time becomes elongated, tortuous, pouched and thickened." Specialists assessed all of the studies with regard to age range and distribution of study population, criteria used to diagnose varicose veins, geographical site of the study population and methods used to assess venous disease. They reported half of the adult population manifesting minor venous disease, and less than half (women 20-25%; men 10-15%) having visible varicose veins. The pathogenesis of varicose veins is thought to include increased venous and capillary pressures, increased capillary permeability, chronic edema, repeated inflammation, and stasis. Some of the risk factors associated with developing varicose veins are obesity, high systolic blood pressure, cigarette smoking, low levels of physical activity, pregnancy, abdominal or pelvic masses, ascites, and occupations that require prolonged standing. Patients will often self-diagnose varicose veins and present to the physician with elongated, dilated, tortuous superficial veins (usually in the legs) whose valves have become incompetent. Patients may experience aching, fatigue, or heat that is relieved by elevation or wearing compressive hosiery. Symptoms are not always related to the degree or size of the varicose veins. Patients who present with asymptomatic varicosities often seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. Primary varicose veins are not associated with deep venous disease, and treatment is indicated to relieve symptoms and improve appearance. Treatment is particularly valuable to clear excessive discharge or accumulation of fluid in venous tissue. However, treatment is rarely required to prevent further complications. Varicosities that occur secondary to obstruction and valvular incompetence of the deep venous system are much more serious because of the associated risk of pulmonary thromboembolism. Physicians evaluating a patient for presumed varicose veins must rule out other possible causes for the presenting symptoms: lumbar nerve root irritation can cause an aching sensation in the leg; peripheral neuritis causes a burning sensation in the leg; and arterial insufficiency may present with intermittent claudication. A deep vein thromboembolism can present with calf pain, and patients on estrogen have an increased risk. Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee are also considerations in the differential diagnosis of varicose veins. The pain associated with varicose veins is uniquely relieved with leg elevation. Before modern pharmaceutical drugs were introduced in the 1930s, physicians in the United States have long been providing extracts from plants to their patients. Over the years, medical professionals and the general public have been showing greater interest in the development of plant medicines. And here at Nature's Pharma, our goal is to provide as much information as possible on the plant-based medicinal products. VenousBalm-Rx and VenousDrops are new topical and oral remedies to treat varicose and spider veins. They are characterized by very strong and real pharmacological activities which unequivocally qualify them as "ethical drugs". The effectiveness of these treatments is undisputed. These treatments are concentrated with a wide spectrum of medicinal plant extracts exhibiting curative effects against varicose veins, as published by the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. For those seeking an end to varicose veins and related conditions, these products deliver the goods. VenousBalm-Rx and VenousDrops are established to not only reverse conditions stemming from venous insufficiency, but also improve the overall tone of the veins. These are true venous blood decongestants and used to negate venous blood stagnation which causes varicose veins and venous insufficiency. The astringent properties of these treatments provide a tightening effect to skin tissue. Here at Nature's Pharma, we are proud to have developed a top-quality selection of medicinal products designed to address a variety of illnesses. Our products are based on advancements made in medicinal plants as they apply to virology, immunology, and dermatology.

Medical Tourism -Low Cost Sclerotherapy-Varicose-Veins-Surgery In India - by Pankaj S. Nagpal

Sclerotherapy - Varicose - Veins - Surgery In India

Sclerotherapy is a treatment that involves injecting a solution into unwanted varicose or spider veins. These veins may appear on the legs or may be hidden under the skin and fat. The unwanted blood vessels are red or bluish in colour and are a common problem..

Causes of varicose and spider veins

The cause of varicose and spider veins is not known. However, in many cases, they run in families. Women seem to develop this problem more often than men. Changes in oestrogen levels in the blood may have a role in the development of varicose veins...

Other factors that may contribute include : -

* Standing or sitting for long periods
* Being immobile for long periods (for example, being confined to bed)
* Lack of exercise
* Obesity...

How sclerotherapy works

The solution,which is injected into the vein, is called a sclerosant. It causes the vein to close by irritating the blood vessel so that it swells and sticks together. This process causes the veins to fade and eventually they can no longer be seen. Some vessels will have vanished by the time the support stockings are removed...

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (UGS) uses ultrasound to locate the underlying leaking veins and aims to seal off the leakage points. The leakage could come from small 'perforating veins' that are usually below the knees, or main valves behind the knees or in the groin...

UGS is best for people with : -

* Very large varicose veins
* Leg ulcers
* Skin conditions (such as pigmentation or eczema)...

