condition
Varicose veins and spider veins
Spider veins are small blood vessels on the surface of the skin that often take the shape of spider webs. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are dilated veins on the surface of the legs that indicate venous insufficiency and can cause pain, discomfort and heaviness in the legs.
What is venous insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency is a functional problem of the venous system that results in poor venous return to the heart. This condition is most often the result of a loss of elasticity and strength of the veins, as well as a malfunction of the valves located on the vein wall, which have the role of helping blood to flow back to the heart.
Risk factors for venous disease
Varicose veins and spider veins affect nearly half of the population. There are many causes and associated risk factors, including:
- Heredity: If one or both of your parents have varicose veins, your risk of venous insufficiency increases
- Female sex: Female hormones, especially progesterone, affect the lining of the veins and allow them to dilate
- Age: the appearance of spider veins and varicose veins occurs more often in adulthood
- Sedentary lifestyle: The calf muscles act as a pump that pushes blood against gravity, through the veins of the legs towards the heart
- Occupation: Venous insufficiency is more common in people who stand for long periods of time
- Obesity: venous insufficiency is more prevalent in obese people
- Trauma to the legs
- Ethnicity: Though anyone can develop varicose veins, people of Caucasian ethnicity are statistically more affected by venous disease
Symptoms of venous disease
Venous insufficiency leads to the appearance of various symptoms, including:
- A feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially at the end of the day
- Tingling or a need to move the legs
- Muscle cramps at night
- Edema, most often characterized by swelling of the calves, ankles or feet
treatments for varicose veins and spider veins
What treatments are offered for varicose veins and spider veins at Clinique Rejuvena?
The evaluation and diagnosis of venous disease has various steps. At Clinique Rejuvena, a complete medical examination of your legs, including a medical consultation and a screening ultrasound, is systematically performed at the first meeting. Thus, the doctor is able to fully guide you to the most appropriate treatment for your needs. In addition to obtaining an accurate diagnosis of the health of your legs, this initial examination allows you to achieve safe results that meet your expectations.
The Rejuvena Approach
Our personalized approach
At Clinique Rejuvena, our priority is to provide you with effective and safe treatments. Our highly qualified staff is attentive to the needs of each patient and individualized treatments are designed and planned to meet your expectations.
Varicose veins and spider veins
FAQ
How to prevent spider veins?
Venous insufficiency is a chronic disease and recurrences are common and to be expected. To prevent recurrences, there are a few steps you can take:
- Wear compression stockings
- Wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels
- Exercise regularly – avoid standing for long periods of time. If you have to stand, tense your calf muscles or elevate your legs.
- Maintain a healthy weight
Is it possible to make varicose veins and spider veins disappear permanently?
Venous insufficiency is a chronic condition for which there currently is no cure. However, regular follow-up with a phlebologist and treatments adapted to your medical condition will improve venous circulation, and the overall appearance of treated areas.