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Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Varicose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn. They usually develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin.

Spider veins are smaller, red, purple and blue vessels that are also twisted and turning. Spider veins are easily visible through the skin as well. They are also most often seen on the legs and face.

Causes of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

A number of factors predispose a person to varicose veins and spider veins. These include:

  • Heredity.
  • Occupations that involve a lot of standing, such as nurses, beauticians, teachers, and factory workers.
  • Obesity.
  • Hormonal influences during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause.
  • The use of birth control pills.
  • Postmenopausal hormonal replacement.
  • A history of blood clots.
  • Conditions that cause increased pressure in the abdomen including tumors, constipation, and externally worn garments like girdles.

Other reported causes include trauma or injury to the skin, previous vein surgery, and exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Other Risk Factors for Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Varicose veins and spider veins develop more often in women than in men. They increase in frequency with age. An estimated 30% to 60% of adults have varicose veins or spider veins.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Many patients with varicose veins complain of pain, described as an aching or cramping in the legs. Other common symptoms include tiredness, restlessness, burning, throbbing, tingling, or heaviness in the legs. Pain caused by varicose veins is usually relieved by elevating the legs or by wearing support hose.

In women, symptoms may be worse during certain parts of the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy. Patients also may develop swelling, ulcers (large sores), and an increase in the pigmentation or darkening of the color of their skin, especially in the ankle region. Occasionally, varicose veins and spider veins can form a painful blood clot with inflammation of the vein called thrombophlebitis.

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

There are seven major forms of treatment for varicose veins and spider veins.

1. Support Stockings. The most conservative approach is simply to wear properly-fitting support hose, especially when the veins cause painful or uncomfortable symptoms. These stockings can generally be purchased at any surgical supply store and at some pharmacies. They come in below-the-knee, above-the-knee, and pantyhose styles.

2. Lifestyle changes. Good skin hygiene, weight loss (if needed), and walking can help treat varicose veins and spider veins.

3. Sclerotherapy. This procedure, which has been available since the 1930s, is another treatment option. This procedure uses a highly concentrated saline (salt) solution or a specially made detergent that is injected directly into the vein, causing the vein to disappear gradually over 3 to 6 weeks. The procedure is simple, relatively inexpensive, and can be performed in an outpatient setting.

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WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

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