Spider veins VS varicose veins

Spider veins or telangiectasias are dilations of small veins under the skin. Depending on their depth and diameter, they will vary in color and shape. The deeper or larger ones are greenish in color and as they become more superficial they are purplish or reddish. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are dilations of the superficial vessels of greater caliber.

What causes the appearance of both pathologies?

Both are the reflection of a venous insufficiency of lesser to greater degree, that is to say, they are translated as a difficulty of venous return. Varicose veins do not appear only for a single cause, they are considered to be of multifactorial origin, in which polygenic inheritance, prolonged standing, sedentary life, obesity, constipation, tight clothing, increased estrogen levels, etc. play very important roles.

Symptoms and evolution

It is rare that varicose veins cause pain, the most frequent is that the patient suffers from heavy legs, evening edema of the ankles, night cramps, itching or restless feet among other symptoms. Although it is not very frequent, if certain conjunctions occur, episodes of venous inflammation (phleblitis) or venous thrombosis may occur, which in the most serious cases could trigger pulmonary thromboembolism.

Treatment

Fortunately nowadays, with the development of diagnostic techniques such as Doppler ultrasound and treatments, very satisfactory results can be achieved. The various sclerosis techniques, whether liquid, foam or cryosclerosis, make it easier and easier to resolve these pathologies. In addition, percutaneous laser, in selected cases, is nowadays a very useful tool.

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However, prevention is important, i.e., maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. Controlling obesity and constipation, avoiding prolonged standing without compression stockings, leading a healthy life with regular and moderate exercise are the basic measures. The use of venotonics and elastic stockings help in the most symptomatic cases.