What Are Varicose Veins

The veins which run throughout the human body are an incredibly intricate system. They are required to navigate through the body in incredibly detailed ways. The function of the veins is to draw out toxins and waste materials from the body after the arteries transfer blood born nutrients and oxygen through the various tissues they attach to. The veins also serve a vital role as a blood storage location when the body is at rest. The elastic nature of veins allows for them to shrink and grow as needed for the volume of blood circulating through them. Varicose veins and spider veins are a peculiar medical issue wherein the blood pools up in certain areas of the body. These veins are unsightly, overly stressed, and can be painful to the touch.

Varicose veins are most often located in the legs, thighs, and ankles. In some instances, they have been witness in the face. However, it should be noted that these types of veins can appear anywhere on the body. Contrary to popular opinion men can have these types of veins as well. It should be noted, though, that the most likely candidate statistically for having this affliction will be a middle-aged woman.

What Is The Difference Between Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?

The primary difference between these two types of veins are size and appearance factors. Varicose veins are large and bulging veins complete with typical discoloration. They are incredibly noticeable and often painful to the touch. Spider veins are small networks of veins that become readily visible. The latter vein type often takes on the appearance of a net or web, lending these vein types their name. Typically varicose veins can be felt directly by touching the skin around the area. Spider veins cannot be felt in this manner and appear solely as discoloration in a web-like pattern.

It is possible that varicose veins can be found in large areas and may even take on the spider web like appearance. The main methods of distinguishing varicose veins from spider veins will be the size of the veins (up to 4mm in diameter) the way they bulge from the body, and the ease in which they can be felt.

There are many treatments for both spider and varicose veins. The best treatment can only be determined by a doctor after diagnosing the patient's vein type and making up a varicose vein treatment plan. Typically, the closure procedure will be used for the greatest effect overall, however.