Difference Between Varicose and Spider Veins

Varicose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn. They usually develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin. Spider veins are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that also twist and turn. Spider veins are easily visible through the skin, as well.

1. Are varicose and spider veins the same?
2. Can spider veins turn into varicose veins?
3. How do I get rid of spider veins on my legs?
4. What causes spider veins on legs?
5. Are spider veins a sign of diabetes?
6. Are spider veins a sign of poor circulation?
7. Are spider veins a sign of heart disease?
8. Do spider veins go away with exercise?
9. Are spider veins a sign of liver problems?
10. Can I get rid of spider veins at home?
11. Can you massage spider veins away?
12. Does insurance cover spider vein treatment?

Are varicose and spider veins the same?

Varicose and spider veins have a lot in common, but the main way they differ is in appearance. Varicose veins are raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn beneath the skin. Spider veins, similarly, are smaller blood vessels in various colors, such as red, purple and blue.

Can spider veins turn into varicose veins?

If you have spider veins and then develop varicose veins, it is only related to the progressive nature of venous disease and the genetic predisposition to develop varicose veins instead of a physiologic cause for spider veins to lead to varicose veins. In short, spider veins do not cause varicose veins.

How do I get rid of spider veins on my legs?

Laser treatments: Dermatologists use lasers to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. During laser treatment, your dermatologist directs the laser light at the vein. Laser light can destroy the vein without damaging your skin. Small spider veins may disappear immediately after treatment.

What causes spider veins on legs?

Spider veins occur when blood pools in veins near the surface of the skin. They can be caused by heredity, obesity, trauma, and fluctuations in hormone levels. In many cases, the exact cause is not known. They tend to become more numerous with age, and are common among people over 30 and in pregnant women.

Are spider veins a sign of diabetes?

Diabetes does not cause varicose veins. However, studies show that diabetes and vein disease together can have a significant impact on your health. Diabetes causes high blood sugar levels, which can lead to the weakening of the blood vessels. In turn, the venous system is more susceptible to infection.

Are spider veins a sign of poor circulation?

Visible veins: When blood pools in your veins due to poor circulation, it puts pressure on the veins and causes them to bulge. This may cause varicose or spider veins to develop and become raised.

Are spider veins a sign of heart disease?

The resulting twisted blue bulges, known as varicose veins, may cause your legs to feel heavy, tired or achy and make you feel self-conscious about their unsightly appearance, but they don't pose a major health threat. In general, ropy veins aren't a precursor to heart trouble.

Do spider veins go away with exercise?

In some situations exercise may be able to help patients who suffer from varicose and spider veins. Exercise helps because it improves the circulation of blood throughout your body. When blood circulation is increased, it could dramatically improve the appearance of unsightly varicose or spider veins.

Are spider veins a sign of liver problems?

Like spider veins, spider angiomas are often harmless. However, they're also symptoms of systemic diseases such as cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or an imbalance of thyroid hormones. The appearance of multiple spider angiomas signals chronic liver disease in about 95% of all patients.

Can I get rid of spider veins at home?

The bottom line, spider veins will not disappear on their own. This is why it is crucial to treat them immediately to prevent them from getting worse. It's especially important to talk to a specialist if you have any related pain or swelling, which may indicate underlying diseases.

Can you massage spider veins away?

Massage is thought to work on spider veins because it is an effective way to stimulate healthy blood circulation. This approach can also relieve pain and swelling that is sometimes associated with spider veins.

Does insurance cover spider vein treatment?

If spider veins are the result of an underlying condition like venous insufficiency, then most insurance plans will cover the cost of one of the spider vein treatment options offered by Advanced Interventional Vein and Vascular Center.