Spider veins are those networks of visible veins that sometimes appear on the legs.
They get their name because the red and blue lines often resemble the legs of a spider. Spider veins are not typically accompanied by physical symptoms. When spider veins hurt it could be a sign of a more serious underlying vein condition. That is why it is always a good idea to have spider veins assessed by a vein specialist, particularly if there are uncomfortable symptoms that appear along with the visible vessels.
Causes of Spider Veins
Spider veins can occur for a number of reasons. One of the most common is chronic venous insufficiency or CVI. This underlying vein condition also leads to the formation of varicose veins in many individuals. CVI occurs when tiny valves inside the veins stop working properly, allowing blood to pool inside the vessels. This leads to swelling of the vein, which can make the vein visible on the skin’s surface.
CVI is not the only cause of spider veins, however. Spider veins can also appear as a result of sun exposure, trauma to the skin or even hormonal fluctuations. In most cases, spider veins will not present with any noticeable symptoms. In these situations, spider vein treatment is usually considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. However, we offer effective treatment for cosmetic spider veins that will often get rid of visible veins in a single procedure, making treatment cost-effective as well.
Painful Veins
Superficial spider veins usually are not accompanied by any symptoms. In some cases, spider veins may result in a stinging or popping sensation, which often indicates the vessel has burst or broken. In other cases, spider vein sufferers may experience significant pain, aching and swelling. This may indicate an underlying vein issue exists, such as CVI in a deeper vein of the leg.
If your symptoms are a result of CVI, the problem will not go away on its own. In fact, CVI that is left untreated can progress, leading to even more prominent symptoms and even skin changes around the affected vein. While some of these symptoms will disappear once the vein is treated, others could become permanent. That is why it is so important to address these underlying problems as soon as possible to ensure more permanent complications do not develop.
Vein Treatment Options
There are effective treatments for spider veins, whether you want to eliminate them for cosmetic or medical reasons. If your spider veins are accompanied by significant symptoms that indicate an underlying vein disorder, your insurance carrier may cover at least a portion of your treatment costs. If the procedure will be done for purely cosmetic reasons, insurance coverage is not typically available. However, payment options are available to make this procedure more affordable to those on a limited budget.
At Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostics that can determine whether spider veins are indeed superficial or due to an underlying vein disorder. In addition, we offer a broad range of treatment options that allow us to customize treatment to the specific needs of each patient.
To learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of spider veins, contact Vein Specialists of the Carolinas at 704-861-2072 or 704-544-5245.
“All We Do Is Veins, All Day Every Day.”
