Spider & Varicose Vein Therapy

Mainly a genetic condition, spider and varicose veins occur in both men and women. Women are affected about 5 times more than men due to pregnancy, hormone use, and use of tight girdles and garments.

These enlarged veins eventually result in abnormal blood flow, valve malfunction, and pooling of blood. Symptoms can include burning, heaviness, aching, and cramping. Up to 50% of spider vein patients experience such symptoms. Leg elevation, support hose, aerobic activity, high fiber diet and maintaining a healthy weight are helpful measures to decrease the incidence of this condition. Tight garments, knee highs, and leg crossing should be avoided. Treatments vary from injection therapy (sclerotherapy), to lasers to surgical interventions.

Treatments are determined by vein type, skin type and severity of symptoms and any complications caused by the veins.

Sclerotherapy is the most common procedure performed in an out-patient setting for leg veins. Spider veins, blue veins (reticular veins), and small varicose veins can be eliminated with a series of injections into the affected veins. Solutions are usually made of salts, sugars or fatty acids. The solution injures the vein; causing it to scar down and shrink, and eventually to be absorbed by the body in a natural process.Support hose are then worn to help shrink the veins and decrease bruising and swelling. Sclerotherapy is performed in many of our offices. The treatments are well-tolerated and take 20 to 30 minutes on average. Several treatments are often necessary to eliminated 80 to 90% of the affected veins. Serious complications are rare, and almost everyone is a candidate. Patients can immediately return to work and resume normal activities after sclerotherapy treatments. It may take 4-6 weeks to notice the veins disappearing and treatments can easily be repeated as often as necessary.

Since new veins can develop over time, due to the chronic nature of the condition, patients are encouraged to return for maintenance therapy yearly or every few years.

Ann Lidoski, PA-C