Closer to the surface of the skin, spider veins are not as dramatic in appearance as varicose veins but that’s where the differences end. In fact, varicose and spider veins occur when valves in the veins prevent the blood from flowing properly, causing the blood to pool, resulting in the vein’s unsightly appearance. Many people seek treatment for varicose veins, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your spider veins. Here are some treatment options.
At-Home Remedies
Many times, simple lifestyle changes can help reduce or prevent spider veins from occurring. Some easily achievable treatments include —
- Avoiding Heat. When showering or heading into the sun, your blood vessels dilate, thereby bringing more blood, salt and fluid to your skin to help you sweat, which is nature’s way of cooling you down. Because spider veins cause your blood to back up, the increased blood flow may start to pool, causing your spider veins to worsen. If you have varicose or spider veins, it’s best to avoid hot showers (opt for warm) and keep out of the heat. The same may be said of sitting in hot tubs and Jacuzzis, using hot compresses, or sitting too close to a heat source.
- Elevating Your Legs. Raising your legs while resting or watching TV is a great way to encourage circulation, reduce inflammation, and take a load off. Simply place a few pillows under your legs, ensuring your legs are raised slightly above your heart. You can also raise your arms and hands to reduce spider veins there; to prevent or rid yourself of spider veins in the neck or face try propping up your head and shoulders while sleeping.
- Diet and Supplements. Varicose veins may be the result of certain deficiencies – in particular, magnesium and potassium – so taking a multi-vitamin or supplements may help. Foods containing Vitamins C (a natural antioxidant) and E (a natural blood thinner) are known to increase your cardiovascular health. Likewise, it’s best to avoid foods that cause inflammation, particularly those that are acidic, processed or high in sodium.
- Keeping active is one of the best ways to prevent or rid yourself of spider veins. Not only does exercise get your blood flowing, it makes the veins more elastic and helps reduce inflammation.
- Compression Hose. Wearing compression hose encourages circulation and can help relieve much of the discomfort that is associated with spider veins.
- Stand less. Undue pressure from standing all day can cause spider veins. If you are required to stand, try to take breaks or do your best to keep moving. Wear supportive, cushioned shoes and compression hose if possible.
Medical Treatments
When at-home treatments aren’t working, you may want to consider medical treatment. A qualified vein doctor may recommend any of the following treatments.
- Microphlebectomy. A minimally invasive outpatient procedure, microphlebectomy is used to remove medium or large varicose veins through a tiny incision in the leg.
- Venous Ablation Services. When pertaining to your circulatory system, ablation is a process of getting rid of problematic blood vessels. Commonly used ablation procedures include laser technology, heat that is delivered via radio waves, and image-guided closure systems.
- Sclerotherapy. Considered the gold standard for vein treatment, sclerotherapy is a medical procedure by which your doctor injects a solution comprised of saline or saltwater into the affected vein to shrink the lining of the vein, causing it to seal shut and eventually dissolve while naturally rerouting the blood to healthier veins nearby.
Spider veins can be unsightly, painful, and change the way you feel about yourself. The good news? There are easy out-patient treatments that require no down time and are painless. Premier Vein & Vascular specializes in the treatment of vein and vascular conditions, to include varicose and spider veins. Don’t put off treating your spider veins, call Premier Vein & Vascular at 1-888-VEINCARE or request an appointment online in either our Tampa or Largo locations by for a lifetime of vein and vascular health.
