Before being able to treat your vein condition it is important to diagnose what kind of venous disease is causing your issues. Two types of venous conditions that patients can suffer from are Varicose Veins and Spider Veins. It is commonly thought that varicose veins develop from untreated spider veins. While this may be true sometimes, it is not always the case. Varicose veins and spider veins have the same root issue regarding poor blood flow and circulation in the legs, but they are not the same, and one does not always appear as a result of the other. The similarities and differences around these types of venous diseases will be outlined below.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins appear as bulging varicosities on the skin’s surface. They may seem blue or greenish in color and can be twisting underneath the skin on the legs. Varicose veins generally have symptoms associated with them besides their physical appearance. The most common symptoms recorded are painful aching legs, tiredness or heaviness in the lower extremities, and burning or throbbing of the legs.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are thin, small blood vessels that can appear on the skin. They tend to be red, purple, or blue in color. People with spider veins do not typically experience any other symptoms aside from their appearance on the skin.
Similarities
Both of these venous conditions can arise due to the pooling of blood in the lower extremities. When blood circulation is poor and venous valves begin malfunctioning, spider and varicose veins can appear. Ultimately it is the elevated pressure in the veins that causes these venous issues. The main causes behind these types of venous disease are:
- Heredity
- Being overweight
- Long periods of standing, sitting, or inactivity
- Pregnancy
- Predisposition to blood clots
Differences
The main difference between the two types of venous conditions is their appearance as well as the fact that symptoms are common with varicose veins, whereas spider veins are generally a predominantly cosmetic issue. As spider veins are a more superficial issue they do not have as severe symptoms as varicose veins. At Canada Vein Clinics, our treatment options for the two types of venous conditions differ. If you believe that you suffer from either spider or varicose veins we recommend that you come in for a consultation to pinpoint your venous disease and to determine the best treatment option for you.
Contact us!
At Canada Vein Clinics we specialize in the treatment of varicose veins. We offer numerous treatments for this condition and help to find the best treatment for you. Book a consultation to find out more information! Give us a call today at 1-888-876-8346, or email us at askdoctor@canadaveinclinics.ca.
