If you have visible veins on your legs or other areas, you might be wondering what type of veins they are and what treatment options exist. Varicose veins and spider veins may seem similar at first glance, but they are different conditions that require unique approaches. Knowing the difference can help you understand what to expect during evaluation and care.
At VENUS Vein Clinic, we diagnose and treat both types of veins as well as other concerns. Our experience with these conditions allows us to identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options for our patients in Omaha, NE.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are small, damaged blood vessels that appear near the surface of the skin. These veins do not typically cause serious medical problems, but some patients wish to address them for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, they can also signal underlying venous issues.
What Do Spider Veins Look Like?
Spider veins are thin and web-like, and look like clusters of red, blue, or purple lines on the skin. They may appear as straight lines, fine branches, or circular patterns that resemble a spider’s web. The veins are usually less than a millimeter wide and lie flat beneath the surface. Some patients notice that the color becomes darker or more prominent with heat, standing, or physical exertion. Their appearance can vary slightly depending on skin tone and the severity of the venous dilation.
Typical Locations for Spider Veins
Spider veins often appear on the legs, especially around the thighs, calves, and ankles. They can also develop on the face, particularly around the nose, cheeks, and chin. Less commonly, they may be seen on the chest or abdomen.
Spider Vein Symptoms
Spider veins do not always cause physical discomfort, but some patients report burning, itching, or a mild throbbing sensation near the affected area. Symptoms may worsen after standing for long periods or at the end of the day. In some cases, there may be swelling or a feeling of heaviness in the legs.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that form when blood builds up in weakened or stretched vessels. They often look thick, rope-like, and may appear blue or purple as they bulge beneath the skin. These veins tend to be deeper and more noticeable than spider veins, and their size or appearance can change depending on activity or how long you have been on your feet.
Typical Locations for Varicose Veins
The legs are the most frequent site for varicose veins, especially the inner thighs, calves, and backs of the knees. Veins in these areas work against gravity to return blood to the heart, making them more prone to valve dysfunction. In some patients, varicose veins also appear around the ankles or feet. Prolonged sitting or standing can cause pressure to build in these veins, which contributes to their formation.
Varicose Vein Symptoms
Varicose veins can cause aching, heaviness, or a feeling of pressure in the legs, especially after standing or walking. Some patients notice swelling in the lower legs or ankles along with visible vein changes. The skin around the veins may itch, burn, or feel tender to the touch. In more advanced cases, the skin can discolor, thicken, or develop ulcers. Discomfort tends to increase later in the day or after extended physical activity.
What Causes These Conditions?
Shared Risk Factors
Spider veins and varicose veins often develop from similar underlying issues. Weak or damaged valves in the veins allow blood to flow backward and collect, which increases pressure and leads to visible changes. Risk increases with age, family history, hormonal shifts, and occupations that involve sitting or standing for long periods. Weight gain and limited physical activity can also make vein function worse by placing extra strain on circulation. Both men and women can develop these conditions.
Additional Causes of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins typically form when larger veins lose strength and cannot move blood effectively. Pregnancy can increase vein pressure due to hormonal changes and added blood volume, which contributes to vein stretching and valve problems. A history of blood clots or leg injuries may also affect deeper vein function and lead to persistent swelling or bulging veins.
Additional Causes of Spider Veins
Spider veins usually form in smaller blood vessels that lie close to the skin’s surface. Sun damage can weaken vessel walls, especially in areas like the face where the skin is thinner and more exposed. Hormonal changes, such as those linked to birth control, pregnancy, or menopause, often affect vein appearance by relaxing the vein walls. Some patients develop spider veins after injuries or procedures that increase local pressure in the skin.
When to Be Concerned About Visible Veins
If you experience pain, swelling, heaviness, or skin changes near the veins, you may have underlying venous insufficiency. Symptoms that worsen with standing or improve when you elevate your legs can also point to circulation problems. Skin that becomes discolored, dry, or irritated around the veins should be evaluated. When visible veins cause discomfort or interfere with daily activity, it is a good time to seek a medical opinion.
Treatment Options
Spider Vein Treatments
- Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting a solution directly into the affected veins. The solution causes the vein walls to collapse and close off, which redirects blood flow to healthier veins nearby.
- Laser Treatments: Laser treatments use focused light to heat and close off small surface veins without breaking the skin. The light targets the pigment in the vein, causing it to shrink and fade. Laser therapy is often used for spider veins on the face or other delicate areas.
Varicose Vein Treatments
- Endovenous Ablation: Endovenous ablation treats varicose veins by using heat to close off the affected vein from the inside. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein, and either laser or radiofrequency energy is applied to seal it shut. Blood naturally reroutes to nearby healthy veins, and the treated vein is gradually absorbed.
- Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy uses real-time imaging to guide a specialized foam solution into larger varicose veins that are not easily seen at the surface. The foam displaces blood within the vein and causes the vein walls to collapse and seal off.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Ambulatory phlebectomy involves removing bulging varicose veins through small incisions in the skin. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and usually no stitches are needed. This approach is useful for veins that are too large to treat with sclerotherapy but do not require vein ablation.
Prevention and Lifestyle Support
Preventing spider veins and varicose veins is not always possible, but certain habits can reduce your risk or slow their progression. Regular movement, especially walking, helps improve circulation and reduce pressure in the legs. Avoid sitting or standing in one position for long periods, and elevate your legs when possible to support healthy blood flow. You can also consider wearing compression stockings to manage symptoms and prevent additional varicose or spider veins.
Treat Your Varicose Veins or Spider Veins Today
Visible varicose veins and spider veins can cause discomfort, skin changes, and circulation problems if left untreated. At our clinic in Omaha, NE, we diagnose and treat both types of veins using non-surgical techniques that improve blood flow and reduce symptoms. To learn more about how to get rid of varicose veins or to schedule a consultation at VENUS Vein Clinic, call (402) 979-8346 or contact us through our online form.