The vascular specialists at UPMC in Central Pa. provide advanced treatment for unsightly or uncomfortable varicose and spider veins.
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red, or flesh-colored. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They can be swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are often found on the thighs, backs of the calves, or the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins can form around the vagina and buttocks.
Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller. They also are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Often, they are red or blue. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.
About 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men in the United States suffer from some type of vein problem. Varicose veins affect half of people 50 years and older.
Varicose veins can be caused by weak or damaged valves in your veins. Your heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to your whole body through your arteries. Veins then carry the blood from your body back to your heart.
Most varicose and spider veins appear in the legs due to the pressure of body weight, the force of gravity, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart. Compared with other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure. This pressure can be stronger than the one-way valves in the veins.
As your leg muscles squeeze, they push blood back to your heart from your lower body against the flow of gravity. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps to prevent blood from flowing backward as it moves up your legs. If the valves become weak, blood can leak back into the veins and collect there. (This problem is called venous insufficiency.) When backed-up blood makes the veins bigger, they can become varicose.
Spider veins can be caused by the backup of blood. They can also be caused by hormone changes, exposure to the sun, and injuries.
Spider veins rarely are a serious health problem, but they can cause uncomfortable feelings in the legs. If there are symptoms from spider veins, most often they will be itching or burning. Less often, spider veins can be a sign of blood back-up deeper inside that you can see on your skin. If so, you could have the same symptoms you would have with varicose veins.
Varicose veins may not cause any problems, or they may cause aching pain, throbbing, and discomfort. In some cases, varicose veins can lead to more serious health problems. Varicose veins can often be seen on the skin. Some other common symptoms of varicose veins in the legs include:
You should see a doctor about varicose veins if:
If you're having pain, even if it's just a dull ache, don't hesitate to get help. Also, even if you don't need to see a doctor about your varicose veins, you should take steps to keep them from getting worse.
Many factors increase your chances of developing varicose or spider veins, including:
You may not be able to control some risk factors for varicose and spider veins, such as aging, hormonal changes, and personal or family history. However, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing varicose and spider veins by getting plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
Call the UPMC in Central Pa. Vein Center at 717-920-4500 or UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Adams/York Counties at 717-849-5576 or 717-637-1738
UPMC Vein Center
2808 Old Post Road
Lower Level
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: 717-920-4500
Fax: 717-920-4501
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Outpatient Services at UPMC Memorial
1703 Innovation Drive
Suite 4120
York, PA 17408
Heart and Vascular: 717-849-5576
Fax: 717-718-9972
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Medical Office Building
310 Stock Street
Suite 3
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Part of UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
1600 6th Avenue
Suite 105
York, PA 17403
Phone: 717-849-5576
Fax: 717-718-9972
When it comes to health care for you and your family, UPMC is here. It's easy to find the right doctor, health screenings, programs, classes, and more.
Contact UPMC in central Pa.