What Is the Difference Between Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

An estimated 20 percent of adults will have varicose veins in their lifetime. For many, varicose veins and spider veins – a milder variation of varicose veins – are a cosmetic concern, but they can also cause discomfort, aching and pain and may lead to more serious health problems down the road.

Varicose veins are raised, enlarged and swollen blood vessels that often appear bumpy and gnarled. They typically develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin.

These veins often afflict people who are at a higher risk for circulatory problems, so they should be evaluated by a vein specialist. Treatments vary from small lifestyle changes to surgical procedures to remove the veins.

Spider veins are swollen and can be seen through the skin like varicose veins, but they are smaller, usually red, purple or blue and occur closer to the skin’s surface. They bear a striking resemblance to a spider’s web – hence the name – and appear most often on the legs, face and chest.

Arteries carry blood away from the heart to the body, and veins return blood back to the heart. This means veins in the legs must work against gravity to keep blood flowing in the right direction.

Muscle contractions in the lower legs naturally pump blood upward, but as valves in the leg veins weaken, blood has the potential to pool. Inadequate strength of blood flow and the resulting pooling causes varicose and spider veins.

Many people who suffer from varicose veins complain of pain, aching and cramping in the legs. Other common symptoms include the following sensations:

Symptoms can often worsen during certain parts of the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Swelling, ulcers and increased pigmentation around the ankles are less common side effects. If varicose veins go untreated, painful blood clots may form.

Skin care, weight loss and daily walks can help naturally treat your varicose veins. Concentrate on eating a low-sodium diet to help reduce swelling and water retention.

These stockings can be purchased at surgical supply stores, pharmacies or online. They come in several styles, including above-the-knee, below-the-knee and pantyhose.

Performed since the 1930s, this procedure involves injecting a highly concentrated saline solution into the vein. This causes the vein to gradually disappear over three to six weeks.

A small laser fiber is inserted into the vein and pulses light at a specific frequency, which causes the vein to collapse.

A small catheter is inserted in the vein and delivers radiofrequency to the vein wall, which causes it to heat, collapse and seal shut.

There are multiple surgical techniques to eliminate varicose veins, including ligation and stripping, ambulatory phlebectomy and endoscopic vein surgery. Surgery is typically only performed for very large varicose veins. Patients can return home the same day.

Heat energy is used to selectively destroy abnormal veins. No needles or sclerosing solutions are needed, but there is minor discomfort and side effects like discoloration and blister formation.

Not all varicose veins need treatment. Many people do not experience pain and other symptoms but choose treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Whether your varicose and spider veins are causing you pain, or you just don’t like the look of them, there are treatment options available. VIRA specializes in minimally invasive solutions. Our methods are fast, safe and effective and are usually covered by insurance. Take our vein assessment to see how we can treat you.

Give us a call at 478-757-8868 or schedule your appointment here.