The Key to Avoiding More Serious Health Conditions

This is one of the questions we get most often. The most common signs of vein disease include spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins appear as smaller, more superficial veins. These look like a network of tiny red and purple spider web-like marks on the legs. Some people say they look like features on a map. Varicose veins are larger, swollen, blue and purple ropey veins easily visible upon a physical exam.

Varicose veins can cause discomfort in the form of heavy, swollen, tired, restless or achy legs. Sitting or standing in the same position such as during work can cause worsening symptoms throughout the day. Spider veins typically do not cause any symptoms, except for occasional minor discomfort in the form of a dull ache.

Everybody wants to believe that that their varicose veins or spider veins are like rashes – that they will eventually go away, but unfortunately, that’s not true. Left untreated, the vein disease that causes them generally progresses and they get worse. You can expect continued enlargement of the varicose veins and thinning of the overlying skin. If you have these vein disease symptoms now, they will almost assuredly get worse.

If they get really bad, it can lead to erosion of the skin and varicose vein bleeding or ulcers.

Physical appearance may not be the most important thing to consider about your current vein disease symptoms. Vein disease can also result in the development of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), which occurs when the valves in your leg veins fail to close tightly and allow blood to pool in your legs. Although usually not life threatening, CVI can result in significant medical complications.