Do spider veins hurt?

Looks can be deceiving with spider veins. Their thin, red spider appearance makes them look like they would be painful, but they often aren’t.

Take a closer look at spider veins to learn more about what type of symptoms you may experience from them and when you should consider scheduling a consult with a vascular surgeon to discuss treatment options.

Do spider veins hurt?

Spider veins rarely cause any pain or discomfort. They are often asymptomatic.

Even though spider veins are mostly asymptomatic, that doesn’t mean they will never cause pain. There are certain situations that may cause you to experience pain, aching or burning near the spider veins.

Spider veins can be painful if caused by varicose veins

There is a common misconception that spider veins can turn into varicose veins. That can’t happen. However, the opposite can happen. Varicose veins can cause spider veins.

Sometimes, the varicose veins can become so enlarged and swollen that it puts pressure on nearby veins. If pressure is applied to a vein that is located on the superficial layer of the skin, it can cause blood to start to pool, which results in the development of spider veins.

Many times, when spider veins develop along with varicose veins, people mistakenly think that any pain they experience is a result of both conditions. When in actuality, the pain is a result of the varicose veins and the spider veins are asymptomatic.

Certain activities can irritate spider veins and cause pain and discomfort

When too much pressure is placed on the spider veins, it can cause you to experience pain and discomfort. Engaging in certain activities can increase the amount of pressure that is placed on the veins.

Some activities that you may want to avoid if you have spider veins include:

• Standing for prolonged periods of time
• Sitting cross-legged
• Sitting for too long at a desk or in a chair
• Overuse of hot tubs or saunas
• Wearing tight clothing

When to seek treatment for spider veins

Asymptomatic spider veins may affect your appearance, but they aren’t dangerous. You can live a healthy, normal life without needing treatment. However, if you experience any pain or discomfort along with your spider veins, you should consult with a vascular surgeon to discuss possible treatment options.

Treatment for spider veins should also be sought if you are also experiencing varicose veins. Varicose veins, if not properly treated, can cause a serious, potentially life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism. If your spider veins are caused by varicose veins, it is important to seek immediate medical treatment in order to avoid experiencing any serious problems.

Treatment options for spider veins

Both non-surgical and surgical treatment options are available for spider veins. A vascular surgeon can assess your situation and determine which treatment option is right for you.

Many times, if you are seeking treatment for spider veins only, your healthcare provider may recommend making certain lifestyle changes to see if it helps with symptom relief.

Some lifestyle changes that your healthcare provider may recommend if you suffer from spider veins include:

• Increasing the amount of exercise you do on a daily basis – something as simple as walking an extra 30 minutes a day can help improve blood flow which may help you find pain relief
• Losing weight
• Wearing sunscreen – spider veins can sometimes be caused by trauma to the skin. Wearing sunscreen can protect the skin and prevent the spider veins from getting worse.
• Wearing compression socks
• Elevate your feet – the goal is to elevate your feet at a level that is at or above your heart
• Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time
• Don’t cross your legs

If making adjustments to your lifestyle doesn’t provide you with relief for painful spider veins or you notice them getting worse, your doctor may consider other alternative treatment options. Treatment options that may be considered include:

• Use of medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroid creams and antibiotics
• Sclerotherapy
• Veinwave
• Laser Ablation Spider Veins

Siragusa’s vein clinic in nashville

If varicose veins, spider veins or other vascular issues are causing you health problems,schedule a consult with us right away. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the middle of winter or July here in Nashville, TN. We’ll plan out a course of vein treatment to help you deal with varicose veins, spider veins, or DVT.