Spider Vein Symptoms

Telangiectasias, better known as spider veins are small veins that develop on the skin’s surface. Spider veins develop when the blood that flows from areas that are affected becomes limited or blocked. In the majority of instances, no symptoms of spider veins will exist, but will show up after a person has had to sit or stand for an extended period of time.  Spider veins can sometime occur while you are pregnant or they can also be inherited.  If they are inherited, they can show up early during your life or as you grow older.

What they look like

Spider veins are red generally red and sometimes are found in those who have varicose veins. Varicose veins can be purple or blue and sometimes surround a spider vein.  Spider veins are generally found on a person’s legs, feet or pelvic area, but can be found any place on your body. Because of gravity, the way blood flows and the way blood can become restricted or blocked spider veins are generally found in the lower extremities of a person’s body.

What makes them unique

Spider veins are unique in that they are located right under the first layer of skin while varicose veins are more noticeable because of their outward protrusion.  Spider veins generally occur in a cluster and look like a tree that has branched out over the area that is affected.  People with spider veins might experience some swelling because the veins that have become weak will swell under the skin.  If a blood vessel burst, the skin that surrounds it might become a brown color which generally will occur on the ankles.

How they feel

Spider veins can create feelings in the legs like a tingle, a throb, heaviness, or weariness in the extremities themselves. You might also experience cramps, aches or a tickly sensation in some of the areas that are affected.  These feelings occur because the blood flow has been decreased in the regions where the veins are located.  If you sit or lay down for a short length of time once you begin to feel these symptoms, it can alleviate some of the pressure from the lack of blood flow.  You can also avoid standing or having pressure applied to the legs for an extended period to time to help to alleviate a lot of the symptoms.

Other Symptoms

Symptoms that occur less often can include blood clots, an ulcer or bleeding.  These symptoms occur because of the weakness of the veins and in some instances have proven to be fatal.  If you do experience any pain in the area affected by spider veins you should call your doctor and make an appointment immediately.

Contact your physician

You should contact your doctor for any advice to help avoid or treat the symptoms of spider veins.  You can work together to work out a plan that is right for you and your lifestyle.  While spider veins cannot be avoided in all cases some can be lessened by following the advice of your doctor.