Things to know about varicose veins & spider veins

How long have you been keeping your shorts and short skirts in the closet for the ugly varicose veins and spider veins in your leg? Deep blue, swollen and risen varicose veins can make the legs look truly ugly.

As per reports, it has been found that millions of people across the globe are affected by this problem.

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding these veins. In fact, for some people varicose veins and spider veins are the same; but they are actually not.

Difference between spider veins and varicose veins

If you thought that spider veins and varicose veins are the same, you are mistaken.

Varicose veins appear to be thick and have a ‘ropey’ texture. They generally protrude out of the legs and look really bad. Basically varicose veins are stretched out veins where blood seems to be pooled.

The reason for varicose veins is that the one-way valves in the veins do not function properly and the blood does not flow in one direction causing the pooling of blood.

Spider veins on the other hand are extremely small and thin blue blood vessels, which are prominently seen under the skin.

The reason of spider veins is poor blood circulation. Basically the problem of spider veins is harmless in nature.

While some people have varicose and spider veins in both legs; some might have the problem in a single leg only.

Some facts about varicose veins and spider veins are given below:

They are more than cosmetic problems

The biggest misconception about varicose veins and spider veins is that they are just cosmetic problems. But actually they are not. But if ignored, these can lead to various kinds of problems in the body later.

Swelling, general discomfort and fatigue of legs are some symptoms caused by varicose veins.

In fact, these veins can be indications of other long term health problems like blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, leg inflammation and poor circulation. As soon as you spot varicose veins and spider veins see a doctor.

Varicose veins might appear during pregnancy

Pregnancy brings in many changes in the body of a woman. Appearance of varicose veins is one of them. Doctors opine that any kind of pressure on the abdomen can cause varicose veins and increase risks of spider veins as well.

Extra hormone production as well as fetal position can hamper blood flow to the lower parts of the body and cause such problems. However, after the delivery, these veins also tend to disappear slowly.

Blood clots are common in people having varicose and spider veins

Though it might not happen all the time, there are chances of clot formation in people who have varicose and spider veins. The clots can move in the deeper veins and cause deep vein thrombosis.

And deep vein thrombosis is a serious problem, which needs immediate medical attention. So, it is recommended to try and improve the blood flow in the legs so that the problem of varicose veins does not appear at all.

Now that you know more about varicose and spider veins, do not neglect or ignore the condition. Seek medical help if the symptoms do not subside in a few days.

To know about varicose veins treatment in mumbai please send an email at info@endovascularclinic.in