Spider veins are small damaged blood vessels that appear near the skin’s surface and are often referred to as “tiny veins.” They often look like thin, web-like lines, appearing as small purple, blue, or red little veins on the legs, feet, and sometimes even the face. Also known as telangiectasia, spider veins differ from varicose veins but can cause similar symptoms, like aching or heaviness in the legs.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of spider veins can help you decide when to see a vein specialist for evaluation and treatment.
What are Spider Veins (Telangiectasia)?
Spider veins are superficial veins in the fatty layer directly beneath the skin. They send blood to the deep veins, which pump over 90% of the blood in the legs toward the heart.
When the valves in these superficial veins become damaged or weakened, they don’t close properly, allowing blood to flow backward. This backflow puts pressure on the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to bulge and branch — creating tree-like veins visible just beneath the skin.
What Do Spider Veins Look Like?
Spider veins typically appear on the legs, feet, and ankles as thin, web-like lines or clusters in colors like red, blue, or purple. They generally are near the surface of the skin and may form patterns resembling spider webs or tree branches.
Spider veins commonly form in the feet and legs due to the increased pressure from gravity. This pressure can worsen due to prolonged standing, tight clothing, and high-heeled shoes, which can make it harder for blood to flow back to the heart and cause pooling in the lower veins. Over time, the vein walls and valves can weaken, leading to spider veins.
Are Spider Veins Dangerous?
Spider veins are not considered dangerous since they are typically a cosmetic issue. However, they can sometimes indicate underlying chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), especially if the spider veins are accompanied by aching, itching, burning, or heaviness in your legs. If these symptoms are left untreated, they may worsen or lead to varicose veins and other circulation problems.
What Are the Symptoms of Spider Veins?
Spider veins can cause noticeable physical discomfort as the condition progresses. Since these veins form when small blood vessels become weakened or damaged, they can sometimes interfere with healthy circulation in the affected area.
Some symptoms of spider veins can include:
- Throbbing or tingling
- Itching or irritation
- Tired or heavy legs after long periods of standing or sitting
- Mild swelling
These symptoms may worsen throughout the day or with prolonged activity, particularly if your work or lifestyle requires extended periods of sitting or standing. While mild discomfort is common, persistent or worsening symptoms could indicate underlying issues such as chronic venous insufficiency.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins develop when the valves in small veins become weak or damaged, allowing blood to pool. Pooling of blood increases venous pressure, leading to visible branching patterns under the skin.
Common causes of spider veins include:
- Weak or damaged vein valves
- Hormonal changes (i.e., pregnancy or using birth control)
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Genetics or family history of vein disease
- Age-related vein wear and tear
- Excess body weight
- Injury or trauma to the skin
While spider veins are usually cosmetic, they can sometimes indicate underlying chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition where blood has trouble flowing back to the heart. If you experience swelling, leg cramps, or restless legs, along with any spider veins in the legs, ankles, or feet, consult a vein specialist for a proper diagnosis and the right treatment.
Who is Most at Risk for Spider Veins?
Spider veins are a common vein issue that affects men and women. However, they are more common in women due to hormonal changes they experience during periods like menstruation and pregnancy. One study found that 88% of women and 79% of men had spider veins.
There are other factors that can increase your risk, including:
- Age: Spider veins usually start developing between the ages of 30 and 50 and are most common in adults over 40.
- Being overweight: Excess weight puts more pressure on the vein walls, which can damage valves.
- Pregnancy: Along with the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, blood volume also increases, which can expand veins.
- Family history: About 90% of people with spider veins have a family history.
- Sitting or standing for long periods: Jobs requiring prolonged standing or sitting increase the likelihood of developing vein issues like spider veins.
Roughly one in five people with spider veins also have venous insufficiency, which may cause additional symptoms like throbbing, swelling, or restless legs. If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important to schedule a vein evaluation.
When to See a Vein Specialist for Spider Vein Diagnosis
You may need to see a vein specialist if your spider veins are worsening, becoming painful, or accompanied by swelling or skin changes near the veins. Getting an evaluation can help detect early signs of vein disease and treat not only cosmetic symptoms but also prevent the condition from progressing into more severe health complications. Vein specialists often use ultrasound imaging to assess blood flow and identify any underlying issues.
Spider Vein Treatment at USA Vein Clinics
USA Vein Clinics offers non-surgical, minimally invasive treatments designed to eliminate spider veins and improve leg health, such as visual sclerotherapy.
During the procedure, our vein specialist injects the veins with a sclerosant solution that causes damaged veins to collapse and seal. Following visual sclerotherapy, blood flow is rerouted to healthy surrounding veins, minimizing spider vein symptoms.
Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins
Visual sclerotherapy does not require ultrasound guidance or specialized imaging equipment and can be performed in an outpatient setting. After treatment, many patients notice improvement in symptoms such as leg swelling, cramping, itching, heaviness, and the appearance of spider veins. Patients can typically leave right after their appointment and return to most normal activities. Addressing spider veins may also help reduce the risk of complications linked to underlying venous issues, such as venous ulcers or blood clots.
Our specialists work with patients to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses their vein issues and any concerns about vein procedures. With locations nationwide, it’s easy and convenient to access expert care.
Take the first step toward managing the spider veins on your legs and schedule a consultation with USA Vein Clinics today.
FAQs About Spider Veins
Can you prevent spider veins?
While you can’t always prevent spider veins entirely, you can reduce your risk and ease symptoms through regular exercise, a balanced diet, frequent position changes, and the use of compression stockings.
Can you have spider veins without symptoms?
Spider veins can appear without any noticeable symptoms and are often a cosmetic concern. For some, spider veins may cause mild itching or discomfort, but many people experience no pain at all.
What’s the difference between spider veins and varicose vein symptoms?
Spider veins are small, superficial blood vessels that can appear as branches or webs just under the skin, often without causing symptoms but sometimes leading to itching or minor discomfort. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are larger, deeper veins that usually appear twisted and raised on the skin and can cause more significant symptoms like leg aching, a sensation of heaviness, cramps, and skin changes.
Can spider veins go away on their own?
Spider veins do not go away on their own. However, vein treatment can improve the appearance of spider veins and alleviate pain or discomfort associated with venous issues.
Are spider veins painful?
A small percentage of patients do experience spider vein symptoms, such as pain, tenderness, or swelling.