Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find some frequently asked questions that may help inform you of the conditions that we specialize in treating.


What are varicose veins and spider veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They are often swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are most commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg, and they can often be uncomfortable or even painful.


Varicose veins of the thigh and calf Severe varicose veins Varicose veins can affect the entire leg

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller and less noticeable. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short, jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.


Dark cluster of spider veins Spider veins of the thigh Spider veins can be problematic

What causes varicose veins and spider veins?

The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body. Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the the rest of you body. Veins then carry the oxygen-poor blood from the body back to the heart. The squeezing of leg muscles pumps blood back to the heart from the lower body through your veins. These veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. The valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs. If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there, causing a problem called venous insufficiency. Pooled blood enlarges the vein walls and over time the vein becomes varicose. Spider veins can also be the result of this backup of blood, however, hormone changes, inherited factors, and exposure to the sun are also leading causes for spider veins.


Leg vein anatomy Healthy vein valves Damaged vein valves can cause varicose veins to form

What are the risk factors?

Many factors increase a person's chances of developing varicose or spider veins. These include:

  • Age: The development of spider veins may occur at any age but we usually see early signs between the ages of 18 and 35 years, and the most prominant cases occur between 50 and 60 years.
  • Gender: Women are 4 times more likely do develop spider veins and varicose veins.
  • Lifestyle: Those who are involved with prolonged sitting or standing in their daily activities have an increased risk of developing varicose veins. This is because the weight of the blood continuously pressing against the closed valves causes them to fail, leading to vein distention.
  • Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause the appearance of spider veins on the cheeks or nose.
  • Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a key factor contributing to the formation of varicose and spider veins. The most important factor is circulating hormones that weaken the vein walls. There's also a significant increase in the blood volume during pregnancy, which tends to distend veins, causing valve dysfunction which leads to blood pooling in the veins. Later in pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can compress veins, causing higher vein pressure leading to dilated veins.


The difference between a normal vein and a varicose vein

Why do varicose veins and spider veins usually appear in the legs?

The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins. Compared with other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure, and this pressure can often be stronger than the veins' one-way valves.


A video showing the difference between a normal vein valve and a damaged one Varicose veins are typically found on the legs

Are varicose veins and spider veins painful or dangerous?

Varicose veins usually enlarge and worsen over time, and severe varicose veins can even cause health problems. These include:

  • Varicose veins can cause something called severe venous insufficiency. This severe pooling of blood in the veins slows the return of blood to the heart. This condition can sometimes cause blood clots and severe infections. Blood clots can be very dangerous because they can move from leg veins where they form and travel to the heart or lungs. Blood clots in the heart and lungs are life-threatening because they can block them from functioning.
  • Sores or skin ulcers can occur on skin tissue around varicose veins.
  • They can also cause ongoing irritation, swelling and painful rashes of the legs.


What are the signs of varicose veins?

Some common symptoms of varicose veins include:

  • Aching pain
  • Easily tired or sore legs
  • Heaviness of the legs
  • Swelling in the legs
  • Darkening of the skin (in severe cases)
  • Numbness in the legs
  • Itching or irritated rash of the legs


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