Spider Veins, Reticular Veins, and Varicose Veins: Which To Be Concerned About?

There is no denying that veins are an essential part of our circulatory system, as they transport blood back to the heart. However, they do not always function like they should. When that happens, they can lead to visible signs and painful symptoms if left unchecked. The earliest visible signs of vein trouble many people experience are spider, reticular, and varicose veins. Each vein type has unique characteristics, some more telling and potentially dangerous than others. Understanding the differences can help you know which ones to be concerned about and why.

Our compassionate and knowledgeable team of vascular specialists at StrideCare believes that it is best for patients to understand their condition. We look forward to playing an active role in our patients’ vascular health—especially if they have vein disease. In this article, we will dive into what sets each vein type apart, how they can affect your health, and when you should consider seeing a vascular specialist to discuss treatment options and the journey ahead.

Give yourself the gift of better feeling and enjoying better-looking legs. Schedule a consultation with a StrideCare vascular specialist today. Our collaborative approach ensures you receive the care you need.

Understanding Spider Veins, Reticular Veins, and Varicose Veins

Let’s start by defining each type of vein and exploring how they differ:

Spider Veins

Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are the smallest and most superficial type of visible vein. They often appear as fine, web-like lines that are typically red, purple, or blue and are commonly found on the face and legs. Spider veins form due to the dilation of small blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface. They are usually less than 1 millimeter in diameter and are often visible due to their bright color and thinness.

The good news is that spider veins are generally considered a cosmetic concern and have minimal impact on health. They may occasionally cause mild discomfort or a burning sensation, especially after long periods of standing. That said, they rarely cause severe complications.

Reticular Veins

Reticular veins are slightly larger than spider veins, with a diameter between 1 to 3 millimeters. Often blue or green in color, reticular veins are typically located deeper under the skin than spider veins and may appear in clusters or networks. They are often found on the thighs, behind the knees, and ankles.

While reticular veins are generally harmless, they may cause aching, burning, or itching sensations. Unlike spider veins, reticular veins can be linked to venous insufficiency, a condition where blood flow is impaired. This is especially true when reticular veins are seen with varicose or spider veins. This can indicate underlying vein issues.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are the largest and most serious of the three types. These veins are typically swollen, twisted, and bulging, appearing as dark blue or purple lumps under the skin. Varicose veins often occur in the legs, as this part of the body endures the most pressure when we stand or walk. They result from weakened vein walls and valves, which allow blood to pool rather than flow smoothly back to the heart. This pooling causes the veins to expand and become visible on the skin’s surface.

Varicose veins can cause discomfort and are often associated with heaviness, aching, swelling, and throbbing in the affected area. They may worsen with prolonged sitting or standing, and they’re more than just a cosmetic issue; varicose veins are a sign of venous insufficiency, a condition where blood struggles to return efficiently from the legs to the heart. Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to complications, including skin ulcers, blood clots, and, in rare cases, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious condition requiring medical attention.

You do not have to deal with spider veins, reticular veins, or varicose veins. Schedule a consultation with StrideCare’s expert physicians at one of our vein clinics near you.

Differences Between Spider Veins, Reticular Veins, and Varicose Veins

The primary differences between these veins lie in their size, appearance, location, and impact on health. As stated earlier, spider veins are the smallest and closest to the skin’s surface, while reticular veins are slightly larger and deeper. Varicose veins, however, are the largest and most visibly swollen, often causing the most discomfort and posing health risks. This begs the question: Which veins should you be concerned about?

The answer is varicose veins, which are often signs of venous insufficiency and can lead to many complications.

Do You Experience Any of These Varicose Vein Symptoms?

• Achy or heavy feeling in your legs
• Burning sensation
• Throbbing, muscle cramping, swelling
• Pain that worsens after sitting or standing for long periods
• Itchy skin or skin discoloration
• Numb legs
• Bruising

Varicose veins can be painless for many people. This includes those with jobs that force them to be on their feet for hours (cooks, bartenders, waiters, nurses, etc.). Others who are more susceptible to varicose veins include pregnant women, people who smoke, those who lead sedentary lifestyles, and individuals who are overweight. Genetics is also a key factor; if your mother or grandmother had varicose veins, you are also more susceptible.

