Varicose veins can be embarrassing. No one wants to wear a bathing suit that shows off their spider veins, right? What may be even more concerning is that spider veins and varicose veins can be precursors to more serious health conditions, namely thrombosis.
What are varicose veins?
Our bodies use blood vessels, such as veins, to safely carry blood from our heart to our muscles. Veins have one-way valves that allow your blood to return to your heart. When the valves become weak or damaged, the blood flow can be disrupted and backflow in the veins. Varicose veins are large, raised veins that are swollen and twisted due to disrupted blood flow. (NHLBI) They appear most often in the legs and are visible through the skin.
What are spiders veins and are they different that varicose veins?
While varicose veins are large, raised blood vessels, spider veins are smaller versions that can be red, purple, or even blue in color. Spider veins most often occur on the legs as well as the face. They are caused by the same type of flow disruption and pooling of blood inside weak or damaged valve ways. Both varicose and spider veins can present muscle cramping, pain, or a throbbing or burning sensation in the localized region.
Do varicose or spider veins cause thrombosis?
Sometimes the disruption of blood flow in the case of varicose veins can lead to developing a blood clot, a condition otherwise known as thrombosis or thrombophlebitis. (News Medical) This can cause to further disruption of blood flow to essential organs and cause severe health complications if left untreated.
Thankfully, there are excellent medical solutions for treating varicose and spider veins. Our ReVital care team is trained and experienced in Invisi-Vein Procedures. If you’re suffering from varicose veins or spider veins, we can help you see which treatment may be best for your unique situation. Click here to schedule your next appointment today.