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Spider vein treatment options in Washington DC and Montgomery County
Spider veins are visible on the surface of the skin as small red, purple, or blue lines and are often associated with underlying varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. They may look like a series of lines, tree branches or can be web-like in shape. Though smaller than most varicose veins, spider veins are often darker and more noticeable.
Spider veins can develop anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the thighs, calves and ankles, where they can become a cosmetic concern to many people. Although they are usually harmless, spider veins and the underlying venous disease can cause symptoms such as tenderness, itchiness, heaviness and cramping in the legs and ankles.
Although many patients are bothered by the way they look, they can also be an indication of more serious underlying vein disease. Certain factors contribute to the development of spider veins including heredity, pregnancy, hormonal factors, weight gain, and occupation or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and trauma or injury. Regardless of how spider veins occur, it is important to treat underlying unhealthy veins early to halt the progression of the vein disease and to prevent complication such as edema, skin discoloration, venous ulcers or increased risk of vein thrombosis (blood clots).
The good news is that spider veins and any underlying vein disease can be quickly and easily treated. Spider vein treatment in Montgomery County usually revolves around injection-based sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive technique in which a medical solution is inserted into the affected vein that causes it to collapse. For larger or more stubborn spider veins, the best spider vein doctors in the Washington DC metro area may recommend endovenous radiofrequency or laser ablation procedures instead of or in addition to sclerotherapy.