Spider veins are small, complex blood vessels directly under the skin that look like cobwebs. Spider veins do not swell and do not require medical treatment. Any treatment for spider veins is generally considered cosmetic and is not insured. The average cost of treatment per leg is between $ 200 and $ 600, depending on the procedure.
Varicose veins are the blue or purple swellings that can appear on a person’s legs. Any vein in the body can become varicose, but this usually happens in the lower limbs, as pressure is exerted on the veins when walking and standing, causing them to twist and swell.
There are five main risk factors associated with the development of varicose veins. The first factor is sitting or standing for a long time. The blood circulation is restricted if you are in the same position for a long time. Your muscles don’t contract to return blood to the heart. The second is obesity. The extra weight due to obesity puts more pressure on the veins in your legs. The third is the normal aging process, which affects the valves in your veins and causes them to malfunction. The fourth factor is gender. Women are more at risk of developing varicose veins due to the hormonal changes that affect the veins, and the fifth factor is heredity.
Insurance companies and Medicare treat varicose veins when certain criteria are met.
Interruption of daily activities due to difficulty walking or standing.
Pain or discomfort associated with varicose veins, such as pain, burning, throbbing, cramping, and swelling in the legs.
Other methods such as compression stockings or lifestyle changes did not work.
Veins larger than 4 mm.
Complications such as phlebitis, swelling of the legs or ulcers.
If your insurance company has determined that treatment is medically necessary, your doctor may recommend many procedures depending on the number and severity of the varicose veins.
Psychotherapy: if a solution is injected into the vein, it goes away.
Endogenous laser treatment (EVLT): A fine laser fiber is inserted into the vein and heat is applied, which closes the vein.
Radiofrequency Occlusion (VNUS): The vein heats up, causing it to contract and close.
Laser and pulsed light treatments: A light beam is used to seal the veins.
Ambulatory phlebectomy: Varicose veins are removed through tiny incisions.
Venous ligation: the vein is attached by an incision to interrupt the blood flow.
Stripping the veins: the upper end of the vein is attached and then removed.
There is no way to prevent varicose veins from appearing, but there are ways to lower your risk. Exercise to increase blood circulation in your legs. Watch your weight to reduce pressure on the veins. Train your calf muscles more by wearing low-heeled shoes and avoiding high heels. Take breaks every day and raise your legs to improve blood circulation. If you must stand or sit for a long time, exercise every 30 minutes to promote blood circulation. Finally, do not sit cross-legged as this can restrict blood flow.