Medically reviewed by Adria L. Ford, DO, on July 29, 2024
Spider veins and varicose veins are both signs of venous insufficiency. Spider veins are tiny veins that have become incompetent and pool blood near the surface of the skin. They appear as very small blood vessels that are usually undetectable to the touch but can be very slightly raised. Spider veins often are asymptomatic. However, some people complain of itching and burning associated with their spider veins.
For this article, we consulted with Dr. Adria L. Ford, lead vein physician in Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinics in Portage, Michigan, and Southwest Grand Rapids, Michigan. A member of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons and the American Osteopathic Association, Dr. Ford is highly experienced in venous insufficiency. She clarifies the differences between spider veins and varicose veins before discussing treatment options and benefits of a thoughtful self-care regimen.
Varicose veins are blood vessels that are enlarged due to increased pressure in the venous system of the legs. They appear as enlarged veins that bulge at the surface of the skin. They become enlarged due to valves that have stopped working. We have check-valves in our veins that are supposed to prevent the backflow of blood down the leg. The blood in our legs is fighting against gravity. The valves act as rungs on a stepladder to assist the blood to leave the legs.
“When the check-valves stop functioning, the blood pools back down the leg and causes increased pressure within the veins. This leads to the veins stretching and causes many different symptoms and changes in the skin and soft tissues of the legs.” - Adria L. Ford, DO
Varicose veins can cause a host of skin symptoms and changes, such as aching, throbbing, swelling, restlessness, itching, burning, skin rashes, skin hyperpigmentation, and ulceration.
There are many risk factors for the development of non-functioning valves. Genetics plays a large part in contributing to vein disease, as do multiple pregnancies, female gender, occupations with prolonged standing and sitting, leg injury or clot, and obesity. Also, as we age, the valves tend to give out over time. Vein disease worsens over time, and it does not repair itself.
The treatment for spider veins and varicose veins differs. Spider vein treatment is performed in an office-based setting using a procedure called sclerotherapy. It is typically done for cosmetic purposes but can be done for medical purposes in the case of bleeding. The procedure is done using a very small needle that is used to enter the vein. A solution is injected directly into the vein. The solution causes the vein to spasm and destroys the lining of the vein wall, eventually causing it to collapse.
Varicose vein treatment is also performed in an office setting. Indications for varicose vein treatment include any of the aforementioned symptoms, in addition to blood clots and bleeding varicosities. Treatment involves shutting down the non-functioning veins, allowing the healthy veins to take over.
There are different ways to shut down the incompetent veins depending on the location within the leg, including the shape of the vein and depth. This is determined based on a simple ultrasound of the leg veins. All procedures take an average of less than 20 minutes to perform and there are very minimal restrictions after the procedures. You can even return to work right after a procedure is done.
Gradient compression socks should be worn during periods of prolonged standing and sitting to give support to the veins. Leg elevation helps alleviate pressure on the veins by using gravity to pull the blood away from the lower legs. Heel raises and calf pump exercises should be done during prolonged sitting and standing. This encourages blood flow by squeezing the deep veins and facilitating venous circulation. Walking is also a great exercise because it uses the calf pump, the main pump for the veins in the legs.
Ultimately, spider veins and varicose veins typically look and feel different, but their root cause is the same. Whether you want to improve the appearance of your spider veins with a cosmetic procedure or relieve uncomfortable symptoms that come with varicose veins, the caring and compassionate physicians at CVR are happy to walk you through your various treatment options.
Call our hotline today to schedule an appointment at 240-512-4945. You can also schedule ONLINE.
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