Vain and the procedure

The injection uses a fine needle that causes a barely noticeable pinprick feeling. Some people experience a slight to moderate burning feeling immediately after the injection, but this disappears after a few seconds. ..

Possible side effects

Possible side effects of sclerotherapy include : -

* Bruising : - usually at the site of the injection. This will disappear in a few weeks.

* Brown lines or spots : - these may appear on the skin at the site of the injected blood vessels. This can occur when blood escapes from the treated vein into the skin. ...

Possible causes of inflammation

Inflammation (phlebitis) and blood clots can be caused if : -

* No compression has been applied.
* The applied compression has not been enough.
* You are on the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy.
* There is an underlying tendency to clotting. ..

Minimising the risk of varicose and spider veins

The following suggestions may help to prevent varicose and spider veins : -

* Wear support stockings.
* Maintain good weight control.
* Get regular exercise. ..

Things to remember

* Sclerotherapy is the injection of a solution into varicose or spider veins
* Most people can expect an improvement in the appearance of treated veins.
* Side effects of sclerotherapy may include bruising, swelling or brown lines or spots...

Causes And Prevention Of Spider Veins - by Ben Pate

Spider veins are just one of the many unfortunate results of getting older. These little clusters of veins are often visible on the thighs, around your ankles and behind your knees. Fortunately this medical condition has no affect to your health other than its physical appearance.

It's comforting to know that there is no serious problem, but this doesn't ease the way that you feel about your appearance. There are many misconceptions about how spider veins are formed, such as wearing tight garters or boots all of the time. None of these are causes of spider veins.

We all know the importance of eating the right foods, and exercising but so many of us begin worrying about it when our bodies begin changing. It's never too late to begin improving your health. You can do a little research online to learn more about implementing a good diet plan and exercise program into your life.

The cause of this condition is still undetermined. While there is no exact cause of this medical condition it is believed to be due to poor blood circulation and excess pressure on your legs as a result of being overweight.

You can prevent spider veins and varicose veins by maintaining a healthy life - eating well and increasing the blood flow through exercise. Some other methods of prevention include avoiding excessive heat on your legs, moving your legs frequently if your job involves prolonged sitting or standing. You can learn more about simple movements to improve the blood flow during long hours of sitting or standing.

Since prevention isn't always the answer, you need to find the best alternative to hide them. There are various methods. It's important that you learn more about the various spider vein treatments before choosing the first one. It would be best if you first read up online about the various treatments and then discuss them with a medical professional. This will help you to make the best decision for you.

The first method is laser treatments. This is among the most popular treatment. It's a simple procedure that will involve small bursts of light that will destroy the blocked veins. The second is electrical treatment. The electrical treatment will coagulate the blood. You may require a series of treatments depending on how long you have had them. Another form of treatment is chemical injections, called scelerotherapy.

One of the downsides of any one of these various treatments is that there is a risk that the spider veins will return. The only way to prevent this from happening is to change the way that you live your life. Begin eating healthier foods, and adding in some type of exercise program especially leg exercises. It's extremely important that you promote good blood flow. When most people think of exercise their first thought is the gym, but it can be as simple as a daily walk, a simple run and some laps in the pool. There are many additional benefits to exercise to your overall health.

Cosmetic Treatment Options for Spider and Varicose Veins - by Phillip Stone

Below are some common treatments for spider veins and varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy

This is the most common treatment for varicose veins and spider veins. A solution is injected into the vein. The solution causes the vein walls to increase in size and, eventually, stick together and seal shut. Blood stops flowing to the vein, and the vein turns to scar tissue. The vein disappears in a few weeks. This is a very effective treatment overall. It is performed in a doctor's office and does not require anesthesia. After treatment, the patient may experience pain at the site of the treatment, and small sores and bruises may appear at the injection site.

Surgical Ligation & Stripping

An incision is made on the skin at the site of the varicose vein. The vein is tied up and removed from the leg. General anesthesia or local anesthesia in conjunction with a sedative may be used. The treatment is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Large veins can be removed with this method. Severe side effects are very uncommon, but it is likely that the patient will feel some pain for a couple of weeks.

Laser Surgery

A laser is placed on the skin surface and aimed at the varicose vein. An intense stream of light is sent through the skin to the vein. This causes the vein to fade and eventually disappear. This treatment is effective only on small veins, and several treatments may be required for best results. There are no incisions made in the skin. There may be pain from the heat of the laser when and where it goes through the skin, but there is no recovery time after the treatment.

