Spotlight on Spider Veins

Originally posted in September 2020 on Healthy Cells Magazine.


Perhaps you noticed them on your grandmother when you were growing up, but you never thought they’d appear on your legs. You may have thought that you had a slight bruise at first, until it never actually went away and more “bruising” appeared. There’s no doubt about it; you are one of the 60% of Americans who have spider veins.


Spider veins are dilated blood vessels that are visible underneath the surface of the skin. They can have the appearance of individual lines, or branch out in clusters that come across as a bruised appearance. These dilated vessels occur in both women and men, often in people whose occupations require a lot of standing throughout the day.  Other factors that can cause spider veins are hormones, weight gain, heredity and sitting or standing for long periods of time. While spider veins can be uncomfortable, they are not usually serious.  However, they are visibly annoying and may make you feel self-conscious when wearing garments that expose your legs. But you are not alone and treatments are available. 


The first step is to have an evaluation by a vein specialist to make sure there isn’t an underlying more significant problem. The good news is that spider veins are usually primarily a cosmetic issue, and will cause only minor discomfort, if any. Even so, you may be unhappy with what they have done to the way your legs look. Their appearance can replace your formerly smooth skin with blue, red or purple splotches that resemble spider legs or little road maps. This is where cosmetic sclerotherapy comes in.


Cosmetic sclerotherapy can remove these problematic veins during an in-office procedure. Under magnification or a special vein light, a solution is injected into the veins using a very small needle. The treated vein then eventually closes itself off and disappears from the skin’s surface. 


What are Spider Veins?  Spider veins are dilated capillaries on the skin, resembling spider legs. They are common among women, but men can also get them.   


Are Spider Veins dangerous? Generally, no! But they can cause concern to many men and women because of their appearance. They may cause you to change the clothing you wear or become very self-conscious which can lead to anxiety even contribute to depression.

 

How are Spider Veins treated? The gold standard of treatment is injecting a solution of a “sclerosant” that causes the veins to close and allows the body to reabsorb them.  The veins fade and the blood is redirected to healthier veins. It’s best to seek the advice of a medical specialist who treats Spider Veins and vein issues on a fulltime basis, rather than as a part of an overall practice. A full-time vein practice will have specialized equipment that allows not only magnification, but also polarizes the light, allowing better visualization of the vein and better results. 


Are there restrictions after treatment? Yes, we recommend that you avoid lifting greater than 30 pounds and any heavy physical aerobic activity for 48 hours.  You will also need to wear compression hose overnight the first night and then for two weeks while you are up and about. 


Will I get good results?  Overall, greater than 80% of those treated get excellent results.  Some may require more than one treatment.


How long does it take and does it hurt? Overall, the treatment takes about 30 minutes depending on the extent and location of the spider veins. We use an extremely small needle to inject the spider veins so you feel only the tiny needle injections.  As you may be aware, each part of the body has different number of pain receptors, so certain areas may cause more discomfort than others.


Are there risks to Spider Vein treatment? The risks are minimal.  About 20% of those treated may develop hyperpigmentation (brown discoloration) in the area of treatment. This resolves in 2-12 months. High doses of Vitamin E, Supplemental iron, ultraviolet ray exposure and certain antibiotics may increase your chance of this discoloration. We tell everyone that the spider veins treated will look worse before they get better.


Can Spider Veins be caused by an underlying vein disease or varicose veins? Yes. We will evaluate you with a sonogram to determine if you have more serious vein disease. If you have underlying vein disease, we will generally recommend treatment of the underlying disease before proceeding with Spider Vein treatment. 


Why not Lasers? There are specialized lasers that can be used for treatment of spider veins, but overall, the results are not as good as with sclerotherapy. 


Is there a best time to seek treatment?  Spider veins can be treated at any time. But since they will look worse before they get better, you may want to schedule it at a time when you don’t need to have your treated areas exposed.  Compression stockings tend to be quite warm, so you may want to avoid times when you have to be outside in the heat.


Sclerotherapy is an ideal solution for most patients with spider veins. However, like any medical procedure, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the process before making a final decision. 


Here’s what you need to know.


