(866) 552-4866 Veronica* used to love going to the ocean or the lake. She always had at least three or four bathing suits to choose from, and even a few nice shorts and skirts for nights by the firepit. Over the past few years, however, she's been doing everything she can to convince her family to go elsewhere for the summer. Maybe a trip to the mountains or hill country—anywhere that does not involve the beach. The reason? Visible leg veins and the realization that she may need to consider spider veins treatment. What started as a few here and there has multiplied to the point where she even has a few larger varicose veins, too. Quite simply, Veronica admits she's embarrassed.
Our team of vascular surgeons believes no one needs to skip a good time at the beach or poolside this summer because of visible leg veins. Sadly, spider veins and varicose veins on the lower legs, calves, and thighs can be a cosmetic deterrence. The good news is that there's help. You do not have to be stuck with visible leg veins. Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, you can get back to enjoying your summers either poolside, by the lake or beach.
Don't Let Visible Leg Veins or Symptoms Like These Ruin Your Summer
- Visible spider veins or varicose veins
- Unexplained leg swelling in your feet and ankles
- Brown spots and other discoloration
- Skin sensitivity (itching, tenderness, rashes)
- Tired, heavy legs
- Throbbing or stabbing pain
- Numbness and tingling
- Muscle cramps
- Discomfort when sitting or standing for a long time
Your bothersome visible leg veins could be vascular-related. Schedule a consultation with a StrideCare vascular specialist today to learn how advanced treatments can help.
Why Are My Leg Veins So Visible—and Which Treatment Actually Works?
Visible leg veins, like spider veins and varicose veins, are very common as we age. Often we overlook them as nothing more than a fact of life and a cosmetic issue. What starts small can lead to drastic visual changes, such as swelling, bulging, and twisted veins protruding from the skin, as well as discoloration. As a result, everyday people can become increasingly self-conscious, ultimately choosing to hide their legs or pass up on summer trips they used to love.
But the fact is, these visible leg veins tell a much bigger story, and it has everything to do with how your veins are functioning. As we age, the veins in our legs stop working as efficiently as they used to because of malfunctioning valves that limit their ability to pump blood from the legs back up to the heart. Blood ultimately begins to flow backward, creating a pooling effect in the lower extremities and increasing pressure on the veins. This increased pressure leads to two very common phenomena:
SPIDER VEINS
Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are the smallest and most superficial type of visible vein. They often appear as fine, web-like lines, typically red, purple, or blue, and are commonly found on the face and legs. Spider veins form due to the dilation of small blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface.
They are usually less than 1 millimeter in diameter and are often visible due to their bright color and thinness. They may occasionally cause mild discomfort or a burning sensation, especially after prolonged standing. That said, they rarely lead to more severe complications.
VARICOSE VEINS
These veins are typically swollen, twisted, and bulging, appearing as dark blue or purple lumps under the skin. Varicose veins often occur in the legs, as this part of the body endures the most pressure when we stand or walk. Varicose veins can cause discomfort and are often associated with heaviness, aching, swelling, and throbbing in the affected area.
Varicose veins can be painless for many people. This includes those with jobs that force them to be on their feet for hours (cooks, bartenders, waiters, nurses, retailers, teachers, etc.). Others who are more susceptible to varicose veins include pregnant women, people who smoke, those who lead sedentary lifestyles, and individuals who are overweight.
Genetics is also a key factor; if your parent or grandparent had varicose veins, you are also more susceptible.
With all of this said, it's important to note that spider veins and varicose veins are more than just summer-fun killers. They are one of the first signs of vein disease. Sadly, an average of one in every three adults over 45 develops some form of vein disease, and if left untreated, it can create other complications.
This includes but isn't limited to the following:
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency — This is when blood pressure builds up in the lower legs. It can cause painful symptoms ranging from swelling and a heavy, full feeling in the legs to drastic skin changes that could lead to open sores and ulcers.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis — These are blood clots that can be life-threatening. While we typically see DVT in the legs or thighs, they can be found anywhere in the body under the right conditions.
- Restless Leg Syndrome — Studies indicate that as many as 22% of those with RLS (pins and needles sensation, itchiness, aching, etc.) have venous insufficiency.
- Skin and Foot Ulcers — Without proper blood circulation, those unsightly spider and varicose veins can lead to painful ulcers on your legs, feet, heels, toes, and ankles. These skin and foot ulcers can take a long time to heal once they form.
This is why spider veins treatment is so important.
What's the Best Spider Veins Treatment of Visible Leg Veins for the Summer?
If you are looking to rid yourself of visible leg veins, like spider veins and varicose veins, for the summer, a few quick lifestyle changes can be a great place to start.
These likely won't resolve existing leg vein issues, but the best antidote is to take control of your daily healthcare. A few common tips we suggest include:
- Exercise
- Elevating your legs for 30 minutes at least four times a day
- Eat healthily
- Wear compression socks
- Avoid prolonged sitting and standing
- Stay hydrated
- Wear loose clothing
- Quit smoking
You do not have to let visible leg veins like spider or varicose veins impact your life. Schedule a consultation with a StrideCare vascular specialist today. Our collaborative approach to spider veins treatment ensures that you receive the care you need.
Even with these new lifestyle changes in place, the best spider veins treatment starts with a visit to a vascular provider at StrideCare. Several minimally invasive treatment options are available to help with visible leg veins, including:
- Sclerotherapy — Specialists inject a small amount of a specially formulated chemical solution full of sclerosing agents into the affected veins to reduce pain and discomfort caused by the enlargement or swelling of the veins. This solution irritates the vein walls, causing the vein to collapse and disappear.
- Varithena Microfoam Ablation — With this procedure, your specialist injects a special microfoam into your affected veins to relieve symptoms without the use of heat or tumescent. The foam fills the desired section of the vein, and the diseased vein collapses. Blood flow then shifts to healthier veins nearby.
Spider veins are easy to diagnose because they are significantly smaller and less impactful than varicose veins. Please talk to your StrideCare vascular physician about what options make the most sense for you.
Featured in this video is StrideCare's expert Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Michael Humphrey, MD, discussing how his experience at StrideCare helps patients overcome issues like visible leg veins from venous insufficiency disease.
Concerned About Visible Leg Veins? Turn to StrideCare
If you are making lifestyle changes but not seeing results, consider visiting our team at StrideCare. Our providers stay on the cutting edge of advanced medicine, helping patients avoid traditionally long, invasive surgeries used in the past to treat vascular disease and overcome symptoms such as heavy legs. They diagnose and treat using innovative, minimally invasive procedures with little to no pain, short recovery times, and high success rates.
Our expert vascular doctors and caring staff utilize the latest technologies and treatments to help our patients reclaim their lives. Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. At StrideCare, we are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care.
Before starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
StrideCare Vascular serves South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia communities: Charleston, Orangeburg, Mount Pleasant, Murrells Inlet, Summerville, Walterboro, West Ashley, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, including Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Petersburg, Tappahannock, Richmond, Colonial Heights, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Henrico, and more.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.