Conditions

The two vein conditions that we deal with most commonly at Chicago Vein Institute are varicose and spider veins, caused by what is known as venous insufficiency. See all the Risk Factors for Vein Disease.

Varicose veins are a bit larger and raised from the skin. This is how you can generally tell the difference between them and spider veins. Both conditions have the potential to cause symptoms. Leg pain, restlessness, itching, and burning tend to be the most common physical side effects seen with spider and varicose veins.

To find these conditions, we use a procedure called a venous doppler ultrasound. This non-surgical imaging procedure produces a picture for us of what lies under the skin to give us a better look and help us determine the best approach to treatment.

Spider veins resemble spider webs just under the surface of the skin, hence their name. They are caused when groups of blood vessels become tangled under the skin. They usually appear as blue, red, or purple in coloration. They can be located anywhere in the body, but are most visible when seen on the legs or face. Thighs and lower legs are the most common problem areas for spider veins.

Most people suffering from unsightly spider veins, varicose veins, and other vein conditions go through a daily struggle to cover their legs due to the embarrassment of what appears to be only an aesthetic issue.

What most people don’t realize is that oftentimes their unsightly veins are actually caused by an underlying medical condition, that only gets progressively worse over time, leading to more severe symptoms and forms of vein disease including aches and restless legs (Restless Leg Syndrome), open sores and ulcers (Venous Leg Ulcers), rashes (Venous Stasis Dermatitis), skin discoloration (Hyperpigmentation) and or blue patches (Corona Phlebectatica), skin tightness (Lipodermatosclerosis),  swelling and excess tissue growth (Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome), and blood pooling in the veins (Edema).

Every patient is different and their vein situation unique. Which is why you should see a vein specialist who is ‘in-network’ with most major insurance companies in Illinois. It’s certainly something you should know before you consider treatment. Come into Chicago Vein Institute for a quick and easy consultation. We’ll diagnose your condition, explain your treatment options, and what, if any, out-of-pocket costs you’d have.