Varicose veins are veins where different conditions have changed the circulation and appearance of the veins. People with varicose veins can experience pain and discomfort as well as changes in the appearance of the skin areas. Varicose veins are generally found in the lower body, because walking and standing put more pressure on the veins in the legs and feet. Pressure on veins causes “wear and tear” over time, and with age and other factors, people can develop different varicose vein conditions that can be unpleasant.
Reticular Veins
Reticular veins are a kind of varicose vein under the skin. In many cases, reticular veins are hereditary. People with reticular veins have veins that are enlarged because of pressure over time. This can lead to discoloration of surface veins, which health care professionals often call “spider veins” due to their web like appearance on the skin surface area.
Treating Reticular Veins
Doctors often use different procedures to treat reticular veins. In one kind of treatment called sclerotherapy, the reticular veins get injected with a solution that changes or restricts their operation. In a different procedure called miniphlebectomy, doctors use needles to close or collapse veins.
Preventing Varicose Veins
Though reticular veins tend to be inherited, individuals can lower their general risk for varicose veins and circulatory problems by engaging in regular exercise and by avoiding sitting or standing in static positions for long periods of time. Though varicose veins are generally a cosmetic problem, there are treatments available to take care of these sometimes unsightly veins.
