About Varicose and Spider Veins
Varicose and spider veins are an extremely common condition that affects more than 50% of adults, more commonly women.
Varicose veins are bulgy, sometimes blueish veins under the surface of the skin that usually develop on the legs. Spider veins are smaller, red, purple and blue veins that also twist and turn, which typically present on the legs or face and are often a flow on effect of varicose veins.
The treatment options will vary depending on the individual, however most people are recommended a combination of treatment options to achieve the best results. At Sunshine Coast Vascular, Dr Rebecca Magee has a special interest in minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins offering a full suite of options to suit your needs.
Causes of Varicose and Spider Veins
The veins in our bodies carry deoxygenated blood back to our hearts. The veins have a series of one-way valves to prevent blood from flowing backwards, however sometimes these valves fail which can cause the pressure in the veins to rise resulting in varicose veins. There are a number of factors that can predispose someone to varicose veins, which include:
- Heredity
- Occupations that involve a lot of standing, such as nurses, hair stylists, teachers, and retail workers
- Obesity
- Hormonal influences of pregnancy, puberty, and menopause
- The use of birth control pills
- Postmenopausal hormonal replacement
- A history of blood clots
- Conditions that cause increased pressure in the abdomen, such as constipation, and externally worn garments like girdles.
Sometimes the abnormally high pressure in varicose veins can spread to the tiny blood vessels in the skin layer, causing them to spread out like tree branches or spider webs, which is where “spider veins” get their name. They are also sometimes called broken capillaries or thread veins.
Symptoms of Varicose veins
People who suffer from varicose veins often describe cramping and aching in their legs. Other symptoms include tiredness, restlessness, burning, throbbing, tingling, or heaviness in the legs. Less common symptoms are swelling, eczema, ulcers and a darkening of the skin, especially in the ankle region. Women also may notice a worsening of their symptoms during certain parts of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.
Treatment Options
People often feel the need to treat varicose and spider veins due to their appearance, however if left untreated, varicose and spider veins can cause serious health problems and as such it is important to seek medical advice on the best treatment option for you.
Some of these options include:
Treatments offered
The treatment options will vary depending on the individual, however most people are recommended a combination of treatment options to achieve the best results. At Sunshine Coast Vascular, Dr Rebecca Magee has a special interest in minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins offering a full suite of options to suit your needs.
Sunshine Coast Vascular varicose vein treatments include:
- Endovenous ablation (“laser” / radiofrequency ablation)
- Venaseal “glue”
- Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy
- Microsclerotherapy
- Phlebectomies (also known as avulsions)
- Pelvic embolization and sclerotherapy
- Compression therapy
Venaseal
Endovenous Ablation
Specialists in minimally invasive vascular treatments