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Spider and Varicose Veins

Spider veins and varicose veins are common conditions that happen when the valves in your veins don’t work properly.

Veins have valves, or flaps, that open and close to allow blood to flow back toward your heart. If the valves become weak or damaged, they can let your blood flow backward. This can cause swelling, bulging veins, and other symptoms.

At UPMC, our experts specialize in treating spider veins and varicose veins with the latest technology. We provide a range of advanced options to reduce discomfort and improve appearance.

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On this page

  • What Are Spider and Varicose Veins?
  • What Are the Symptoms of Spider and Varicose Veins?
  • How Do You Diagnose Spider and Varicose Veins?
  • How Do You Treat Spider and Varicose Veins?

What Are Spider and Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red, or flesh-colored. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They can be swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are often found on the thighs, backs of the calves, or the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins can form around the vagina and buttocks.

Are spider veins related to varicose veins?

Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller. They also are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Often, they are red or blue. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.

How common are spider and varicose veins?

Spider and varicose veins are common conditions. About 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men in the United States suffer from some vein problem. Varicose veins affect half of people over 50 years old.

What causes spider and varicose veins?

Varicose veins can be caused by weak or damaged valves in your veins. Your heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to your whole body through your arteries. Veins then carry the blood from your body back to your heart.

What is the main cause of varicose veins?

Most varicose and spider veins appear in the legs due to the pressure of body weight, the force of gravity, and stress from carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart. Leg veins endure the most pressure of any veins in the body. This pressure can be stronger than the one-way valves in the veins.

Why do I have varicose and spider veins?

When the valves don’t work properly, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there — making the veins bigger.

In addition to being caused by the backup of blood, spider veins can also be caused by hormone changes, sun exposure, and injuries.

Do spider veins mean poor circulation?

Spider veins develop when the valves in your veins don’t work properly. Sometimes, spider veins can be a sign of circulation problems.

What are spider and varicose vein risk factors and complications?

Spider and varicose vein risk factors

Varicose veins can affect anyone, but they are more common in women, especially women who have had children. Other risk factors include:

  • Being on your feet a lot.
  • Family history of varicose veins.
  • History of a blood clot.
  • Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
  • Obesity.
  • Older age.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Sitting with your legs in a dependent position (dangling your legs).
  • Sun exposure, which can cause spider veins on your cheeks and nose.
  • Trauma to your leg.

Complications of spider and varicose veins

Spider and varicose veins don’t usually cause serious complications but can be unsightly. If they are large, they can sometimes cause discomfort — and if left untreated, they can develop ulcers, wounds, and skin problems on the feet or legs.

How can I prevent spider and varicose veins?

Some risk factors for varicose and spider veins, such as aging, hormonal changes, and personal or family history, may not be controllable. However, you can reduce your risk of developing them by getting plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Spider and Varicose Veins?

Spider veins are rarely a serious health problem, but they can cause uncomfortable feelings in the legs. If you have symptoms from spider veins, most often they will be itching or burning.

Less often, spider veins can be a sign of blood back-up deeper inside your body. If so, you could have the same symptoms you would have with varicose veins.

Varicose veins may not cause any problems, or they may cause aching pain, throbbing, and discomfort. In some cases, varicose veins can lead to more serious health problems.

Symptoms of varicose veins in the legs include:

  • Aching pain that may get worse after sitting or standing for a long time.
  • A rash that's itchy, tender, or irritated.
  • Darkening of the skin (in severe cases).
  • Heaviness or tiredness in your legs.
  • Restless legs.
  • Swelling.
  • Throbbing or cramping.
  • Swelling.
  • Ulcers or wounds.

When should I see a doctor about my spider and varicose vein symptoms?

You should see a doctor about varicose veins if:

  • One of the varicose veins begins to bleed.
  • The appearance of your veins is causing you distress.
  • The skin on your ankle and calf becomes thick and changes color.
  • The vein has become swollen, red, or very tender or warm to the touch.
  • There are sores or a rash on your leg or near your ankle.
  • Your leg symptoms are interfering with daily activities.

If you're having pain, even if it's just a dull ache, don't hesitate to get help from a vein specialist. Also, even if you don't need to see a doctor about your varicose veins, you should take steps to keep them from getting worse.

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How Do You Diagnose Spider and Varicose Veins?

To diagnose spider or varicose veins, your doctor will begin by giving you a physical exam. Sometimes, this exam may be all your doctor needs to diagnose your varicose veins.

What to expect during your visit

To diagnose spider and varicose veins, your doctor will:

  • Ask about your symptoms.
  • Discuss your medical history.
  • Perform a thorough physical exam.

Tests to diagnose spider and varicose veins

Your vascular specialists may use one or more procedures to diagnose varicose veins and spider veins, including:

  • Color-flow imaging (triplex ultrasound) – Triplex ultrasound is a procedure similar to duplex ultrasound that uses color to highlight the direction of blood flow. Vessels in which blood is flowing are colored red for flow in one direction and blue for flow in the other, with a color scale that reflects the speed of the flow.
  • Computed tomography venography (CTV) – CTV is a diagnostic procedure that uses computed tomography (CT) scanning technology to produce detailed images of your veins. This test allows your doctor to see your blood vessels and their blood flow.
  • Duplex ultrasound – A duplex ultrasound combines traditional ultrasound images with Doppler ultrasound-derived flow information

Spider and varicose vein prognosis

Can you get rid of spider and varicose veins?

Spider and varicose veins are a treatable condition. Depending on your condition, your doctor will recommend the treatment plan that will deliver the best outcome, relieve symptoms, and improve your quality of life.

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How Do You Treat Spider and Varicose Veins?

UPMC offers the latest treatments for spider and varicose veins. Your treatment will depend on the type, symptoms, and severity of your condition. Treatment options may include:

Noninvasive treatment

Noninvasive treatment options include:

  • Anticoagulation – Anticoagulation (blood thinner) therapy is used to treat blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. The duration of treatment depends on your condition.
  • Compression – Compression stockings generally help symptoms from varicose veins and are often required as a first step in the treatment of venous disorders. A short period of compression is also usually required after any venous treatment.

Sclerotherapy

There are two types of sclerotherapy, which is delivered during a series of injections:

  • Polidocanol – is an FDA-approved medication administered as sclerotherapy — a series of injections. This may help close and remove spider and varicose veins. Performed as an outpatient procedure, doctors use a very small needle to deliver this therapy.
  • Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy – uses injections to close veins that are too large or deep for regular injections.

Catheter-based treatment

Catheter-based treatments are a minimally invasive option to treat spider and varicose veins. Options include:

  • Endovenous ablation – Endovenous ablation is an outpatient procedure that uses a catheter and thermal (heat) energy to safely close an enlarged vein.
  • Venous embolization – Venous embolization is used to treat pelvic congestion and stops blood flow to problematic veins in the pelvis or abdomen. During the procedure, a surgeon inserts a catheter and uses a coil to safely block the flow of blood and close off the vein.
  • Venous recanalization – A catheter-based procedure that uses a balloon and stent to open narrow or blocked veins.

Surgery for spider and varicose veins

In severe cases, spider and varicose veins can be removed surgically.

How effective is treatment?

Treatment for spider and varicose veins effectively reduces symptoms, improves appearance, and enhances quality of life.

How long does spider vein treatment last?

Because sclerotherapy, catheter-based treatment, and surgery close off or remove the damaged veins, they are considered to be permanent treatments for spider and varicose veins.

Is spider vein treatment painful?

You may feel some minor discomfort during your treatment, but you should be able to resume normal activities shortly after treatment with minimal downtime.


By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.

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