Varicose and Spider Veins

Varicose Vein & Spider Vein Care

Approximately 20 percent of adults will experience spider veins or varicose veins at some point in their lives. These conditions can cause swelling, discomfort, or abnormally visible veins in the feet or legs. Our heart and vascular providers are experts in comprehensive venous treatments that can minimize symptoms and enhance the appearance of your legs.

Ethnic senior mother walking with her adult daughter

Spider Veins

Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin, often looking like a web or tree branches. They are usually red, blue, or purple and commonly found on the legs and feet. Although usually painless, they can cause discomfort or itching.

Young friendly African female caregiver with a senior elderly man

Causes of Spider Veins 

Spider veins can be caused by venous insufficiency, where vein valves acting as one-way flaps prevent blood flow backward while moving up the legs. Other causes include:

  • Sun exposure
  • Hormone changes
  • Genetic factors

Treating spider veins improves blood flow, reduces discomfort, and enhances the appearance of your legs, helping you feel more comfortable and confident.

Treat & Remove Spider Veins

At CHRISTUS Health, we offer different treatments for spider veins to help you minimize symptoms and improve your leg appearance.

With personalized care, you can boost confidence, enhance comfort, and promote your overall well-being. Talk to your doctor about what treatment may be best for you.

Find a Doctor Near You

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear on the legs or feet and can be blue, red, or flesh-colored. They result from weakened or damaged vein valves, leading to poor blood flow. Varicose veins can cause pain, swelling, and a heavy feeling in the legs.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can be caused by venous insufficiency, where vein valves fail to prevent blood from flowing backward, leading to enlarged and twisted veins. Some causes include:

  • Prolonged standing or sitting
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Genetic factors

Treating varicose veins can minimize discomfort and swelling and enhance the appearance of your legs.

Treat & Remove Varicose Veins

Our vein specialists are experts in different treatments for varicose veins to help you reduce swelling, aching, and other symptoms associated with this venous disorder. 

Treatments of varicose veins and spider veins are similar, and your provider can help you decide which treatment option is best for you.

Treatments for Varicose and Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy 

This is the most common treatment for spider veins or smaller varicose veins. During this treatment, a fine needle is used to inject a sclerosing solutions directly into the affected vein, which causes it to collapse and fade over time. This treatment can alleviate discomfort and boost your confidence by reducing the visibility of spider veins or smaller varicose veins.

Your vascular doctor can perform this procedure in the clinic. The time required to perform sclerotherapy depends on the extent of the veins to be treated.

 

Phlebectomy 

Phlebectomy works by making small incisions near the varicose veins. A specialized tool is inserted to remove the problematic veins in segments.

This minimally invasive procedure is performed under local anesthesia, resulting in minimal scarring and quick recovery. Patients experience immediate symptom relief and improved leg appearance.

VenaCure laser treatment 

VenaCure laser treatment is a minimally invasive procedure for varicose veins. This method uses laser energy to seal affected veins, improving blood flow and reducing discomfort. This outpatient treatment offers quick recovery, minimal scarring, and significant improvement in leg appearance.