September 30, 2020
Spider or varicose veins can be more than just a cosmetic imperfection. They can become painful, uncomfortable, and lead to side effects and complications. Have you noticed these veins in your legs? If so, consider making an appointment with a spider vein specialist at your closest Cardiovascular Institute of the South. This is just one of the many issues that our vein specialists can help you with. Find out more about spider veins and see how we can do our part to help you.
Spider veins are actually very common. According to the American Heart Association, more than 80% of Americans have some form of spider veins.
Ordinarily, veins primarily work to return blood from the body back to the heart. Pushing blood up to the heart from the legs obviously works against gravity. To push the blood up, leg muscles contract. When your blood moves up, the valves in veins open and close to allow the blood flow in the right direction. However, if one of those damaged valves blocks the backward flow, the blood pools. The stagnant blood gathers over time, resulting in dark, purplish, and swollen varicose veins.
Over time, varicose veins can begin to protrude and cause leg pain. Symptoms can include aching, burning, cramping, feeling weighed down, and even itching. Sitting or standing for long periods of time can further aggravate and worsen these effects, causing limb swelling and ulcers. Changes in weather can even affect symptoms as well. If you notice the beginning of these symptoms or signs, you should consult a spider and varicose vein specialist to determine how to best treat the problem.
Did you know your cardiovascular system includes all of the veins in your body? That’s why a cardiologist can help you address your spider veins. Sometimes, you can control them with lifestyle changes. But treatments are available to lessen symptoms and improve their appearance. Depending on their placement and severity, there are several options. Many different technologies are available, including using radio frequency energy and lasers. These minimally-invasive treatments can be done in a CIS clinic. Be aware that while we do treat spider veins, there are more underlying causes that require treatment prior to and for future prevention of spider veins. It’s quite a process. But with the right specialist, you can begin treatment as soon as possible.
Cardiovascular Institute of the South has the right spider vein clinic for you all throughout Louisiana. Our team has been serving Louisiana and Mississippi patients for more than 37 years. Over this time, we’ve dedicated ourselves to becoming leaders in new cardiology techniques and technologies.
If you don’t have spider or varicose veins yet, you can work with a cardiologist to prevent them. Physical activity, compression stockings, and a healthy diet and lifestyle can help. Find a CIS cardiologist nearest you and make an appointment. Let our vein specialists help you look and feel your best.