Spider Veins
Spider Veins: Face or Legs Damaged Veins
Spider veins are red or purple in colour and generally appear on the legs, neck or behind the knee. They tend to be in web-like clusters and have no symptoms aside from their appearance.
Our veins are blood vessels that primarily transfer deoxygenated blood from all parts of the body, to the heart. Wear and tear of the connective tissue of the vein walls can lead to degradation in the blood vessels. This results in the surfacing of the blood and fluids close to the surface of the skin.
Patients suffering from this condition typically develop reticulated lines on the skin. Spider veins are fairly common and mild cases can be managed effectively.
However, the condition is a sign of underlying weakness in the venous valves. Long term neglect and degeneration can lead to severe discomfort and restricted mobility of the limbs.
An early diagnosis can be instrumental and is highly recommended for good prognosis.
Causes of Spider Veins
There are a number of factors that can cause the formation of spider veins. Some of the most commonly known factors include:
- Age and gender tend to be good predictors of the risk of the condition. Women are disproportionately affected as compared to men. The reason seems to stem from the difference in the inherent strength of the connective tissue around the venous valves. Older people are more likely to develop spider veins compared to younger people.
- Inherent and congenial weakness in the connective tissue.
- High blood pressure can overstress the blood vessels, accelerating the wear and tear.
- Lifestyle choices like smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as a general lack of exercise can increase the likelihood of developing spider veins.
- High paced work environments with long hours of standing or sedentary work.
- Taking hormonal contraceptives.
- Genetic predispositions and a family history of the condition.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Pregnancy in women can often lead to increased strain on the body that can develop into spider veins.
Spider Veins Symptoms
Spider veins, as such, are harmless. Some of the most commonly known symptoms include:
- Appearance of spiderweb-like formations of the cluster of tiny blood vessels around the lower half of the body, especially along the thighs and the calves. In some cases, they might appear around the ankles.
- Heaviness of the legs.
- Swelling is a common associated symptom of spider veins.
- Pain and a hot sensation in the affected area.
Even though spider veins are harmless, they can be an indicator of a serious underlying condition.
It can be an early indication of chronic vein insufficiency that results in weak blood vessels. These vessels are then unable to pump blood back to the heart against the pull of gravity.
Diagnosis of Spider Veins
A complete patient history and physical examination allows a professional medical practitioner to detect the risk factors involved and determine the progression of the spider veins.
Sophisticated imaging technology like ultrasound can be used to gain valuable information about the progression of the condition and if there are any associated long term risks involved. It can also be used to diagnose early signs of chronic vein wall insufficiency.
Treatment for Spider Veins
Treatment for spider veins is mostly conservative. A physician focuses on relieving the patient's symptoms and taking measures to slow down or halt the progression of the disease to prevent long term degeneration. Some of the most effective measures include:
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Changes in Lifestyle
- It is highly recommended that patients should consider weight loss. Reducing overall body weight and fighting obesity can reduce the stress on the lower legs and thus relieve the blood vessels.
- Making sure to take enough breaks and to stretch between long hours of standing. This can help stretch the muscles and provide some relief from daily stress.
- Using stairs whenever possible can be a small daily lifestyle change that can help train the leg muscles for those with a busy work life.
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Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
- Regulated physiotherapy helps with targeted muscle training and is a proven effective treatment path.
- The exercises can help promote the reorganisation of the muscles and is one of the most effective treatment option.
- A strong calf muscle helps reinforce the lower legs and supports the return of blood towards the heart against the pull of gravity.
- Regular exercises, yoga, jogging and walking should be incorporated into daily life.
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Prescribed Painkillers
In cases of inflammation of the legs, anti-inflammatory medication can be recommended. If a patient experiences pain, medication like Ibuprofen and Panadol can be used to effectively manage symptoms. Painkillers only temporarily treat the pain without addressing the underlying condition. In addition, tolerance may occur where the effectiveness of the drugs decrease as well as other potential side effects.
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Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage should be used to stimulate the surrounding area and naturally encourage drainage of lymph fluid to alleviate symptoms. In chronic cases, more invasive methods of lymph drainage might be necessary
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Compression Therapy
- Compression therapy is the gentle application of pressure on the affected area using a medical compression bandage.
- The VenoTrain compression stockings can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life
- Regular use of compression stockings is instrumental in preventing the progression of spider veins.
- The medical-grade compression helps encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of the affected legs and help in reducing swelling. They also help in adding pressure to aid in normal blood flow.
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Surgical Intervention
- Some patients may choose to go for a surgical approach to treating spider veins. This is completely optional since there are no significant reasons to warrant surgery.
- Avascular surgeon can perform laser treatment that helps vein walls to stick together also called sclerotherapy.
- This can also be achieved using a chemical agent and helps provide strength to the compromised venous valve walls.
Compression Stockings: Spider Veins Prevention
Compression stockings like the VenoTrain Cocoon, VenoTrain Micro and the VenoTrain Business can be instrumental in the prevention and treatment of spider veins.
The stockings exert medical-grade compression on the limbs and encourage the drainage of fluid and blood.
The fine-mesh knitted fabric provides support and stability to the affected region and reduces the risk of vein sagging. The pressure also supports the flow of blood against the pull of gravity. This prevents the build-up of fluid and can relieve the feeling of heaviness in the feet for most patients.
The VenoTrain Business is specially designed for professionals who predominantly stand or spend long hours of the day in sedentary work.
The garment gently massages the legs during movement and features a special cotton-based material that optimally regulates heat and provides relief to the veins.
Both the compression socks come in an elegant rib look and are available in a variety of colours making it perfect for everyday use.
For assistance selecting the right product for your needs, book a video consultation with a Bauerfeind expert: Book Video Call, or call us on 1300 668 466.
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