Spider veins and varicose veins stem from the same venous problems; problematic blood flows in tiny and large blood vessels. Both have discoloration; however, the difference between the two problems is that varicose veins result from faulty veins, are swollen, sometimes painful, and usually grow on the legs and pelvic area.
Meanwhile, spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are bluish, reddish, and purplish in color; the appearance is like that of a tree branch or a spider web. It’s visible on the skin and usually occurs on the legs and even on the face. Spider veins are harmless, but aesthetically, it is not appealing when it affects a large area of your legs.
These clusters result in blood pooling and disrupt proper blood flow, it backflows and affects the superficial blood vessels. So instead of flowing in one direction, it flows back, causing an increase in pressure within the area of the affected veins. With time, it may worsen, which will cause the vein walls to weaken then dilate.
Aging is not a big factor for spider veins to grow because even a young person may develop such a problem. So, how do tiny clusters of veins grow? Here are some factors that trigger spider veins growth:
1. How Compression Stockings Help with Spider Veins?
The first thing a medical professional will advise you to do is wear compression socks to prevent spider veins. This helps maintain pressure by squeezing on your muscles which helps rid the blood vessels from dilating. When the veins become smaller, blood circulation may go back to its normal one-track flow.
Different Types of Compression Stockings You Can Wear
These compression stockings come in various sizes, lengths, and designs. If you have venous problems in the upper legs, there are compression stockings for spider veins on thighs that you can purchase.
2. Medical Treatments for Spider Veins
There are treatments that can be done to remove spider veins. Although this vein problem doesn’t pose any health risk most of the time, vein treatments are more for aesthetic purposes. Here are those treatments:
Laser Treatment
This procedure can be done if the spider vein is closer to the skin’s surface and not bigger than 3 mm. The laser beam clots the blood vessel and dries it up.
Different Types of Compression Stockings You Can Wear
Also known as Endovenous Laser Ablation, uses two kinds of energy for spider vein removal; radiofrequency and laser. The procedure is done by making small incisions on the skin where the spider veins are and a tiny needle is inserted and uses either of the two energy.
There are minor side effects such as itching, swelling,.redness, bruising and sometimes permanent skin discoloration.
Sclerotherapy
This treatment involves injecting an irritant to the veins causing the vein walls to scar then permanently close, blocking blood flow. Sometimes several sessions are needed to completely remove the spider veins. The whole process may take up to 5-6 weeks. Minor side effects may occur like itching, skin discoloration, and swelling.
Medical professionals who can do sclerotherapy are as follows:
3. The Benefit of Compression Stockings After Spider Vein Treatment
Compression socks are a necessity after a spider vein treatment. For instance, how will compression stockings after sclerotherapy spider veins help? It will relieve the swelling and inflammation from the treatment. If there is some sort of pain, it can compress those inflicted areas to lessen the sensation.
Since the major issue here is blood circulation, it will mainly help the veins on your tower extremities to flow normally.
Remember that spider veins can still recur after medical treatment and the only way you can protect your legs is to wear compression socks or stockings. Besides, wearing them can also help your legs when tired and swollen.
To be on the safe side, any visible signs of discomfort that you notice on your legs should be addressed because it may be a sign of venous problems. Wearing compression socks or stockings, the right size and fit should be considered as your first aid for signs of spider veins, and even varicose veins for that matter.
Early detection and prevention are crucial to avoid unnecessary medical intervention in the future. Visit a medical professional to assess your condition if you have to so you would know if it’s just pain from a venous disorder or other medical condition.
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