What are spider veins?

Unsightly and embarrassing spider veins are the tiny relatives of varicose veins. Like varicose veins, spider veins are also caused by heredity, pregnancy, estrogen medications, prolonged standing or sitting, sedentary lifestyle, and injury to the legs. But unlike varicose veins, spider veins are not dangerous and are simply enlarged venules (tiny veins). Together, varicose veins & spider veins affect over half the population by age 55.

Is an evaluation necessary? Why do I need an Ultrasound?

When traveling downward to the legs, blood flows easily through the arteries. But when blood flows back up the legs to the heart through the veins, gravity makes this job more difficult. Fortunately, our veins are equipped with one-way valves that fight gravity and direct blood toward the heart. When these valves are healthy, they open and close normally providing blood with a foothold to climb up the leg. When these valves weaken, blood will flow back down the leg. This backwards flow of blood is called "venous reflux". Diseased veins -- from the largest varicose vein to the smallest spider vein -- are usually caused by reflux through weakened valves. Over time, the pressure from this reflux causes the veins on the skin surface to overstretch and bulge. In order for your veins to be treated properly, the exact location of the venous reflux first needs to be identified. This is accomplished by an advanced ultrasound imaging test called a Venous Duplex Scan, which creates a "map" of your veins by pinpointing the location of the damaged valves. This important test is painless, non-invasive, takes about 40-45 minutes to perform, and is covered by Medicare and most health insurance plans. Armed with this information, we can then determine the best treatment plan, estimated cost, and the anticipated outcome.