Five Symptoms of Varicose and Spider Veins

With summer right around the corner, many of us are beginning to switch up our wardrobe and get excited for the warmer weather. For men and women with unsightly varicose and spider veins, however, this can be a discouraging time of year. If you have varicose veins that keep you from wearing shorts confidently, or if you’re constantly trying to cover up facial spider veins with makeup, we can help. Board-certified general surgeon Dr. Matthew Lynch and the expert team at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics understand how frustrating visible veins can be and are proud to offer a wide array of cutting-edge vein removal treatments in Peoria, AZ to help patients feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of spider veins and varicose veins here, what causes them, and what treatment options you may have for restoring a smoother, clearer complexion.

What’s the difference between spider veins vs. varicose veins?

While spider veins and varicose veins have very different visual qualities, they can both be extremely frustrating when it comes to your appearance. Spider veins, which typically appear as fine, branching lines in red, blue, or purple, occur when tiny blood vessels become damaged. Although they are harmless, spider veins are a cosmetic nuisance for many, in part because they often develop on the face and can be particularly difficult to cover with makeup.

Varicose veins, on the other hand, are much larger and tend to produce twisted, bulging clusters of veins beneath the skin’s surface. Most often, varicose veins are related to excess pressure in the vein and a venous valve malfunction. Varicose veins are not always dangerous, though in some cases, they can point to a more serious underlying condition and/or lead to severe complications, including a blood clot and DVT, if left untreated.

What causes varicose veins?

For many men and women, varicose veins are the result of extreme pressure and damage to the venous valve. Common causes and risk factors for both spider veins and varicose veins include:

Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Being a woman
Pregnancy
Genetics/heredity
Advanced age

What are the signs and symptoms of varicose veins?

In the majority of cases, the appearance of spider veins and varicose veins is the most obvious symptom patients experience, though there are many others possible. Five of the top signs and symptoms of spider veins and varicose veins include:

Visible veins: Spider veins cause thin, branching webs of red, blue, or purple beneath the skin and typically appear on the face or legs. Varicose veins produce larger, gnarled bulges, which most often develop on the lower legs.

Leg aches: Patients with varicose veins in their legs may experience chronic or intermittent leg aches or a feeling of heaviness in the legs, particularly upon standing after a long period of rest.

Swelling: Swelling in the legs near the veins is a possibility for patients with varicose veins and may need further investigation as a symptom of a more serious vascular condition.

Itching: Many patients report itching or burning around the site of varicose veins.

Pain: Spider veins are almost always painless, but varicose veins can produce mild to severe pain. The pain with varicose veins is often worse after prolonged periods of inactivity.

How are varicose veins treated?

If you are experiencing any of the cosmetic or physical symptoms of varicose and spider veins, it may be time to seek treatment. Dr. Lynch is proud to offer a wide array of the most current and effective vein removal treatments in Peoria, AZ to meet the unique needs of each patient. These include:

During your initial consultation for spider veins and varicose veins in Peoria, Dr. Lynch will take ample time to evaluate and discuss your concerns, perform any necessary imaging studies, and determine the most appropriate course of treatment to help you achieve your ideal outcome. With our diverse set of vein therapies, we can help restore the smooth complexion, comfort, and confidence you deserve.

Love your skin once again with advanced vein removal in Peoria, AZ

If spider veins and varicose veins prevent you from wearing certain styles of clothing, participating in your favorite physical activities, or even sleeping comfortably. We can help. Join the many men and women who have chosen advanced vein treatment at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics in Peoria, AZ to finally look and feel more confident than ever. To learn more about the exciting possibilities of spider and varicose vein removal, call us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified physician and vascular expert Dr. Matthew Lynch today!