Varicose veins are a common and easy to diagnose condition where the veins, typically in the legs, have weakened and begun to bulge. The result of which is often a displeasing appearance on the surface of the skin that is purple, or blue, and follows the section of weakened vein where it bulges. Spider veins are much smaller and often have a spidery-thin appearance as they involve the tinier capillary veins. They appear as dark purple-pink in color and are particularly common around the ankles. Both conditions can be present independent of one another, though it is also not uncommon to have both.
Home Treatment Options
While most instances of varicose and spider veins are not serious, they can be mildly annoying or embarrassing. At times, they may ache; itch, or burn, but only in severe cases may lead to ulcers or bleeding. At home treatment options include lifestyle modifications, such as keeping a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and wearing special compression garments to help improve circulation. If they are too bad, then you may opt to seek vein treatment in Cincinnati, OH.
Medical Treatment Options
Spider and varicose vein treatments are easily accessible for people on all budgets and for all severities of these conditions. As they are different conditions, doctors will often prefer to treat varicose and spider veins separately, since they tend to involve larger structures. The two most common treatments for them involve sclerotherapy, which is the process of injecting a solution into the vein to collapse the damaged section, and laser surgery. Surgery using lasers involves powerful light to seal off small sections of the veins.
More invasive treatments include removing sections of the veins, either through a single incision, multiple small incisions, or endoscopic surgery. In some cases catheters can be used to pierce and collapse the veins as well. As varicose and spider veins occur in superficial structures, the removal or loss does not tend to affect the overall circulation in the leg, which is handled in majority by the veins deeper inside the limbs.
Importance of finding a good doctor
If you find yourself in need of treatment, it is important to find a well-qualified physician. Even though they are conditions that have a mostly cosmetic affect, the procedures for eliminating them can have complications. Breaking the skin with needles or making incisions always carries a risk of infection and injecting veins requires precise needle placement.
One quality facility for vein treatment in Cincinnati, OH is the Anderson Cosmetic & Vein Institute. Their website offers information about the procedures they perform as well as what to expect during a consultation.
