What’s The Difference Between Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?

Posted: Tuesday, November 19, 2013   |   Revised: December 3, 2013

Spider veins and varicose veins are similar in that they’re both annoying, unsightly blemishes that prevent your legs from looking their best. However spider veins are often a cosmetic vein problem, whereas varicose veins, one of the most common vein problems, usually signify an underlying medical issue known as Venous Reflux Disease. Varicose veins should be evaluated by a vein doctor if they are tender to touch, swollen, or if you have heavy, tired achy legs at the end of the day. Spider veins look like fine red or purple lines on the skin surface. Varicose veins are larger, protruding and look like bluish rope underneath the skin.

Spider veins measure less than one millimeter in diameter and, unless clustered together, are typically not as easy to see as varicose veins. Spider veins appear as reddish, purplish wisps on the legs, oftentimes resembling a bruise when they occur in clusters. Varicose veins are bluer in color and tend to protrude above the level of the skin. They are usually soft and spongy unless they have clotted off, at which point they may be hard and tender to the touch.
Dr Jones can treat both spider veins and varicose veins easily in our Ann Arbor office using a variety of techniques. The options include sclerotherapy, laser ablation or microphlebectomy depending on the type of vein and where the source of the problem lies. After an initial consult with Dr Jones to obtain the correct diagnosis, treatment can be performed as an outpatient at our state of the art vein treatment center on Eisenhower Parkway. Most treatments can be conducted in less than an hour and involve no down time from moderate activities. Depending on your condition Dr Jones may prescribe multiple treatments to ensure your underlying vein condition is treated properly and your unsightly veins gone for good. Patients often wonder why they waited so long to eliminate their veins, when the process is so easy and the results are so good!
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I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Dr Suzanne Jones and her staff were friendly, caring and my legs look and feel better than they have in years
Carey S. Ann Arbor, MI

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