Spider veins are simply varicose veins that are located superficially in the skin.  Although a very common problem, women usually present with the question “But Doctor, why do I have spider veins?”

There are several reasons spider veins develop.  At the root of almost any varicose vein problems is the failure of the tiny valves on the inside of the vein.  These small valves on the inside walls of the veins keep the blood in the veins flowing in a one way direction back towards the heart.  Any factor that causes the valves to fail creates varicose veins or spider veins.  The most common factors encouraging the development of spider veins include multiple pregnancies, prolonged standing or stress on the legs, hereditary influences and the effect of either natural or supplemental estrogen.  As would be expected from reviewing this list of risk factors spider veins are much more common in women than men. 

During pregnancy the unborn child compresses the inferior vena cava and creates some degree of outflow obstruction of venous blood from the lower extremities leading to engorgement of the veins, valve failure and the eventual development of varicosities.  Wearing support hosiery during the later stages of pregnancy can often help counter this problem but cannot totally prevent spider veins in most at risk women.

Women in professions that require prolonged periods of standing such as hairdressers, flight attendants, teachers and store clerks are at significant risk to develop spider veins.  Venous pressure in the legs increases during periods of standing but decreases significantly with walking due to the pumping action of the calf muscles.  If long hours of standing cannot be avoided properly fitting graded support hosiery can be a life saver. 

Estrogens provide women with their beautiful feminine characteristics but they also have an effect to relax the smooth muscles that line the walls of veins causing them to more easily dilate under pressure creating varicose or spider veins.  This effect seems to be especially common in women who have taken estrogen replacement medication for a prolonged period.

Spider veins are commonly treated by one of two methods, serial laser or Sclerotherapy treatments.  Having personally used both methods, I can honestly say Sclerotherapy has proven to be the most effective form of treatment for my patients.  Sclerotherapy involves the placement of small amounts of a solution into the veins which is designed to cause spider veins to shrink and disappear.  Treating the spider veins by this method is safe and causes no harm to the surrounding normal veins. 

Most patients require two or three Sclerotherapy sessions spaced several weeks apart to most effectively treat the spider veins.  Winter months are usually a great time to begin treatment to be ready for spring shorts and bathing suit season.  Please visit Dr. Burkett’s website for additional information or to schedule a consultation.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 1:03 pm and is filed under Home. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.