Endovenous Surgery

A small catheter is inserted through the skin into the vein. A concentrated burst of energy, either laser or radiofrequency energy, is sent through the catheter into the vein. The energy shrinks and seals the walls of the vein which stops the flow of blood to the vein. Deep, large veins can be treated with this method. It can be done in a doctor's office. There may be some pain and bruising at the sight where the catheter is inserted.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

A tiny incision is made in the skin. Surgical hooks are inserted through the incision. The hooks pull out the vein. One treatment removes the varicose vein. Only local or regional anesthesia is necessary. The patient is out of work for one day. This procedure effectively removes large veins through a small incision. There may be slight, but temporary, bruising and numbness in the area treated.

Other Natural Remedies

There are many natural remedies that are believed to improve or eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. Some of the natural remedies are exercise techniques, massage therapy, and treatment with herbal supplement either taken orally or applied as a compress to the affected area.

Varicosities and its concerned fears haunt the modern man - by Christina Lobo

Varicose Veins are haunting the urban man, more often than any other disease now-a-days. Being overweight and less of exercise does contribute to the many diseases that are surfacing among the urban population. But the urban man might prefer diabetes and hypertension to some extent but not Varicose veins. And being over-conscious about their cosmetic appearance, makes Varicose veins the most detested disease by all. Let us discuss and understand why varicose veins are nightmares for the modern man. Varicose veins and telangiectasia (spider veins) are the visible surface manifestations of an underlying problem with reverse venous flow, which is also termed venous insufficiency syndrome. Venous insufficiency syndromes describe venous blood deviating from a normal flow path and flow in a retrograde direction so that fluid accumulates, causing a "congested" leg. Mild forms of venous insufficiency are merely uncomfortable, annoying, or cosmetically disfiguring, but severe venous disease can produce serious systemic consequences and can lead to loss of life or limb. Researchers have found out that Females are more prone to varicosities than males at any age, because of fluctuating hormonal factors. Most patients with venous insufficiency have subjective symptoms that may include pain, soreness, burning, aching, throbbing, cramping, muscle fatigue, and restless legs. Over time, chronic venous insufficiency leads to cutaneous and soft tissue breakdown that can be debilitating. Chronic venous insufficiency eventually produces chronic skin and soft tissue changes that begin with mild swelling and then progress to include discoloration, inflammatory dermatitis, recurrent or chronic cellulitis, cutaneous infarction, ulceration, and even malignant degeneration.

Chronic non-healing leg ulcers, bleeding from varicose veins and recurrent phlebitis are serious problems that are caused by venous insufficiency and can be relieved by the correction of venous insufficiency.

The symptoms of Varicosities do appear gradually, and it is better that you notice them at an early stage. Most varicose and spider veins in adults have their genesis in childhood. Serial examinations of children aged 10-12 years and again 4 and 8 years later showed that symptoms are experienced (and venous test results are abnormal) before any abnormal veins are visible at the surface of the skin.

When abnormal veins do become visible, reticular veins usually appear first and are followed after several years by incompetent perforators. Smaller telangiectatic webs and large varicose veins usually become visible only in adulthood, many years after the true onset of disease. Although varicosities continue to worsen and to recruit new areas of involvement throughout life, only a small number of new cases appear after the childbearing years.

Dr. Arlen G. Fleisher is Board-certified in Cardiothoracic Surgery and in Phlebology (the study and treatment of varicose and spider veins). He is an expert in his field and offers state-of-the-art and most minimally invasive techniques. All procedures are performed in his contemporary office suite, located in Hartsdale, New York, and involve minimal pain, discomfort and downtime with optimal results for his patients. He offers free vein screenings by appointment. One of the state-of-art Vein Treatment Centers in Westchester, Premier Vein Centers is run and operated by Dr. Fleisher.

Varicoses Veins,Symptoms and Treatments - by harryjackson9

An effective treatment for varicose veins is through compression. There is no known cure for this condition, but wearing compression stockings is very helpful in alleviating symptoms, including soreness, swelling, and bulging, and improving blood flow in the legs. The benefits of using these types of socks are that they are cost-effective and are not an invasive method, like surgery. They can also help to stop the condition of the veins from worsening.

There are two endovenous procedures that can be used to remove severe varicose veins in the legs or thighs. These techniques are less invasive than vein stripping and do not require an overnight stay. Both procedures require the insertion of a device inside the varicose vein. The endovenous radio frequency closure procedure uses a catheter to transmit radio frequency energy to seal the varicose vein. The endovenous laser procedure uses a diode laser to transmit laser energy to seal the varicose vein. In both cases, the varicose vein will turn into scar tissue and eventually fade away in several weeks. After either procedure, a person could resume his or her normal routine the very next day.

