Spider veins are clusters of tiny reddish-bluish blood vessels that develop near the surface of the skin.
Usually found on the legs, spider veins develop as a result of structural abnormalities of the blood vessels. It can be due to defective valves that allow the back flow of blood within the veins. This causes the blood to pool. As it goes on, it continually builds pressure within the vein and causes weakness of the blood vessel wall.
Who is at risk?
Spider veins are common in women but they also develop in men.
There are certain groups who are at higher risk of developing these enlarged veins. These include the aging population, those with a family history of spider veins, who are obese, or pregnant.
What can be done?
Although spider veins are not considered a life-threatening condition, they can be a nuisance due to the way they look. Sometimes they can cause discomfort from itching, throbbing, or even an aching sensation.
A popular treatment method for spider veins is sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a procedure on which a chemical (called a sclerosant) is injected into the vein to obliterate it.
The sclerosant damages the innermost lining of the diseased vessel, causing it to clot. The clot blocks the circulation of the blood within the affected vessel and beyond. This forces the blood to reroute to healthier veins. There can be mild discomfort during the procedure but overall, it’s a safe and effective treatment for spider veins.
Sclerotherapy at Premier Vein Clinics
At Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville, our dedicated sclerotherapy nurse, Angie Jacobs, RN, will walk you through the entire process, from start to finish.
Angie will explain what needs to be done before the treatment and help you understand what can be expected throughout the procedure.
If you’re not sure if sclerotherapy is right for you, request a free consultation online or call 865-588-8229 to request your free vein screening today!