Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins - What's the Difference?

Varicose veins and spider veins are often confused with each other and used synonymously by many people. However, there are a lot of differences. Here we will explain those differences so you can identify what you have, and what is the best vein treatment plan.

Varicose veins are veins that are large, swollen, twisted, and are protruding from under the skin. Sometimes they are visible with the naked eye, but many times, they are not visible with simple examination.

Telangiectasia (aka Spider veins) are tiny capillaries right on the surface of the skin. These usually form tiny networks or “webs” (hence the term “spider veins”) and can be either pink/purple or red in color.

What do Varicose Veins and Spider Veins have in common?

1. They are both unsightly and are of a cosmetic concern for most patients

2. They can both cause symptoms of heaviness, aching and tiredness

3. They both are often the result of an underlying cause

4. They can both be treated with the latest technological advancements in Venous Disease

The big differences between the two is in appearance:

1. Varicose veins are large, swollen blood vessels that are twisted. They form in the legs.

2. Spider veins are smaller and have a more web-like appearance. Also, spider veins can form on the legs, chest, and even on the face.

3. Are varicose vein treatments covered by insurance? Yes, with medical necessity, varicose veins are a medical condition unlike spider veins and are covered.

Patients with varicose veins and spider veins can be treated in the same manner many times. If you think you have either of these, you should find the best vein doctor and have a thorough examination and detailed assessment. Screenings with advanced technology to diagnose vein disease such as a Duplex Ultrasound Machine can determine the extent of venous disease.

One should never assume that spider veins or varicose veins are only on the surface of the skin and not part of a larger medical issue. Spider veins and varicose veins are usually an indicator of severe underlying venous disease. It is troubling to see patient after patient receive no formal evaluation of their veins despite obvious symptoms. This is can be counter-productive and costly given how much spider vein treatment cost.

The rule should be to always have your legs properly assessed at a proper nj vein center before any vein treatment—a simple ultrasound can help you find a cure with the best treatment plan.

Living with varicose and spider veins can be unsightly, painful, and can have longterm health effects. It is important to get your vein disease assessed and diagnosed by a a vein and vascular institute that is accredited and well-regarded in the community.

Article Source: https://njveinwellness.bcz.com/2020/05/07/spider-veins-vs-varicose-veins-whats-the-difference/

Top 5 New Vein Treatments

Varicose veins are unsightly blue veins that often develop due to underlying venous insufficiency. The veins appear twisted and bulge from the skin resulting dysfunction of venous valves. Symptomatic varicose veins are more common in individuals who have a family history of varicose veins, work or sit for prolonged periods of time, and with age. Board-certified Vein doctors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of all presentations of vein disease. 

Here are some expert tips:

Symptoms of Varicose Veins
The symptoms of varicose veins can sometimes be overlooked, however early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid progression:

• Leg pain or heaviness
• Leg swelling that is worse towards the end of the day
• A throbbing or burning sensation in your legs (Charlie horses)
• Skin discoloration particular over the ankles or shins
• Blood clots
• skin ulcerations
• Bleeding

Treatment at early stages with simple at home measures can have a meaningful impact on vein symptoms. The recommended actions are taking regular walks or running to promote healthy circulation, elevate your legs periodically, and wearing compression stockings. Talk to your vein doctor about what lifestyle changes you can make early on to prevent worsening varicose vein symptoms.

If these measures do not control your symptoms, then it’s time to consider the next steps in treatment.


Minimally Invasive Options to Treat Varicose Veins
Surgery is no longer recommended for the treatment of varicose veins. The top 5 recommended varicose vein treatments for definitive management are minimally-invasive, office based procedures.


Varithena – A patented vein medication for the treatment of both upper and lower leg varicose veins. This procedure is the least invasive technique and is injected into the target veins for chemical closure.


Endovenous RF ablation–Performed under ultrasound-guidance, an ablation catheter is advanced into the diseased vein and treated with thermal ablation. The treated vein is collapsed and blood is redirected to healthier veins.


Endovenous Laser ablation – Similar to RF ablation, however utilizes a different energy source
Venaseal– A novel procedure that was recently approved by the FDA to treat underlying venous insufficiency using a medical adhesive. Unlike RF ablation or laser ablation, the technique requires minimal anesthetic and seals the problematic vein with a vein glue.


Ambulatory phlebectomy – Also known as microphlebectomy, this treatment is minimally invasive and is the most efficient way to remove unsightly, large protuberant varicose veins.


Minimally invasive varicose vein treatments are ideally suited for all patients with symptomatic vein disease. Your NJ vein specialist  should be comfortable with all the latest technologies in venous medicine to deliver great results in the least invasive way.


Article Source: https://mtlaurelveincenter.weebly.com/blog/top-5-new-vein-treatments

What Effect Does Exercise Have on Varicose Veins?

Many people are aware that varicose veins in the legs are associated with labor-intensive jobs that involve standing all day, or that they tend to affect people who have a family history with the condition. But those aren’t the only ways varicose veins become uncomfortable and aggravated — in fact, the way you work out could be putting you at risk.


Though varicose veins shouldn’t stop you from exercising, it’s important to know what you should make a habit of and what you should avoid.  Vein specialists in Princeton NJ and the surrounding areas are often avid runners and can provide the best tips on how to get rid of spider veins and varicose veins.


Take It Easy and Avoid Impact:Similar to how excessive standing can be problematic for the health of your veins, high-impact exercises can aggravate and worsen the condition for those predisposed to it. This includes activities like running, particularly on hard surfaces like concrete. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, wear compression stockings and sticking to softer surfaces like grass to help improve blood flow from the legs and decrease aches and pains.


But if your body simply can’t handle the strain of running and other high-intensity activities, walking is a far safer alternative. It’s not too strenuous, and it might actually be the most beneficial physical activity for your circulation. If you’re at a job that involves extended periods of sitting, taking short breaks to walk around or climb stairs has proven extremely helpful. That being said, even walking can be a difficult task for those already suffering from varicose vein pain. A good method to increase blood flow without straining yourself physically is to rotate your ankles and rock your legs back and forth.


The Gym – What to Do and What to Avoid:For starters, the elliptical and the stationary bike are great, low-impact exercise implements that help you burn calories and increase blood flow without putting too much strain on your body.


If exercise machines aren’t your style, swimming is another excellent choice to log some physical activity that won’t have your veins regretting it afterward. That’s because swimming places the legs in a horizontal position, rather than straining them through interaction with a tough surface.


On the flip side, it may be wise to stay away from heavy lifting. Weight-lifting has a similar effect on the body to running in that it can interfere with or restrict blood flow from the legs to the heart, causing blood to pool in the veins and enlarge them. This is a result of the straining and increased abdominal pressure that the exertion involved in lifting heavy objects requires. Sit-ups, lunges, squats, and even yoga can have a similarly strenuous effect on varicose veins.
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For greater discussion on the effects of exercise on veins, consider visiting a vein doctor.

Article Source: https://mtlaurelveincenter.weebly.com/blog/what-effect-does-exercising-have-on-varicose-veins