patient information
What are varicose and spider veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged "rope-like" veins- blood
vessels - that are swollen and raised above the surface
of the skin. They can be flesh-colored, dark
purple or blue, and often look like a cluster of grapes.
They are commonly found on the back of the calves
or the inside of the legs. However, they can form
anywhere on the legs, from groin to ankle.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they
are smaller and closer to the surface of the skin. They
are often red or blue, and look like tree branches or
spider webs. They can occur anywhere on the legs,
and can cover either a very small or very large area
of skin. They don't bulge like varicose veins, but are
often more noticeable.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins result from abnormal inner walls
or abnormal valves in these blood vessels. Blood
is carried through arteries from the heart to the
rest of the body, and returned to the heart through
the body's veins, called the venous system.
Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps,
preventing blood from backing up and pooling.
When these one-way valves don't work properly,
blood then may flow backwards, causing the
veins to dilate (enlarge) and become varicose.
The technical terms for this condition are venous
reflux or venous insufficiency.
How common are varicose veins and spider veins?
More than 80 million Americans suffer from disease
of the veins. About 50-55% of women and
40-45% of men suffer from some form of vein
problem. Varicose veins affect 1 out of every 2
people older than the age of 50.
What are the risk factors for varicose veins and spider veins?
- Increasing age
- Family history
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Obesity
- Prolonged standing
- Prior deep venous thrombosis
What are the signs and symptoms of varicose veins?
In many cases, varicose and spider veins cause no
symptoms. However, these veins are often unattractive
and may become painful. Prolonged sitting or standing
tends to make legs with varicose veins feel worse.
Some common symptoms of them include:
- Aching pain
- Itching
- Burning
- Leg swelling
- Easily tired legs
- Numbness in the legs
- Leg heaviness
- Darkening of the skin
- Rash on the legs
- Skin ulcers
When to seek medical advice?
Self-help measures (conservative therapy) can help
ease the pain of varicose veins and may prevent them
from getting worse. But if the way they look and feel
becomes a concern or if self-help measures are not
successful, then it's time to see one of our doctors.
How are varicose & spider veins treated?
Several options are available for the treatment of
venous reflux (backflow) and varicose veins. Each has
its advantages and disadvantages. After your consultation
and ultrasound evaluation, our vein specialist
will recommend the best plan of treatment for your
medical or cosmetic needs.
Does my insurance cover treatment?
Most insurance companies cover treatments for varicose
veins that are medically necessary, and in cases
when conservative therapy with "compression" stockings
has failed. Any treatment for cosmetic reasons,
including sclerotherapy, is not covered
How can I get more information?
Make an appointment for a free consultation with one
of our doctors for answers to more specific questions
about your condition (631) 444-VEIN (8346) or click
on the "Request An Appointment" button located below
the picture of the physicians in their profile.
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