Venectasia: Causes and Treatment for Spider Legs
- Medically checked
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins (telangiectasias) are a very common but aesthetically unappealing condition. To show just how common they are, one study of 1566 people found spider veins in 84% of participants. Because they rarely cause medical complications, they are mainly removed for cosmetic reasons using laser procedures or foam sclerotherapy.
What Do Spider Veins Look Like?
Spider veins are named for their appearance, forming a network of blue veins resembling a spider’s web. They are dilated blood vessels, like classic varicose veins, but much smaller and closer to the skin’s surface. These veins can appear anywhere on the legs but are most common behind the knee.
What Causes Spider Veins
The causes of spider veins (telangiectasias) include:
- Standing for prolonged hours daily
- Heredity
- Obesity
- Hormonal imbalances
- Use of birth control pills
- Increased abdominal pressure
- Some women have a higher risk of developing telangiectasias on the legs or elsewhere
What Are The Complications Of Spider Veins?
Spider veins (telangiectasias) are primarily an aesthetic concern. However, they can bleed if traumatized, such as by a bump or vigorous washing. This bleeding can cause bruising beneath the skin. Varicose veins may also bleed, and depending on the severity, urgent medical attention may be required. Varicose veins are more prone to forming clots that, if dislodged, can reach the lungs and cause a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
How Can We Prevent Varicose Veins?
If you already have early-stage varicose veins or know your family history puts you at risk, you can take steps to delay or prevent their development:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Follow a balanced diet that prevents obesity and supports a normal weight
- Stay hydrated
- Engage in regular exercise and movement, but avoid overexertion
- Avoid prolonged standing; balance your daily activity
- Avoid tight pants that restrict circulation and uncomfortable shoes or high heels
- Limit hot baths
- Quit smoking
- Drink coffee moderately
- Consume alcohol occasionally or not at all
The most popular treatments for varicose veins include:
Microsclerotherapy For 'Spider Veins' VIDEO
Why Foam Sclerotherapy For Spider Veins?
Foam sclerotherapy treats a wide range of veins that may develop into varicose veins and cause aesthetic discomfort. It addresses dilated small vessels, reticular veins, isolated varicose veins, recurrent varicose veins, and varicose veins below the knee.
Why Foam Sclerotherapy For Spider Veins?
Foam sclerotherapy is not recommended for patients with acute thrombophlebitis, occlusive arterial disease, or allergies to the sclerosing agent. The specialist will decide if this treatment suits you, depending on your medical condition.
How Is It Performed?
The doctor first identifies which veins need treatment. Foam at the right concentration is injected into the veins, stopping blood flow and closing the veins completely. This procedure causes minimal discomfort and pain, and the closure of the reticular veins is immediately visible. Find out more here!
What Are The Main Advantages Of Foam Treatment?
- No anesthesia required
- Procedure lasts only a few minutes
- Performed on an outpatient basis
- Immediate mobility afterward
- Discomfort and redness subside within 72 hours
- No major side effects, complications, or significant risks
- No major recovery time; patients resume daily activities immediately
- Cost-effective solution
Thousands of patients have been treated for varicose veins at VenArt Clinics in Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest, where the medical team has more than 8 years of experience in vascular surgery. VenArt Clinic partners with highly experienced doctors, top-performing equipment, and the highest standards of sterility, resulting in excellent patient satisfaction.
Medical consultant: Dr. René Milleret
