Hand vein pain can be unpleasant and inconvenient, as it can lead to difficulty with performing usual everyday tasks. Though it isn’t always a cause for concern, hand vein pain may sometimes indicate the presence of a more serious underlying issue, such as varicose veins or a condition called thrombophlebitis.
Fortunately, minimally invasive treatments for hand veins may reduce any related pain and discomfort. Here’s more about common causes of hand vein pain and how to contact North Shore Vein Center on Long Island to discuss available treatments.
Common Causes of Hand Vein Pain
In some instances, heat can cause veins in the hands to dilate, which may lead to short periods of mild pain. However, hand vein pain that lasts for a long time or never seems to go away may be caused by one of several underlying conditions.
Common causes of pain in hand veins include:
- Varicose veins. Damaged or weak valves in the veins of the hands can lead to the development of varicose veins. Varicose veins usually appear to be twisted and bulging from the skin and may be purple or blue in color.
- Inflammation. Damage to the wall of a vein can cause it to become irritated and inflamed, which can trigger pain in that particular vein.
- Age and genetics. The valves in hand veins can degenerate or wear down with time and aging, which can lead to blood pooling and pain in those veins. A family history of hand vein pain is another potential cause and risk factor.
- Superficial thrombophlebitis. Also known as superficial venous thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis occurs when a blood clot causes inflammation in a vein near the surface of the skin. The vein inflammation triggered by this condition can cause pain in that particular vein.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is similar to superficial thrombophlebitis but develops in a vein deep within a muscle. DVT is a potentially life-threatening condition, as its complications include pulmonary embolism or death.
Tips for Hand Pain Prevention
Practicing good hand vein care may help reduce the risk of vein pain and underlying conditions, including varicose veins and DVT.
Follow these practical hand pain prevention tips:
- Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight may increase blood pressure and put extra strain on veins, causing varicose veins and hand pain.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise promotes good blood flow and circulation and may reduce vein pain.
- Reduce heat. An increase in internal body temperature or heat from the environment can cause veins to swell temporarily, which may cause pain in hand veins.
- Eat healthy foods. Certain foods—such as fruits and vegetables—contain anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent pain and swelling in veins.
Treatment Options for Hand Veins
Hand veins that are unsightly or cause pain, inflammation, and other symptoms can be effectively treated using a minimally invasive procedure called sclerotherapy.
During hand sclerotherapy, a liquid solution called sodium tetradecyl sulfate is injected into the problematic hand veins that are causing pain. This solution causes the veins to collapse and close, which forces blood to be redirected through other nearby veins. Over time, the veins will gradually fade from view, and symptoms will go away.
Sclerotherapy involves the use of tiny needles that cause little to no pain, and it requires no anesthesia. Each treatment session lasts about 30 minutes, and results are usually noticeable within four to six weeks. Given how sclerotherapy is minimally invasive, it produces no downtime and can be conveniently scheduled at any time of day.
Hand veins that are causing pain can be properly examined and evaluated by a vein specialist, who can determine whether sclerotherapy is a viable treatment option.
North Shore Vein Center on Long Island offers treatments for vein inflammation and hand vein pain, including sclerotherapy. Contact North Shore Vein Center today at (516) 869-8346 to request an initial vein consultation if you need treatment for a vein issue.