Working against gravity, blood flows through the veins back to the heart. Damage to the valves that prevent backflow allows blood to pool, swelling the veins and ultimately causing varicose veins--the dilated, twisted blood vessels visible just under the surface of the skin. Spider veins, similar to varicose veins, involve the tiny capillaries and usually are not a medical concern. Lifestyle changes, compression stockings and medical procedures can treat varicose veins and spider veins, but they can't prevent new ones from forming.
Lifestyle Changes
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says lifestyle changes are often the first treatment for varicose veins. They can prevent the condition from worsening, ease pain and reduce the likelihood of new varicose veins forming.
To keep blood flowing smoothly through the legs, don't stand or sit for long periods without taking a break to move around, and raise the legs above the level of the heart when possible. By toning leg muscles, exercise improves blood flow through the legs, and losing weight can ease damaging pressure on the veins. Loose-fitting clothing, especially at the waist and upper thighs, and lower-heeled shoes help blood flow smoothly through the legs.
Compression Stockings
The Mayo Clinic recommends trying compression stockings before considering other medical options for varicose veins. Worn all day, compression stockings put even pressure on the legs to keep blood from pooling. Compression stockings range from support pantyhose--which supply the least amount of pressure--to over-the-counter or prescription compression stockings, which supply the greatest amount of pressure. For prescription compression stockings, the patient must be custom measured and fitted.
Medical Procedures
A patient might opt for medical treatment for varicose or spider veins for cosmetic reasons, or to eliminate pain and improve circulation. A variety of medical procedures close or remove the affected veins so that blood flows through different veins. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, after any of these procedures the patient might experience temporary bruising, swelling or slight pain.
Sclerotherapy repeatedly injects an irritating chemical into the vein, until the irritation and scarring close off the vein. Microsclerotherapy operates on the same principle to treat spider veins. Laser surgery uses light energy to seal off the vein.
In endovenous ablation, the doctor inserts a catheter into the vein and uses heat to seal off the vein. In ambulatory phlebectomy, the doctor removes small varicose veins from the body.
For more serious cases of varicose veins, a patient might need a more invasive procedure. In endoscopic vein surgery, the doctor inserts a thin tube containing a camera and a surgical device into the vein. Using the camera to navigate, she positions the surgical device to seal off the vein. Vein stripping requires anesthesia. Veins are tied shut and then removed through small incisions in the skin.