Most people suffering from varicose veins seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, but varicose veins are often more than just a cosmetic problem. Varicose veins are very painful at times and will itch, sometimes resulting in ulcers in the most extreme cases. In general, most people only relate varicose veins to the legs, but in all actuality they can occur anywhere on the body. Spider veins are enlarged veins that are no longer preventing blood from flowing in reverse. They can be different colors under the skin like blue, purple, or a pinkish red. Sometimes they are not chronic but related to pregnancy in women when spider veins form in the birthing region.

For a stressed person, varicose veins symptoms cannot be easily detected because stress makes him or her feel that every muscle in his or her body is in pain. However, try to be careful if you are experiencing cramps in a certain region of your body, especially in the legs. If too much pressure is given to your legs, it will cause not only muscle pains but also gradual appearance of varicose veins. These instances frequently happen when a woman gets pregnant. Veins in the lower parts of the body tend to bring the blood upwards, but the pressure goes downward, and this complicates things; thus causing the appearance of these veins.

Symptoms

For a stressed person, varicose veins symptoms cannot be easily detected because stress makes him or her feel that every muscle in his or her body is in pain. However, try to be careful if you are experiencing cramps in a certain region of your body, especially in the legs. If too much pressure is given to your legs, it will cause not only muscle pains but also gradual appearance of varicose veins. These instances frequently happen when a woman gets pregnant. Veins in the lower parts of the body tend to bring the blood upwards, but the pressure goes downward, and this complicates things; thus causing the appearance of these veins.

Having twisted purple linings on your body depends on how you perceive or treat it. If you are not the aesthetically and health conscious type, you could easily let go of the topic, but if you are at the other end of the personality line, then you would probably be in search of many answers about spider veins symptoms. Some may only be concerned by inner health when cramps overtake their bodies and do not give a damn about superficial consequences. On the other hand, there are others who will do anything, even surgery, just to get rid of these varicose veins. What you do really depends on how you see the situation.

They form when valves in the veins that are supposed to direct blood flow towards your heart stop working correctly and, as a result, blood pools in the veins - causing them to enlarge. Normally these one-way valves work against gravity to direct blood towards the heart. When they become weakened or damaged and don't close properly the blood may start to flow backward - this is known as Venous Insufficiency or Venous Reflux. When veins near the surface of your skin can't handle the excess blood and pressure they engorge and turn into varicose veins.

Treatments

Veins naturally have a valve function that keeps blood from flowing the wrong way. When the vein walls weaken this valve may cease to function properly and allow some backflow in the blood. In this way the veins could become gorged and the flow of blood would slow and cause the veins to expand and appear along the surface of the skin.

While anyone may get veins, women who are pregnant or overweight are much more susceptible to getting them. This is due to the nature of the blood flow and the pressure that they put on their veins and their circulatory system. Overweight individuals or those who are often standing for long periods of time are also more susceptible to varicose veins.

6 No Cost Tips to Prevent Spider Veins - by Sutiyo Na

The best cure against any disease regardless if it is minor or major is prevention because you can save time and money. Here are some tips you can do to prevent spider veins from developing on your legs.

High fiber diet. It will also help if you consume food that is high on fiber. Such as vegetables, fresh fruit, bran and other kinds of whole grains. The reason for a high fiber diet is to avoid constipation - based on the fact that constipation leads to the formation of spider veins.

Control of salt intake. You must also make sure that you regulate the amount of salt that you get inside your system. Too much sodium in your body can lead to swelling that may lead to the development of the veins.

Exercise regularly. Take exercise regularly like walking, jogging, running, climbing and swimming as such activities will really help to improve blood circulation and lessen pooling and pressure in the veins. Eventually will help your veins to become strong.

Elevate your legs whenever possible. You can surely do this when you get home from school or work. The ideal angle of your feet should be higher than heart level so blood will be able to circulate all over the Body. You can elevate them a bit until you feel that part of your body rejuvenated.

Be mindful of what you wear. Avoid wearing clothes that constrict the different body parts such as legs, the waist and groins. Ensure that you wear clothes that are comfortable

Do not stand or sit down for along time. Because such activity will cause blood pooling and pressure in the veins. But if you have to do this, take an activity to regulate your blood circulation such as brisk walk. This can be done every 30 minutes or so.

When you are mindful about how to prevent the spider veins, you may never have to worry about finding the suitable spider vein treatment. And you do not need to spend your time and money.