Both varicose veins and spider veins are twisted blood vessels that develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin. The difference between these two conditions are how they appear on the leg and the symptoms of each. differences between varicose veins and spider veins

Varicose veins are not only unsightly and bulge from beneath the skin but can cause symptoms such as:

  • Discoloration
  • Swelling
  • Feeling of leg heaviness
  • Aching pain
  • Burning and throbbing

Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins and typically do not have symptoms. Spider veins develop in the legs but can also appear on other areas of the body such as the face or chest. They appear just below the skin’s surface and resemble a spider web. Spider veins can be either red or blue in color and do not cause pain or discomfort.

Complications from varicose veins can include blood clots and sores or wounds that do not heal. Spider veins do not lead to these complications.

Treating Varicose Veins and Spider Veins in Tarrant County

Varicose veins and spider veins do not always require treatment. Treatment for varicose veins is done to prevent them from getting worse or to improve the overall health of the legs. Spider vein treatment is often done for cosmetic reasons.

Treatment options for varicose or spider veins in Tarrant County include:

  • Wearing support or compression stockings to help reduce pain and other symptoms.
  • Making changes to lifestyle such a losing weight, eating healthier, or quitting smoking.
  • Using sclerotherapy. This is a simple, outpatient procedure that can be used for both varicose and spider veins and is done by injecting a saline solution directly into the vein to cause it to scar, collapse, and gradually disappear over time. In some patients, more than one sclerotherapy treatment may be needed to reduce the vein’s appearance.
  • Having surgery to remove or tie off severe cases of varicose veins.

Contact Us

If you suffer from varicose or spider veins, contact Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists for a consultation. To schedule an appointment in our Grapevine or Keller office, contact our office online or call us today.