Varicose and spider veins are two conditions that affect practically half of all men and women. They’re often confused with each other, but there are differences between the two. One of the biggest differences is what happens if the conditions are left untreated. Sometimes the condition is fine and won’t pose any further health problems, other times they can be dangerous and can lead to severe problems down the road.
Just because you’re suffering from varicose or spider veins doesn’t mean you need to immediately run to the Advanced Vein Center and try to get them fixed. Depending on which of these conditions you have, and how advanced the condition is, you could treat them at home, or not at all.
Let’s take a look at each vein type and outline if and when you will need vein treatment for it.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are the ugly, protruding veins that wind their way up your leg like purple ropes. They’re caused by increased blood pressure on the veins because of inactivity, genetics, age or gravity. Some symptoms of varicose veins, aside from the swollen look of the veins, are tired, heavy or aching legs.
During the beginning stages of varicose veins, formal treatment isn’t necessary. Moving around, exercising, and resting with your feet raised will help counteract some of the biggest causes of varicose veins. It’s also recommended to wear compression stockings for a while. These stockings help keep the veins from being swollen and help the blood flow within them.
However, if these at-home treatments aren’t working, or if more varicose veins appear on the legs, it may be time to schedule an appointment with the Advanced Vein Center and check out our vein treatment options. Severe varicose veins can rupture, cause a blood clot within them to migrate to another part of the body or prevent the movement of blood.
Spider Veins
Often confused with varicose veins, spider veins are located much closer to the surface of the skin and have a less chance of leading to severe health problems down the road. They get their name from their clustered appearance which resembles a spider’s legs or its web.
The at-home treatment for spider veins is essentially the same as varicose veins are the causes for the problems are so similar. The best way to prevent spider veins from occurring is to get plenty of exercise, keep moving, and keep the feet elevated as much as possible.
Spider veins may be an annoying aesthetic problem for people, but they pose a much less threat to the rest of the body as varicose veins do. However, if the problem of spider veins don’t cease with the at-home treatments, the Advanced Vein Center has treatment options for spider veins as well.
If spider and varicose veins are a problem in your life, call the Advanced Vein Center and schedule a consultation to see if vein treatment is necessary.