Do you have thin red lines spreading across your legs? What about larger, bulging veins that appear twisted?

If so, you aren’t alone. Vein issues are extremely common, especially as you get older. Two of the most common conditions are spider veins and varicose veins.

At a quick glance they may seem like the same thing, but they are quite different. Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between spider veins and varicose veins.

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are small, damaged veins that are visible just beneath the surface of the skin. They’re often blue, red, or purple in appearance and they spread out in a web-like pattern.

These veins are most common on the legs, especially on the thighs, calves, and ankles. But, they can also appear on the face.

More often than not, spider veins are a purely cosmetic issue. They typically don’t cause significant symptoms, though you may experience mild burning, itching, and slight discomfort in the area.

Even though they’re harmless, most people seek treatment because they don’t like how the veins look.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are larger veins that have a bulging or twisted appearance. They’re most commonly found on the legs.

However, unlike spider veins, varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern. They can cause many different symptoms, including:

• Aching and heaviness in the legs
• Swelling in the lower legs
• Burning or throbbing sensations
• Muscle cramps
• Pain that worsens are standing

In some cases, if left untreated, varicose veins can cause serious circulation problems.

How Are These Veins Similar?

Between spider veins and varicose veins, they look very different, but they do have some things in common.

First, they both involved damaged veins. The underlying cause in both conditions is poor vein function, usually due to faulty valves.

When the valves aren’t working effectively, they allow blood to pool inside the vein, which causes pressure that then leads to swelling and stretching.

Another similarity is that both are most commonly found on the legs. This is because veins in the lower body have to work much harder to move blood upward due to gravity.

The added pressure makes leg veins particularly vulnerable to damage.

Both conditions are also more common with age. This is because vein walls and valves naturally weaken. They also share similar risk factors, including family history, genetics, and hormonal changes.

What Are the Differences Between Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?

Though they share some similarities, there are key differences between spider veins and varicose veins.

The most obvious difference is how they look. Spider veins are thin and delicate while varicose veins are thick and appear to be raised above the skin.

Other notable differences include:

• Severity – Spider veins are considered mild and only affect appearance. On the other hand, varicose veins are a sign of significant vein dysfunction. If left untreated, they can cause complications like ulcers, blood clots, and skin changes.
• Symptoms – These conditions also have different symptoms. Spider veins rarely cause noticeable symptoms. However, varicose veins cause a range of uncomfortable sensations, including aching, throbbing, swelling, and cramping.
• Treatment Necessity – Spider veins don’t require treatment outside of cosmetic reasons. But, varicose veins should be treated to prevent circulation issues in the future.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

The good news is that both conditions are treatable. What’s even better is that modern treatments are quick, minimally invasive, and highly successful.

Here are some of the most commonly used procedures.

Sclerotherapy

This treatment is safe and effective for both spider veins and smaller varicose veins. Sclerotherapy uses a solution that’s injected into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and fade over time.

Most appointments take less than an hour and aside from some minor discomfort, you shouldn’t experience any downtime.

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)

For larger varicose veins, endovenous laser therapy is the most recommended option. It uses laser energy delivered using a tiny catheter to seal damaged veins so that blood naturally flows elsewhere.

Treatment takes about an hour and you should begin to see results within a few weeks.

Radiofrequency Ablation

This treatment works similar to laser therapy but it uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to close off the vein.

Radiofrequency ablation is often used for larger varicose veins and has little downtime.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle habits are also crucial for managing symptoms and preventing other veins from becoming damaged.

You can improve circulatory health by:

• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Wearing compression stockings
• Elevating the legs when resting
• Taking breaks from sitting or standing for long periods of time

Though small changes, they can have a huge difference in your overall vein health.

When to See a Vein Specialist

If visible veins are causing swelling, discomfort, or skin changes, you should consult with a vein specialist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Even if your concerns are mostly cosmetic, a provider can determine if there are underlying circulation issues that need to be addressed.

Early treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening and restore comfort and confidence in the appearance of your legs.

We Treat Spider Veins and Varicose Veins

Now that you know more about the similarities and differences between spider veins and varicose veins, you may be more informed about the next steps to take.

Whether you have red spiderweb like veins on your thighs or bulging veins on the back of your calves, come to The Vein Center of Maryland for treatment.

Call our office at 410-970-2314 to schedule an appointment or contact us online and we’ll get back to you shortly.