2. Causes
• Leg vein problems start when the vein valves
become weak or malfunction as they are not
able to prevent blood from flowing in the
wrong direction (known as “reflux”).
This produces a blood pool in the
veins, forcing them to protrude from the skin
appearing rope-like. This added venous
pressure can bring on more failure of other
vein valves and varicose veins.
3. • Besides being very unattractive and at times
embarrassing, varicose veins and spider veins
can cause multiple levels of
discomfort, including:
– swelling
– throbbing
– aching
– leg cramps
4. • Spider veins, or broken capillaries, are
medically known as telangiectasia. They are
dilated capillary veins under 2mm in diameter
that exist right under the skin’s surface on the
legs or face. Spider veins are blue, red, or
purplish in color and typically have a web-like
or linear appearance.
6. Contributing Factors
• There are many variables that can increase the
likelihood of developing leg vein problems.
• One of the primary factors that contributes to the
development of varicose and spider veins is
heredity, or one’s genes are susceptible to weak
vein walls and vein valves resulting in leg vein
issues.
•
7. • There are also many lifestyle factors which stimulate
the development of varicose or spider veins:
– pregnancy
– birth control pills
– lack of exercise
– prolonged sitting or standing
– obesity
– hormone replacement therapies
– aging
8. • Varicose veins are swollen veins that are
viewable through your skin. They typically
appear as twisted blue, and bulging. If not
treated, varicose veins may worsen with time.
Varicose veins can cause aching and feelings of
fatigue and changes in your skin such as
rashes, redness, and sores. Approximately 40
million Americans, the majority being
women, have varicose veins.
11. Treatments
• Some popular Methods of treatment for
varicose veins and spider veins are
sclerotherapy, foam
sclerotherapy, endovenous laser, and micro-
phlebectomy.
12. Consumer Resources
• Browse over to:
• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/varicose-
veins/DS00256
• www.VeinDirectory.org
• http://www.surgery.org/consumers/procedur
es/skin/spider-vein-treatment
