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What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins and varicose veins are sometimes used interchangeably; however, they are quite different. Spider veins appear smaller and closer to the surface of the skin, usually flat or just slightly raised. They are known as spider veins because of their network of short, jagged lines resembling spider webs.

Like varicose veins, these are caused by a pooling of blood when valves are weakened or damaged. The valves in veins are responsible for carrying the blood flow from the legs back to the heart. When vein walls become damaged, they create vein problems and some other complications such as blood clots.

The tiny blood vessels often appear on legs, thighs, ankles or in some cases, the face and they are generally red, blue or purple. They are almost always painless but can be a cosmetic nuisance.

Risk Factors

Spider veins can develop for a variety of reasons, often influenced by a combination of genetics, lifestyle habits, and natural changes in the body.

  • Genetics: If your family has a medical history of spider veins, you have more of a chance of developing them.
  • Pregnancy: Increased blood flow puts pressure on veins in the legs during pregnancy. Vein problems might disappear after pregnancy is over.
  • Excess Body Weight: Too much weight on the body can add pressure to leg veins.
  • Lack of Exercises: Many people have jobs requiring sitting or standing for long periods of time. Being in the same position for a prolonged time can cause them to develop.
  • Sun damage: UVA & UVB from the sun causes damage to the skin, which then breaks blood vessels and creates spider veins.
  • Age: Vein walls weaken as people age. The calf muscle, which supports leg veins to pump blood upward, will also weaken.

Treatment Options

Spider Veins are almost always painless but can be a cosmetic nuisance. Simple outpatient procedures such as sclerotherapy or laser treatment are both used to reduce or eliminate their appearance. These procedures are non-surgical and have minimal or no downtime.

Conservative Therapy

Wearing Compression Stockings

  • Support stockings: Hose provides light pressure.
  • Gradient compression stockings: Compression stockings are graded to help with different levels of blood flow. Compression stockings come four levels: mild (8-15 mmHg), Medium (15-20 mmHg), Firm (20-30 mmHg), X-Firm (30-40 mmHg).
  • Prescription compression stocking: Requires a doctor’s prescription. They provide the most pressure, but they aren’t suitable for everyone. Consult our physicians for compression stocking options.

Healthy Lifestyle

  • Eating healthy food. Recommended diet for venous insufficiency
  • Exercising often. A good 30 minutes of exercise every day can help to prevent the development of spider veins and maintain your vein health.

Sclerotherapy

Physicians inject an irritant directly into the affected vein. When the walls of the veins react, they stick together and keep blood from flowing into the area. Sclerotherapy can reduce swelling and the spider vein will disappear.

Find a Spider Vein Doctor Near Me

The vein specialists at our 12 vein clinics are happy to bring confidence and comfort back to your life. We do minimally invasive spider vein treatments at affordable prices. Book a free screening at your nearest vein clinic to learn more about your vein condition, risk factors, preventive care, vein treatment and insurance coverage.

We offer spider vein treatments in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are spider veins genetic?

They can be. Heredity is a cause of spider veins in many cases. About 90% of people with spider veins have a family history of spider veins.

Are spider veins permanent?

Spider veins can disappear after a period if they are due to pregnancy or certain medications. However, they can be permanent and worsen over time. Conservative therapy, lifestyle changes, medical treatments, etc., can help remove spider veins. Consult a vein doctor to have a correct diagnosis of your spider veins’ causes and determine the best treatment options for you.

How much does spider vein treatment cost?

The cost of treatment varies based on your condition. It can be inexpensive if you only need conservative therapy. The good news is you might be eligible for vein disease coverage by your insurance plan. Book a free screening with our vein specialist to learn more about your treatment options.

When are spider veins dangerous?

Spider veins can be just a cosmetic issue. Talk to your vein doctor if you are showing any of these following symptoms: leg aching, leg heaviness, leg ulcers, leg fatigue, muscle cramps, ankle swelling, restless legs, itching and burning legs, skin discoloration or skin rash such as eczema.