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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spider veins develop when the valves in your veins don’t work properly. Sometimes, spider veins can be a sign of circulation problems.
Varicose veins can affect anyone, but they are more common in women, especially women who have had children. Other risk factors include:
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.
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.
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:
You should see a doctor about varicose veins if:
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.
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.
To diagnose spider and varicose veins, your doctor will:
Your vascular specialists may use one or more procedures to diagnose varicose veins and spider veins, including:
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.
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 options include:
There are two types of sclerotherapy, which is delivered during a series of injections:
Catheter-based treatments are a minimally invasive option to treat spider and varicose veins. Options include:
In severe cases, spider and varicose veins can be removed surgically.
Treatment for spider and varicose veins effectively reduces symptoms, improves appearance, and enhances quality of life.
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.
You may feel some minor discomfort during your treatment, but you should be able to resume normal activities shortly after treatment with minimal downtime.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.
