Spider veins are small veins under the skin surface that possibly indicate an underlying disease. The tiny relatives of varicose veins, spider veins are caused by heredity, pregnancy, estrogen medications and prolonged sitting or standing. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are typically not dangerous as they are simply enlarged venules (tiny veins). Together, varicose and spider veins affect more than half of people by the time they reach the age of 55.

Spider veins may have no obvious symptoms other than cosmetic “spider web” like veins on the surface of the skin. Other times, spider veins indicate a more serious underlying condition that could fall into the category of Chronic Venous Insufficiency, or CVI. These conditions could produce symptoms such as:

In any of these situations, it is important to see a doctor to check for more serious underlying conditions. Don’t wait until it is too late—discuss your options with a vein doctor today.

We will first get a thorough history by asking the patient questions, and then examining their legs for visible signs or problems. The confirmation of the diagnosis requires a specialized ultrasound of your legs that we perform in-house, at Alpha Vein Clinic.