In this Article

• What are veins and what is their function?
• What are varicose veins and spider veins?
• Who gets varicose and spider veins?
• What causes varicose and spider veins?
• What are varicose vein symptoms?
• How are varicose veins evaluated (diagnosed)?
• What treatments are available for varicose veins and spider veins?
• How can compression stockings help with varicose veins?
• What is sclerotherapy?
• What surgical procedures are available to treat varicose veins?
• Can laser be used to treat varicose and spider veins?
• What type of doctors provide treatments for varicose and spider veins?
• What are the side effects of these treatments?
• How can varicose vein be prevented?
• Varicose Veins At A Glance
• Pictures of Spider and Varicose Veins - Slideshow
• Varicose Veins Glossary
• Varicose Veins Index

How can varicose vein be prevented?

Prevention of varicose veins may be accomplished by periodic leg elevation, avoidance of prolonged standing, and wearing elastic support hose. Regular exercise and control of weight can also be beneficial. These measures can prevent or slow down the progression of varicose veins.

Varicose Veins and Spider Veins At A Glance

• Veins carry blood low in oxygen content from the body to the lungs and heart.
  
  
• Varicose veins can lead to aching or even ulceration of the legs.
  
  
• Varicose veins can be caused be weakened valves in the veins or weakened walls of the veins, or by inflammation in the veins (phlebitis).
  
  
• Treatment is not always necessary.
  
  
• Treatments available for venous disease include surgery and sclerotherapy.

References:

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, McGraw-Hill, edited by Eugene Braunwald, et. al., 2001.

Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, McGraw-Hill, 1999.

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