Vein Clinic in TX: Varicose Veins and Spider Veins FAQs

How can I identify varicose veins and spider veins?

Varicose veins and spider veins are the most common and visible signs of vein disease. They’re also pretty easy to identify, but most people believe there’s no difference between varicose veins and spider veins. In actuality, there is a clear difference between varicose veins and spider veins, even though they’re both dilated blood vessels.

Spider veins are dense clusters of blood vessels that look like spider webs and remain under the skin. Varicose veins are a large mass of rope-like knotted and tangled blood vessels that bulge out of the skin’s surface. As such, spider veins remain under the skin’s surface while varicose veins protrude outwards.

Are varicose veins and spider veins dangerous?

Yes, varicose veins and spider veins are dangerous. Varicose veins are dilated blood vessels, so they may burst at any time and lead to profuse bleeding. Additionally, varicose veins and spider veins are symptomatic of underlying venous insufficiency.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a dangerous condition in which your vein valves collapse and blood accumulate in your leg veins. The continued accumulation of blood in leg veins leads to vein dilation, eventually causing varicose veins and spider veins.

If left untreated, vein disease also leads to other severe complications, such as skin disease, skin discoloration, leg ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis. Over time, the accumulated blood may clot in your veins, eventually traveling to your lungs and leading to pulmonary embolism.

Should I consult vein doctors if I have varicose veins and spider veins?

Yes, you should definitely consult vein doctors and vein clinics if you have varicose veins and spider veins. The presence of varicose veins is a strong indication of underlying vein disease. As mentioned above, vein disease is a dangerous circulatory disorder that may lead to severe complications if left untreated.

Are there any home-based treatment options for me?

There are no home-based treatment options for varicose veins and spider veins because they’re only symptomatic of underlying vein disease. You may find several home remedies online, such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar, but there’s no scientific backing for any of these treatment options. The only way to treat varicose veins and spider veins is through minimally invasive varicose vein treatments.

However, you can incorporate some lifestyle habits and changes to prevent vein disease from spreading further. You can start wearing compression stockings and engage in exercises that work your calf muscles, such as yoga, cycling, running, and swimming. Compression stockings and exercises will facilitate blood circulation in your leg veins, providing temporary relief from varicose veins and spider veins.

What are the best minimally invasive treatment options for vein disease?

Radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser ablation, and VenaSeal are the best minimally invasive varicose vein treatment options. During these varicose vein treatments, our vein doctor will use thermal energy, laser energy, or medical adhesives to collapse or seal the diseased saphenous vein. Once the problematic vein is removed, the accumulated blood flows to healthier veins, treating vein disease.

What are the best spider vein treatments?

Sclerotherapy is the best spider vein treatment, removing the visible spider veins left after the primary vein disease treatment options. During the sclerotherapy procedure, the vein doctor injects sclerosant solution into the spider veins, turning them into scar tissues that get absorbed by the body.

Are minimally invasive treatment options covered by insurance plans?

Radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser ablation are the only minimally invasive treatment options covered by insurance plans. That’s because radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser ablation are medically necessary procedures. VenaSeal isn’t covered by medical insurance yet because it’s a relatively new procedure. Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic spider vein treatment, making it non-essential and ineligible for insurance coverage.

Consult our Vein Doctors Today

Vein Treatment Clinic has some of the most talented and exceptional vein doctors in Texas. We specialize in the latest minimally invasive varicose vein treatment options. During your consultation, our vein doctor will determine if you have vein disease and curate the ideal varicose vein treatment plan for you. For more information, please consult our vein doctor in Houston, TX, today.

To learn more about our accredited vein centers, please visit www.veintreatmentclinic.com. Our spider and varicose vein treatment clinics are certified by the IAC as vascular imaging centers and vein treatment centers of excellence. We have local affiliates in New York, Long Island, New Jersey, Texas and California, all of which are held to the highest standards of patient-centered, compassionate, care. We offer the latest technology at every location, and our harvard-trained medical directors lead a collaborative effort to ensure the best outcome for every patient we meet.