Doctor Eston Wenger

May 16, 2018 | From the Desk of Dr. Eston Wenger of Premier Surgical Cleveland

Spider Veins Vs. Varicose Veins- Is There A Difference?

We all are born with veins. Some of us have great veins that will last a lifetime. Some of us are born with genes that pose some threat to our overall vein health and longevity. Some of us are healthy and active, while others of us are more sedentary and frown on the idea of exercise. The fact is, we are only given one body and one set of veins to take care of.

To most people, veins are a mystery. How they work is a mystery. Honestly, when most of us begin to think about veins and blood, we get a little queasy and lightheaded. However, we still need to know how they work, when and how to identify an issue, and what treatments there are now available to overcome or to deal with whatever vein issues we are faced with. Moreover, today we will dive in to the main differences between spider veins and varicose veins.

 

Spider Veins

Spider veins – which are known to medical professionals as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities – are tiny veins close to the skin’s surface. There are many things that can contribute to spider vein development, like pregnancy, weight gain, prolonged sitting or standing, certain medications, and even basic heredity.

 

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a painful and embarrassing nuisance for millions of people around the world every single day. What are varicose veins? How are they different from Spider Veins which we just discussed. Varicose Veins are nasty, typically large clumps of red and blue veins that pop up on the ankles, thighs, and calves. To make things worse, it’s estimated that at least half of all adult women are victims of this medical issue.

 

Varicose veins are different from spider veins in a number of ways. They’re larger, reaching nearly a half-inch in diameter-gross! They also tend to be darker and often bulge out from the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are much more likely to be painful, and can often be related to more serious vein disorders. There are multiple treatment options that could be right for you. Doctor Eston Wenger will help in walking you through all of the possible options and together you will determine which treatment is best for your success.

 

Treatments

Spider Veins oftentimes can be treated with non-invasive methods such as compression socks, weight loss programs, and healthy eating. There are some cases where more serious treatment options may be best such as the ones below that are typically used for treating varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy

Spider veins and varicose veins can both be treated using a medical procedure involving a sclerosing agent being injected into the affected vein. Sclerotherapy for spider veins is the “gold standard.” Sclerotherapy for varicose veins is one of many treatments available. Doctor Eston Wenger will recommend the best treatment for your condition.

Microphlebectomy

Microphlebectomy is a minimally-invasive procedure used to remove medium to large, bulging varicose veins located near the surface of the skin. Microphlebectomy may be performed as a stand-alone procedure, but is usually performed as part of a comprehensive vein treatment plan that includes other procedures such as endovenous laser ablation.

Endovenous ablation

Endovenous ablation is one of the modern, less invasive treatments of venous diseases such as varicose veins, that have replaced older, more invasive treatments such as vein stripping. Because this is a minimally-invasive procedure, the veins are not “stripped” out, or removed. Instead, the body’s natural inflammatory response will gradually break down the vein and it will be reabsorbed by the body.

Take Away

There are multiple treatment options available that are minimally invasive and do not require a stay in the hospital. Doctor Eston Wenger has performed over 950 successful venous surgeries. Stop putting off getting your veins checked out. Schedule an appointment with Doctor Eston Wenger today!
If you have concerns about your veins because you have symptoms of vein disease or risk factors mentioned, be sure to make an appointment with Vein Specialists Dr. Eston Wenger of Premier Surgical Associates in Cleveland, TN. Call (423) 472-5423 or CLICK HERE to request an appointment online!

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