Your Trusted Varicose and Spider Veins Treatment In Rapid City
What are Varicose and Spider Veins?
Superficial venous disease, including varicose and spider veins, are common and can be both painful and unsightly.
Spider veins are very small, usually located near the ankle and foot, but are typically painless. They can be treated with injections but are usually considered to be a cosmetic problem rarely covered by health insurance. Injection treatments can be very effective. More importantly, they may be a sign of underlying venous disease that may require treatment.
Varicose veins are large bulging veins in the legs and thighs. They may appear like twisted cords and have a serpentine pattern. In many cases, they cause leg heaviness, pain, itching, and discomfort. Thankfully, varicose veins can be effectively treated in over 90% of patients.
Potential Complications of Varicose and Spider Veins
If varicose veins are left untreated, complications may occur:
Bleeding
Rarely, varicose veins may rupture and cause bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention if bleeding occurs.
Blood Clot
Blood clots may occur in large varicose veins.
Swelling
Swelling is common.
Ulcer
Ulcers or sores. Open wounds may occur near varicose veins. Seek immediate medical attention should open wounds or ulcerations occur.
Risk Factors of Varicose and Spider Veins
The most common risk factor for developing varicose and spider veins include obesity, age, and female sex. Hormones such as estrogen can weaken veins increasing the risk of varicose veins.
Prolonged standing or sitting
Family history
Postpartum Women
Causes of Varicose and Spider Veins
Superficial venous disease, such as varicose and spider veins, are caused by damaged veins. When the veins are leaky, or what doctors call incompetent, blood pools in the legs instead of returning to the heart. When this happens, the veins enlarge and develop bulges, called varicosities.
Diagnosis of Varicose and Spider Veins
In order to determine the cause and severity of venous disease, an painless ultrasound test of your legs will be performed. This test will look for blood clots and evaluate the small valves inside the veins.
Treatment of Varicose and Spider Veins
In addition to leg elevation, compression stockings, and exercise varicose and spider veins can be treated with laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and sclerotherapy. All of these treatments are minimally invasive, take less than 30 minutes, and have high success rates.
Experienced Care for Varicose and Spider Veins Symptoms in the Black Hills
If you have varicose or spider veins, please call Black Hills Heart and Vascular to schedule an evaluation.