The Basics

Put simply, sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution, the sclerosant, directly into the affected vein. The solution damages the inner lining of the vein. The vein collapses, the treated vein is reabsorbed into the surrounding tissue, and blood is rerouted through healthier surrounding veins.


Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that usually takes no more than 30-45 minutes. Once treatments conclude, patients are able to drive themselves home and resume normal activities. Patients will be asked to wear compression hose overnight the first night and then while up and about for 2 weeks.  They are also to avoid prolonged sun exposure.  They should not have any heavy lifting of over 30 pounds and refrain from aerobic exercise for 48 hours after the procedure.


How Sclerotherapy Helps

Sclerotherapy can effectively treat up to 80% of damaged veins with each session, while fewer than 10% of patients report no improvement in their condition. For patients suffering from pain with spider veins, it can alleviate pain. For varicose vein treatment, it can eliminate the associated pain and swelling as well as eliminate unsightly bulging of the veins.


Possible Complications

While most spider vein cases respond well to sclerotherapy, some patients may require multiple rounds of treatment before seeing improvement. If pain and inflammation remain after three to four weeks, more injections may be necessary.


As a noninvasive procedure, sclerotherapy carries fewer complications than a more invasive alternative, but some patients may experience some minor side effects. The most common include pain, itching, bruising, and inflammation at the site of the injection, but slight discoloration of the skin and hives are possible in some cases. Most of these symptoms resolve on their own without further treatment.


Know Your Options

While sclerotherapy is an effective and appropriate therapy for many patients, different conditions and circumstances may require different approaches. Today, there are a wide variety of minimally or non-invasive treatment options for venous disorders. 


