Florida temperatures are still fairly chilly, but that doesn’t mean warmer weather isn’t on its way. When the thermometer starts to rise, will your legs be ready for shorts season? If your answer is “no” because of unsightly varicose or spider veins, perhaps now is the time to check out the treatments available to help you greet summer with style and confidence. At Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin, we are ready to give you a hand with your summer preparations, with vein treatments to eliminate those swollen vessels and give you smoother, more appealing legs for the season.
A Common Problem
The American Society for Vascular Surgery estimates that 20-25 million adults in the U.S. suffer with varicose veins. Those numbers add up to around 33 percent of women and 17 percent of men. More people in the U.S. miss work for problems with varicose veins and other vein disorders than for arterial disease.
Varicose veins become more common as people age. As many as half of all Americans age 70 and over may have at least a few varicose veins. Although the condition may be quite common, that does not make it less embarrassing for those with protruding vessels that make them self-conscious about wearing shorts and bathing suits.
Causes of Spider Veins
Spider veins are usually smaller than varicose veins and close to the surface of the skin. However, these visible vessels often appear in networks that resemble a spider’s web. The network can become quite large, often creating as much of a cosmetic embarrassment as varicose veins. There are many reasons why spider veins might develop, including:
- Heredity
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Some types of medication
- Sun exposure or damage
- Trauma to the skin
Causes of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are frequently caused by an underlying vein condition known as venous insufficiency, which occurs when tiny valves inside the veins wear out and affect blood flow through the vessels. Risk factors for this condition include:
- Heredity
- Significant weight gain
- Older age
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Prolonged periods of sitting or standing
No matter what the cause of your spider or varicose veins might be, the treatment options are the same. These procedures remove the swollen, visible vessels from the body, creating a clearer, smoother look to the skin. If risk factors remain after treatment, there is a chance additional varicose veins can develop in the future. For this reason, it is important for patients to address those risks whenever possible to reduce the likelihood of additional veins developing.
Dealing with Symptoms
Spider veins are not typically accompanied by many symptoms. However, varicose veins can become symptomatic and quite uncomfortable at times. Common symptoms of varicose veins include aching, swelling and cramping of the lower legs. Some sufferers might also notice changes to the skin around the vein, due to changes in blood flow to the area. These skin changes can also cause significant embarrassment, particularly in the summer months when skin-baring clothing becomes the norm.
Treatment Options
The good news is that there are a number of treatments to eliminate varicose veins, including their unsightly appearance and their uncomfortable symptoms. At Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin, we offer a variety of minimally-invasive treatments that allow us to customize your procedure to your specific needs. All of our treatments involve little or no discomfort and patients are usually able to return to regular activities as soon as the procedure is over.
Don’t let spider or varicose veins get in the way of your summer fun. Contact Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin today at 800-910-8346 to learn about your choices in vein treatment and find out which procedure is right for you.