Spider veins are clusters of small dilated veins just under the surface of the skin. They can be red, blue or purple and commonly appear on the thighs, calves and above the ankles. They are also commonly seen on the face. Age, heredity, obesity, female gender and prolonged standing are all factors that contribute to the development of spider veins.
Normal veins carry blood from the body organs and tissues back to the heart. Regular contraction of the leg muscles assists in the propulsion of blood upward against the force of gravity up to the heart. Normal veins also contain one-way valves which allow the upward flow of blood and prevent backflow. When these valves malfunction, blood flow reverses direction and tends to pool and stagnate in the lower legs. This causes increased pressure on the walls of the veins which then leads to stretching and weakening of the vein walls. In this way, veins lose their elasticity and become swollen and tortuous. These abnormal veins are known as varicose veins.
The increased pressure within the veins is transmitted backward to the vessels within the body tissues. The very small vessels within the body tissues are called capillaries. They are very fragile and are unable tolerate the increased pressure. As a result of the increase in pressure, they tend to rupture. When they rupture, they produce a characteristic pattern resembling that of a spider web which is why they are called spider veins.
What should Chicago residents do about spider veins?
Dr. Ramon Castro, spider and varicose vein doctor in Chicago, wants all Chicago residents to know that there are safe, effective treatment options available for spider veins. Conservative treatments should be tried first. These include exercise, maintaining a normal weight, avoiding prolonged standing and the use of compression stockings. The staff at the Chicago Vein Care Center can advise patients as to appropriate exercise and diet.
If conservative measures fail, there are a variety of minimally invasive treatments that can eliminate spider veins. After a thorough history and physical exam, Dr. Castro will choose to evaluate the extent and severity of your vein problems using a diagnostic ultrasound procedure.
This is important because superficial vein problems such as spider and varicose veins can signal further problems with the deep venous system. It is vitally important to rule out deep vein thrombosis in all patients who present with superficial vein problems.
Superior vein disease treatment in Chicago is available at the Chicago Vein Care Center. The procedures used to eradicate spider veins are performed in the comfort and privacy of Dr. Castro’s outpatient clinic. General anesthesia is not required. Typically, patients are in and out the same day and are able to return to work the next day.
Dr. Castro and his staff are highly trained and experienced in all of the following procedures: sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and endovenous laser treatment. The choice of treatment that is best for you is carefully analyzed by Dr.Castro who makes certain that you are included in the decision-making process and are comfortable with all aspects of your treatment.
Vein disease is progressive. Postponing treatment can lead to more serious vein problems. Call the Chicago Vein Care Center today at 773-238-7887 for a complete vein screening by the best vein doctor in Chicago. You will be glad you did.