If you are suffering from the symptoms of varicose veins or spider veins, you may wonder whether your condition is serious enough to warrant professional vein treatment. To determine whether you should schedule an appointment with a vein specialist, ask yourself the questions below.

1. What are my symptoms?

Patients with spider veins may notice small, web-like veins on their hands, face, neck and legs. These veins are not raised above the skin’s surface and they rarely cause discomfort. Patients with varicose veins, however, will see larger, swollen veins that seem to be twisted and gnarled. These veins may be raised or deep. They also tend to cause other symptoms, such as pain, cramping, tingling and weakness.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you may benefit from professional vein treatment.

2. Can I handle this on my own?

In some cases, patients are able to relieve the symptoms of abnormal veins with at-home treatments. For example, if you are suffering from painful varicose veins, you may be able to improve your condition by wearing compression stockings, avoiding long periods of sitting or standing and elevating your legs as much as possible. However, for many patients, these conservative measures are not enough. If you have already tried at-home treatment with no success, or if you don’t believe you would benefit from at-home treatment, it may be time to make an appointment at a vein clinic.

3. Am I comfortable with the idea of professional treatment?

Professional treatment can dramatically improve the appearance of abnormal veins, as well as any accompanying symptoms. Various treatment options are available for patients with abnormal veins, including sclerotherapy, ambulatory phlebectomy, laser therapy and more. Depending on the type of treatment you choose, injections and/or surgery may be required. Although these procedures carry very little risk and require only limited recovery time, they are still more invasive than at-home therapy.

If you are ready to try a minimally-invasive treatment to resolve symptoms of varicose veins or spider veins, making an appointment with a vein doctor is the most appropriate course of action. To learn more about your vein treatment options, contact the St. Louis Vein & Endovascular today.