Varicose Veins And Spider Veins

Varicose veins and spider veins are common vascular conditions that affect millions of adults and can cause both cosmetic concerns and uncomfortable symptoms. At Oracle Heart & Vascular, we provide comprehensive vein evaluation and personalized treatment plans to improve circulation, relieve symptoms and help patients feel more comfortable and confident.

Veins are thin-walled blood vessels that carry blood from your arms and legs back to your heart. Because blood must travel upward against gravity—especially from the legs—veins rely on one-way valves and muscle movement to keep blood flowing properly.

When these valves weaken or fail, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to stretch, twist and become visible at the surface of the skin.

Superficial veins are located close to the skin and often visible. These are the veins most commonly affected by varicose veins and spider veins. Deep veins, on the other hand, are located deeper in the leg, near the bone and surrounded by muscle. These veins play a major role in returning blood to the heart.

Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging superficial veins most often seen in the calves or thighs. They are typically greater than 3 mm in diameter. This causes veins to stretch, twist, and thicken, often becoming visibly raised under the skin. They develop when:

While spider veins are usually not dangerous, they may be associated with underlying venous disease and can cause discomfort for some patients. Though spider veins and varicose are similar, spider veins are:

Evaluation begins with a detailed clinical exam and may include:

Treatment for veins is personalized based on symptoms, vein anatomy and overall health. Your Oracle Heart & Vascular provider will discuss the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs. Options may include:

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment used to close abnormal or damaged varicose veins and spider veins. It is most commonly used for spider veins and small to medium varicose veins. It involves your Oracle Heart & Vascular provider injecting a specialized solution into the affected vein. This solution causes the vein to collapse and gradually be absorbed by the body and for the blood to be rerouted to other, healthier veins.

Another type of sclerotherapy is ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, which allows our providers to treat larger or deeper veins that are not visible on the surface by using imaging guidance for precise placement.

Ambulatory phlebectomy is used to remove bulging surface varicose veins through very small skin openings. Phlebectomy is often combined with other venous treatments to achieve both symptom relief and cosmetic improvement. It is:

Our goal is to restore healthy circulation, relieve symptoms and help patients feel confident in their legs again. Request an appointment for a varicose veins and spider veins evaluation if you notice any visible veins and associated symptoms. Early care and prevention can ultimately improve your comfort, appearance and long-term vein health.