What is the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?
A. Spider veins are small red, blue or purple blood vessels on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are abnormal veins that have become swollen, enlarged and ropey. Varicose veins are usually a result of defective valves inside the vein. This condition is known as venous insufficiency. Together, spider veins and bulging varicose veins comprise the most common circulatory problem of the lower extremities. It is estimated that spider veins and varicose veins affect 80 million people in the U. S.
The heart pumps blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the body parts, while veins carry blood from the body parts back to the heart. As the blood is pumped back to the heart, veins act as one-way valves to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. If the one-way valve becomes weak, some of the blood can leak back into the vein, collect there, and then become congested or clogged. This congestion will cause the vein to abnormally enlarge. These enlarged veins can be either varicose veins or spider veins. Varicose veins are very swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They are dark purple or blue in color, and can look like cords or very twisted and bulging. They are found most often on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg, anywhere from the groin to the ankle. During pregnancy, varicose veins called hemorrhoids can form in the vagina or around the anus. Spider veins are similar to varicose vein
