Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins
There are plenty of cosmetic problems that people can face. Usually you think of sagging skin, wrinkles, age sports, blemishes, and so forth. One major aesthetic issue that also needs to be taken into consideration is unsightly veins. These vascular diseases and conditions may also be linked to potential health problems, which is why it is so important that you have any vein issue looked at as soon as you can.
At our McAllen and Austin vein treatment centers, Dr. John Hovorka has helped plenty of patients address issues related to vascular diseases. This has improved their appearance as well as their overall sense of self and wellness in the long run. What we find is that many people tend to confuse varicose veins with spider veins. This is somewhat understandable since these distinctions are not always explored in the media and most people have only a passing knowledge of these matters, knowing only that neither is particularly eye catching.
The Differences
We’d like to take a moment right now to look at the differences between spider veins and varicose veins so you have a better understanding of what they are exactly. We’ll also look at some options for vein treatment and how they might benefit you.
Let’s start with varicose veins first. Varicose veins are the enlarged veins that often appear on people’s legs (though we should point out that varicose veins can appear in different parts of the body as well). Varicose veins are formed when the valves within a vein fail to function properly. Usually these valves will help push blood toward the heart and block any reverse flow. When the valves no longer work, blood can flow back and forth in the vein, causing the vein to become enlarged.
Varicose veins can be quite serious, and they often involve pain or discomfort. Common symptoms may include throbbing in the leg, leg pain, cramps in the leg muscles, and occasional burning sensations in the leg. These minor problems can turn into more serious heath conditions if untreated. Varicose veins tend to be more common in women than in men.
By comparison, spider veins tend to be a purely cosmetic issue. Spider veins are the thin clusters of blue, red, or purplish veins that appear just beneath the skin. Unlike varicose veins, there is no pain or discomfort associated with spider veins. Some of the most common causes of spider veins include prolonged sitting or standing, pregnancy, and heredity. As with varicose veins, spider veins tend to be more common in women than in men.
Treatment Options
Whatever vascular disease you may have, there are plenty of Austin cosmetic vein treatment options available. Previous popular treatments involved injections, but advances have been made in aesthetic enhancements that allow us to provide more pain-free and effective treatments that do not involve needles. Laser treatments, radiofrequency treatments, and 3D digital imaging tend to be quite popular and effective for both spider veins and varicose veins, for instance. For more serious vein problems, however, we can use the latest in non-invasive and minimally invasive therapies to address these issues. Dr. Hovorka can discuss all of these options with you during a consultation.
To learn more about vein treatments and how vascular diseases can be effectively addressed, contact our Austin and McAllen vein treatment centers today.