June 26, 2025
Enjoy beach days without compromising vein health! Learn expert tips on managing spider veins and varicose veins during summer, including sun protection, hydration, cooling techniques, and staying active. Keep your legs healthy and comfortable at the beach with The Vein Specialists.
June 26, 2025
Fourth of July is a beloved American tradition, a day filled with celebrations, barbecues, fireworks, and family gatherings. While these activities are enjoyable, extended periods of standing, sitting, or exposure to heat can challenge individuals managing spider veins or varicose veins. This Independence Day, celebrate comfortably and healthily with vein-friendly ideas designed specifically for your circulatory well-being. Vein-Friendly Outdoor Activities Outdoor games are a staple of Fourth of July celebrations. However, some activities may strain your veins, especially if they involve long periods of standing. Instead, opt for low-impact games such as bocce ball, croquet, or gentle lawn games like cornhole. These games allow movement without excessive strain or extended standing. Consider organizing a family-friendly scavenger hunt around your home or yard. This activity encourages gentle movement, enhances circulation, and keeps guests of all ages entertained without undue strain. Stay Hydrated to Support Your Veins Proper hydration is crucial for managing vein health, especially during warm, outdoor celebrations. Dehydration thickens blood and impairs circulation, causing discomfort and swelling. Provide plenty of water and healthy beverages throughout the day, avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can further dehydrate your body. Set up a hydration station can encourage guests to stay hydrated in a refreshing way. Smart Seating and Leg Elevation Extended sitting or standing during Fourth of July celebrations can negatively impact your veins by restricting circulation and causing blood to pool. Encourage frequent movement breaks and ensure comfortable seating options that promote good posture and allow guests to elevate their legs slightly. Provide footstools or outdoor ottomans for guests to elevate their legs comfortably. If attending an event away from home, bring a portable footrest or cushion for elevating legs periodically throughout the day. Cool Down and Wear Compression Garments Fourth of July celebrations are often outdoors and can involve extended sun exposure. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and wide-brimmed hats for additional protection and comfort. Compression garments are particularly helpful during warm-weather events, providing gentle pressure that improves circulation and reduces swelling associated with spider veins and varicose veins. Look for summer-friendly compression garments in patriotic colors or festive patterns to blend seamlessly into your holiday attire. Plan Active Breaks Break up extended periods of sitting or standing with brief walks or stretches. Encourage your guests to participate in short, leisurely walks around the neighborhood, park, or yard. Regular movement boosts circulation, reduces swelling, and helps maintain comfort throughout the celebration. Consider scheduling an active intermission, such as a brief neighborhood parade or a casual group stroll after the barbecue meal. This enjoyable activity not only supports vein health but also adds a festive communal touch to your event. Watch Fireworks Comfortably When watching fireworks, avoid standing in one spot for extended periods. Bring comfortable chairs or blankets that allow you to elevate your legs and shift positions easily. If you anticipate crowded or lengthy events, consider positioning yourself closer to exits to enable short walks or breaks as needed. Conclusion Independence Day celebrations should be enjoyable for everyone, including those managing vein health issues. By incorporating vein-friendly activities, staying hydrated, planning comfortable seating, using compression garments, and ensuring regular movement breaks, you can enjoy the festivities without discomfort. If you're experiencing persistent vein symptoms or want personalized vein health guidance, schedule a free consultation with The Vein Specialists. Celebrate comfortably this Fourth of July and keep your veins healthy all summer long!
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Understand how summer heat affects your veins and learn effective strategies to manage vein discomfort and swelling. Get expert advice on hydration, compression stockings, and staying active to protect against varicose veins and spider veins during hot weather from The Vein Specialists.
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Keep your veins healthy during summer travels with expert tips from The Vein Specialists. Discover essential strategies for hydration, movement, compression wear, and leg elevation to prevent spider veins and varicose veins during long flights or road trips.
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Step into spring and enhance your vein health with regular walking! Discover how walking boosts circulation, reduces vein discomfort, and promotes overall wellness. Find helpful tips on walking routines, routes, and footwear from The Vein Specialists.
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Enjoy Easter celebrations without compromising your vein health! Learn expert strategies to improve circulation during long family gatherings, including staying active, maintaining good posture, and wearing compression stockings. Keep your veins comfortable and healthy with tips from The Vein Specialists.
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Maintain your vein health while indulging in spring gardening with our practical tips. Discover how ergonomic tools, proper posture, and regular breaks can protect your veins during gardening activities. Cultivate your garden this spring without compromising your vein health with advice from The Vein Specialists.
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Revitalize your vein health this spring with our expert tips on exercise, hydration, and diet adjustments. Learn how to transition your vein care routine from winter to spring to boost circulation and strengthen your veins. Get ready for the active months ahead with The Vein Specialists.
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February is not only the month of love but also American Heart Month, a time to bring attention to cardiovascular health. While the heart might be the focus, it's important to remember the connection between heart health and vein health. Improving your cardiovascular system benefits your entire circulatory system, including your veins. Understanding the Connection The health of your veins is directly linked to the health of your heart. Veins are responsible for returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart, and any inefficiencies in this process can lead to venous disorders such as spider veins and varicose veins. Poor cardiovascular health can exacerbate these issues by putting additional strain on the venous system. Cardiovascular Exercises for Vein Health Engaging in cardiovascular exercises can strengthen both your heart and veins. Activities like brisk walking, jogging, and cycling improve heart function and circulation, which in turn enhances venous return and reduces the burden on your veins. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week as recommended by heart and vascular health experts. Diet: What's Good for the Heart is Good for the Veins A heart-healthy diet is also vein-healthy. Foods that are low in saturated fats and high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and seeds, help improve blood flow and decrease the risk of arterial plaque. Foods that reduce swelling in your legs will reduce vein issues and may improve their function. Also, reducing salt intake can prevent swelling in the legs due to water retention. Managing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your arteries and veins over time, leading to serious health issues. Managing these with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication if prescribed, is crucial for maintaining both heart and vein health. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor these conditions and prevent complications. The Role of Hydration Staying hydrated is vital for maintaining good circulation and healthy blood pressure, which benefits your whole circulatory system. Remain hydrated and aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, more if you are active or live in a hot climate. Conclusion This Heart Health Month, take steps to boost both your cardiac and venous health. By engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise, eating a heart-healthy diet, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and staying hydrated, you can support your heart and veins. Remember, a strong heart leads to strong veins, and taking care of one benefits the entire circulatory system. Take this opportunity to commit to a healthier lifestyle that will keep your heart and veins in excellent condition year-round.
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Show some love to your legs this Valentine's Day with our expert vein health tips. Discover exercises, diet advice, and self-care practices to enhance circulation and prevent vein issues. Celebrate with healthy veins and learn how to pamper your legs with The Vein Specialists.
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