Varicose Veins vs. Spider Veins: Is There a Difference?

Have you noticed blue, purple, or red veins popping on your legs? They’re either varicose veins or spider veins, and while both conditions can be unsightly, they’re not quite the same. 

Our team of experts at Advanced Vascular Solutions wants to help you understand the differences so you can take your next steps confidently. 

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are large, swollen, twisted veins that develop in the legs and feet. They occur when the valves in the veins weaken or fail, causing blood to pool instead of continuing on to the heart and lungs efficiently. 

The result is bulging veins that often ache, throb, and itch. Some varicose veins also cause heaviness in the legs, swelling, and muscle cramps (especially at night). 

Varicose veins aren’t usually a health threat, but severe varicose veins can lead to more serious issues, such as skin ulcers and blood clots. That’s why, even if you think they’re only a cosmetic issue, we recommend having our team evaluate your veins when you first notice a problem. 

What are spider veins?

Spider veins develop similarly to varicose veins, but they don’t look or behave the same way. Spider veins appear as thread-thin lines that crisscross your legs. They’re red, blue, and/or purple, resembling a spiderweb or a bare tree branch. 

Unlike varicose veins, these don’t cause bulging or swelling and usually don’t trigger symptoms other than mild itching. 

Spider veins are generally even less of a health threat than varicose veins. 

Who’s at risk for varicose veins and spider veins?

Both varicose veins and spider veins stem from circulation issues. They can develop in virtually anyone, but some people are more likely to get them than others. The most common risk factors for varicose veins and spider veins are:

• Family history
• Aging
• Pregnancy 
• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Obesity
• Hormonal changes

The good news is that no matter where they come from, they’re easy to treat. 

How can I get rid of my visible veins?

We can approach your visible veins in several ways. First, we conduct an in-depth evaluation to assess your vascular health and run tests to evaluate your circulation. 

Minor vein issues respond well to lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, elevating your legs, wearing compression stockings, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing. 

If we need to take your treatment plan a step further, we discuss procedures like sclerotherapy. With sclerotherapy, we inject a special chemical into your visible veins. The chemical irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and close. 

Our other vein treatments include:

• Radiofrequency ablation
• VenaSeal™ Closure system 
• Varithena

We can usually treat your visible veins in one session, but depending on the severity of your vein problem, you may benefit from multiple sessions. 

Do I really need to get treatment for my visible veins?

The answer to that question is largely personal. Spider veins are typically only a cosmetic concern, so if they don’t bother you or are easy to cover up, you may not rush to treat them. 

Varicose veins can be harder to hide, trigger frustrating symptoms, and even lead to complications, so you may want to consider treatment for varicose veins sooner rather than later. 

Either way, our team assesses your condition and recommends the best treatment plan. 

The bottom line

Varicose veins and spider veins share many similarities but differ in size, symptoms, and severity. Fortunately, we have treatment options for both. 

If you’re concerned about your veins, don’t wait — reach out to our team of vascular experts for a consultation. 

You can request an appointment online or over the phone today. We’re eager to serve patients in and around Melbourne and Sebastian, Florida.