Spider Veins vs Varicose Veins

Varicose veins and spider veins are swollen veins that are commonly seen on the legs. Women suffer from them frequently. Pregnancy, obesity, genetics, and occupational hazards are some of the causes of why people develop varicose veins and spider veins.
Both these types of vein abnormalities have the same underlying mechanism. Spider veins are, however different from varicose veins. Read along to know more.

The Cause

Spider veins and varicose veins are both types of vein abnormalities caused by venous insufficiency. The major underlying factor in both conditions is the malfunctioning valve. The blood does not get pushed away in the right direction due to the malfunctioning valve and this leads to the pooling of blood. The veins get dilated and damaged and eventually they lose their shape. They start bulging and have a peculiar appearance.

The Appearance

Spider veins are usually tiny veins. They are less than 1mm in diameter and appear as a spider web or like the branches of a tree right below your skin. They can appear on any part of your body, but the face and leg are the most common areas. They are usually reddish brown in appearance.

Varicose veins are larger veins. They are mostly seen in the dependent part of your body, ie your ankles, feet and legs. Varicose veins are thick and bulging. The veins look bluish-black. They are distorted and have an ugly appearance.

The Symptoms

Spider veins are mainly a cosmetic problem. They do not cause any symptoms except the occasional itching. They also do not develop any complications if left untreated.
The same things cannot be said about varicose veins. Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic problem, but they also cause severe symptoms. A feeling of heaviness, soreness, aching pain and cramps are all symptoms of varicose veins that can make life hell. Unlike spider veins, varicose veins can cause serious complications if left untreated.  Spontaneous bleeding, thick skin with itching, and non-healing sores are some of the complications of varicose veins.

About one-third of the people suffering from varicose veins develop clots that can prove fatal.

The Treatment

The most conservative treatment for varicose veins and spider veins is wearing compression stockings. These will be prescribed by your doctor and they help to keep the veins compressed tightly. This aids the flow of blood and prevents pooling. The veins too stay in shape and do not get distended.
Varicose veins and spider veins are both treated surgically with minimally invasive procedures. For spider veins, a procedure called Sclerotherapy is the preferred method. The surgeon injects a chemical irritant through a tiny needle to close the affected vein. The blood then flows into healthy veins.
For varicose veins, a procedure called Endovenous Laser Ablation Therapy is employed. This too is a minimally invasive procedure that involves heat to shut off the damaged vein. This causes relief from the symptoms caused by the damaged vein. The blood flow is re-routed to the healthier veins. The damaged vein gets reabsorbed into the bodily fluids.

Recurrence After Treatment

Treatment for varicose and spider veins involves collapsing the damaged vein and re-directing the blood towards the healthier veins. The collapsed vein is reabsorbed into the body fluids. This ensures freedom from the symptoms caused by the condition. However, no treatment method guarantees a permanent cure. Depending on your condition and the predisposing factors, a similar condition may develop in another vein or veins.
The only way to keep varicose veins and spider veins from recurring is to keep a tab on the factors that caused them in the first place. Obesity, hormonal fluctuations, diet and lifestyle, and physical activity are some of the causative factors of spider veins and varicose veins that you can work upon. 

Preventing Spider Veins and Varicose Veins

Spider veins and varicose veins are mostly caused by conditions that may not be under your control. Pregnancy, growing old, genetics and family history are some such causes.  Other causes of spider veins and varicose veins include obesity, lifestyle and occupation, which can be modified to a great extent.
It is important that you lose the excess weight to prevent venous insufficiency. Lifestyle modifications like leading an active lifestyle, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet devoid of junk and staying away from smoking and drinking are all factors which will help you prevent the development of varicose veins. If your job requires you to be on your feet for long hours, make sure that you take breaks at appropriate intervals and put your feet up. This helps ease the stress on your calves and prevents varicose veins from developing.

Takeaway

Spider veins and varicose veins are conditions that affect the veins in your body. Though the underlying mechanism of development is similar in both conditions, they are very different from each other. Varicose veins are formed on the lower part of your body. These veins are large, bulging, distorted and ugly-looking. Spider veins on the other hand are very tiny. They are present just below your skin and give the appearance of a spider web.
Spider veins are mostly asymptomatic and do not pose any health risks. Varicose veins cause symptoms and lead to complications if left untreated and it is best to get them diagnosed and treated at the earliest.
We at MedFin are here to answer all your queries about varicose veins and spider veins. You can talk to our experts regarding your symptoms and get the correct guidance in terms of treatment.

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