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Do You Have Unsightly Spider Veins You’d Like Removed?

Varicose and spider veins are enlarged veins that can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and, in extreme case, present a risk to your health. An estimated 50 - 55%of women and 40 - 45% of men in the United States suffer from varicose or spider veins. While spider veins rarely present any problem other than a slight discomfort in the legs, varicose veins are likely to cause sores, cramping, and other pain. A few factors which may play a part in the development of varicose and spider veins are:

  • Heredity - There is a significant relationship between heredity and the development of varicose veins and spider veins.
  • Age - The development of varicose veins and spider veins may occur at any age but usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years, and peaks between 50 and 60 years.
  • Gender – Females are affected approximately four to one to males.
  • Pregnancy – Pregnancy is a common factor contributing to the formation of varicose and spider veins. Varicose veins that form during pregnancy may spontaneously improve or even disappear a few months after delivery.
  • Lifestyle/Occupation - People who are involved with prolonged sitting or standing in their daily activities have an increased risk of developing varicose veins.
  • Binding clothing.
  • Chronic constipation.
  • Birth control pills/estrogen replacement therapy.
  • High-heeled shoes.
  • Menstrual cycle.
  • Obesity.
  •  Sedentary lifestyle.
  • Exposure to sunlight or heat.

At Caddell’s Laser Clinic, we offer non-invasive laser vein therapy treatments for spider veins and other unwanted veins. The use of lasers has revolutionized many cosmetic procedures, and the treatment of spider veins is no exception. Unlike previously used treatments, laser treatments are quick and effective, with little to no down time. A technician uses a hand-held laser to pinpoint the offending vein, and uses the heat of the laser to facilitate coagulation, closing the vein permanently. It may take several treatments to attain the desired effect.

However, Caddell’s does not treat varicose veins, which require more drastic measures to remove, including invasive procedures or even surgery. This is why it is so important to understand the causes of spider and varicose veins, so that you can prevent ever getting them in the first place:

  • Avoid crossing your legs.
  • Elevate your legs when possible, especially when sleeping, keeping your feet above heart level.
  • Exercise daily. Walking, climbing stairs, cycling, and swimming keep your calf muscles in motion to activate the calf muscle pump. This reduces pooling and pressure in the veins.
  •  Move your legs frequently. Flexing your ankles periodically will pump the blood out of your legs (simulating walking). During periods of prolonged sitting or standing, flex your ankles 10 times and repeat this every 10 minutes. Try to avoid sitting for extended periods throughout your day.
  •  Wear support compression hose. These provide external graduated counter-pressure to aid in venous blood flow to the heart. They reduce pooling and pressure in the veins. They also may reduce the risk of forming a deep vein blood clot. Consider wearing them during long plane or car rides.
  • Maintain your ideal body weight to reduce excess pressure on your legs.
  • Avoid prolonged sitting and standing. On long car or plane trips activate your calf muscle pump by moving your feet up and down frequently as described above. You should also consider stopping for short walks every few hours.
  • Avoid excessive heat on your legs, such as hot tubs and hot baths. Heat will tend to increase vein distention and lead to more pooling of blood.
  • Avoid hormonal birth control or non bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
  • Eat a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation.
  • Avoid tight, binding clothing.

Call Caddell's for a Free Consultation

For a free consultation on the Laser Vein Therapy and how it can make a difference in your life, call Caddell's at 425-998-0181 or go to our website and request more information to start the process towards healthier, happier legs in time for summer.

In case a vein ruptures and starts to bleed it is advisable to immediately elevate your leg and compress the area. Contact your physician or seek emergency medical care immediately.