Types of Vein Disease

Spider veins are small, thread-like veins that can be seen on the surface of the skin.  Treatment of spider veins for cosmetic reasons is common, but it is also done when the spider veins cause significant discomfort.

Varicose veins are large, rope-like veins ranging in size from ¼ inch or larger in diameter.  They are the result of the backflow of blood into the legs when the valves in the vein do not work properly causing a bulging appearance of the vein.  This can occur from pregnancy, heredity, and age. Symptoms include aching pain, easy leg fatigue and leg heaviness which worsens as the day progresses.  If left untreated, varicose veins can result in ulcerations which can be difficult to treat.