Spider veins and varicose veins are both unwanted blood vessels, but that’s one of the few things they share. Regardless of the type of veins you’re living with, Vein & Wellness Centers of Texas has the necessary solutions.
Our vascular specialist, Dr. Vayuvegula, is the foremost spider and varicose vein expert in the Coppell, TX, area. Merging 35 years of high-level expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach, he provides vascular care focusing on optimizing your whole-body health and wellness.
In this blog, we explain the difference between spider and varicose veins.
Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins
Spider and varicose veins share a few similarities but have more differences.
Spider Veins: Small Superficial Veins
Spider veins are small and thin, appearing close to the skin’s surface without protruding.
As the name implies, spider veins can occur in a spider web pattern but may also resemble threads or branches of a tree. They’re usually red, blue, or purple.
Spider veins rarely cause symptoms, and the Society for Vascular Surgery explains that they don’t cause health problems. However, many people are distressed by the appearance of spider veins. They usually appear on the legs or face.
Varicose Veins: Big Veins, Big Symptoms
Varicose veins are far larger than spider veins. They bulge out from the skin, often looking twisted, ropy, or bunched. They’re usually blue or dark purple.
Unlike spider veins, varicose veins often cause major discomfort, such as leg heaviness, pain, edema (swelling), burning, itching, and cramping. Many people with varicose veins also experience restless legs at night.
Treatment Options for Spider and Varicose Veins
At Vein & Wellness Centers of Texas, we offer a range of treatments for both spider and varicose veins. We typically treat spider veins with the widely-recognized “gold standard” treatment, sclerotherapy.
In sclerotherapy, Dr. Vayuvegula injects a liquid or foam into the spider veins. The substance, called a sclerosant, irritates the vein’s inner walls. The inflammatory response causes swelling, and the vein walls glue themselves together. The vein then closes, improving the appearance of your skin.
With varicose veins, treatments are far more varied. Sclerotherapy is also an option for varicose veins. Additional treatments for varicose veins may include laser or radiofrequency ablation to heat and close veins, medical adhesive to glue veins closed, or minimally invasive surgery to remove veins.
Some patients may opt for symptom management instead of pursuing treatment right away. Examples of symptom management include wearing compression stockings and losing extra weight.
Dr. Vayuvegula evaluates your symptoms, reviews imaging tests, and considers your risk factors and goals for treatment to make a personalized recommendation.
Vein Treatment Consultations in Coppell, TX
If you’re dealing with a spider or varicose veins, call Vein & Wellness Centers of Texas at 469-701-4878 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Vayuvegula now.
