Spider veins are a common condition that affects both men and women. They are the small, twisted, and discolored veins that appear on the surface of the skin, usually on the legs and face. While they are usually considered a cosmetic issue, it is essential to know that spider veins could lead to more severe problems if left untreated.
At Long Island Vein Center, we are a group of board-certified vein doctors who specialize in treating spider veins and varicose veins. We use minimally invasive treatments such as sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal, ClariVein, and ambulatory phlebectomy to treat our patients. But first, let’s explore what happens if spider veins are left untreated.
Consequences of Untreated Spider Veins
Spider veins are characterized by the blue, red, or purple veins that appear on the surface of the skin. In some cases, they might cause mild itching or a burning sensation, but most people with spider veins do not experience any symptoms. However, if left untreated, spider veins could cause more severe problems such as chronic venous insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis.
Pain and Discomfort
While spider veins may not always cause pain or discomfort, some people may experience achy or heavy legs, swelling, or cramping. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen over time and make it difficult to perform everyday activities.
Skin Changes
Spider veins can cause the skin to become thin, discolored, or inflamed. If left untreated, the skin can become prone to bleeding or developing ulcers, which can be difficult to heal.
Reduced Quality of Life
Untreated spider veins can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and skin changes can affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities or enjoy hobbies and social activities. Seeking treatment for spider veins can help improve a person’s quality of life by reducing symptoms and preventing more severe complications.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that occurs when the veins’ valves become damaged, causing blood to pool in the legs. This pooling of blood could lead to swelling, skin discoloration, and leg ulcers. CVI is a severe condition that requires medical attention and could significantly impact a patient’s quality of life.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the legs. If left untreated, the clot could break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal condition called a pulmonary embolism. While spider veins do not cause DVT, they could be a sign of an underlying condition that could lead to DVT if left untreated.
Treatment for Spider Veins
At Long Island Vein Center, we offer several minimally invasive treatments for spider veins. Before treatment, we always diagnose the root cause of the spider veins via vascular imaging and duplex ultrasound to curate a personalized treatment plan. Some of the treatment options we offer include:
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a solution directly into the spider veins, causing them to collapse and fade away. The treatment is safe, effective, and requires little to no downtime.
Endovenous Laser Ablation
Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to seal the affected vein shut, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins. The procedure is safe, effective, and requires little to no downtime.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to seal the affected vein shut, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins. The procedure is safe, effective, and requires little to no downtime.
VenaSeal
VenaSeal is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a medical adhesive to seal the affected vein shut, rerouting blood flow to healthier veins. The procedure is safe, effective, and requires little to no downtime.
ClariVein
ClariVein is a minimally invasive procedure that combines mechanical agitation and a sclerosant solution to treat spider veins. The procedure is safe, effective, and requires little to no downtime.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing the affected vein through small incisions in the skin. The procedure is safe, effective, and requires little to no downtime.
Preventing Spider Veins
While spider veins are not always preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing spider veins. These steps include:
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Carrying extra weight can put additional pressure on your veins, causing them to weaken and stretch. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of developing spider veins.
Staying Active
Regular exercise can help improve your circulation and reduce your risk of developing spider veins. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Avoiding Prolonged Standing or Sitting
If you have a job that requires you to stand or sit for long periods, make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and stretch your legs. This can help improve your circulation and reduce your risk of developing spider veins.
Wearing Compression Stockings
Compression stockings can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of developing spider veins. If you have a job that requires you to stand or sit for long periods, wearing compression stockings can be particularly helpful.
Spider veins are a common condition that affects many people. While they are usually considered a cosmetic issue, it is essential to know that spider veins could lead to more severe problems if left untreated. At Long Island Vein Center, we offer minimally invasive treatments for spider veins to help prevent more severe complications from developing. If you have spider veins, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a consultation with our vein specialists.
We offer free insurance verification even before the first appointment and have locations across Long Island, including South Shore, North Shore, The Hamptons, and the Port Jefferson area. We are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care and personalized treatment plans to help them achieve healthier, more beautiful legs.