That said, a more serious problem may exist if you are experiencing anything more than visible varicose veins. Here are a few possible scenarios that should be considered.

1. Deep Vein Thrombosis

Up to 100,000 people die each year from blood clots that form in the deep, large veins of the pelvis, legs, thighs, or arms. When blood clots form where they are not supposed to inside a vein or artery, blood can’t flow past the clot, causing an immediate decrease in blood circulation. Individuals with varicose veins are five times more likely to develop DVT. If left undiagnosed, blood clots can result in strokes, pulmonary embolism, heart attacks, and death.

2. Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that can feel like pins and needles or itchiness and only improves or is eliminated completely with movement. It can affect more women than men. The National Sleep Foundation says 98% of patients who experience RLS found symptom relief after treating varicose veins. Many physicians believe varicose vein problems cause Restless Leg Syndrome since blood is not emptying out of the legs properly.

3. Chronic Venous Insufficiency

CVI is very similar to varicose veins since it is a condition in which broken valves in a patient do not hold a seal and blood pressure builds up in the lower legs. This leads to venous stasis, swelling, and skin changes. However, CVI can occur with or without the presence of varicose veins. Advancing age, family history, prolonged standing, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and pregnancy are all considered risk factors.

4. Skin and foot ulcers

Venous and arterial (ischemic) ulcers come in all shapes, sizes, and severity and form on the lower extremities such as the legs, feet, toes, heels, and ankles. Both leg wounds take a considerable amount of time to heal. Venous ulcers develop because of damage to the veins, usually showing up first as spider veins and eventually varicose veins. Arterial ulcers arise from artery damage.

5. Phelbitis and Thrombophlebitis

Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein. Thrombophlebitis is inflammation causing a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, usually in your legs.

When Do I See a Vascular Specialist?

If you experience aching, swelling, or skin changes around your veins, it’s a good idea to consult a vascular specialist. While spider and reticular veins typically do not require medical intervention, varicose veins do. A specialist can assess your veins using ultrasound technology to understand the extent of any venous insufficiency and recommend treatments tailored to your needs

Featured in this video is StrideCare’s expert interventional radiologist Dr. S. Michael Humphrey discussing what to expect during a doppler ultrasound. Based on your doppler ultrasound results of our board-certified vascular specialists will be able to tell if treatment will be necessary.

You Can Depend on StrideCare When You Want Answers for Varicose Veins

Understanding the differences between spider veins, reticular veins, and varicose veins is key to managing your vein health. While spider and reticular veins are often more cosmetic, varicose veins can signal more serious health issues. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and managing weight are effective preventive measures. However, if varicose veins start causing discomfort or other symptoms, seeing a vascular specialist is a proactive step to improve your vein health and prevent complications.

StrideCare has long been a leader in multi-specialty care for treating lower-extremity vascular and podiatric conditions. This includes our ability to perform leading-edge procedures to treat artery and vein disease and symptoms that, while minor in their earliest stages, can eventually lead to more severe and life-interrupting issues. The key is not to delay seeking help. Our expert doctors and caring staff utilize the latest technologies and minimally invasive procedures to help our patients reclaim their lives.

The experts at StrideCare will recommend an individualized plan to help you get the best results. Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. We are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.

StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, and more.

StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Lake Jackson, San Antonio, Stone Oak, Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Brushy Creek, Cedar Park, Converse, Georgetown, Hutto, Kyle, Leander, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Pearland, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Schertz, Bay City, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, Dallas, Mesquite, Addison, Arlington, Plano, McKinney, Craig Ranch, Prosper, Flower Mound, Euless, Southlake, South Dallas, Sherman, Irving, Garland, Carrollton, Rowlett, Coppell, Forney, Rockwall, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Clear Lake, The Woodlands, and more.

*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.