Understand The Difference Between Thread And Varicose Veins

Written by - Reviewed by Consumer Health Digest Team

Published: Mar 4, 2018 | Last Updated: Dec 5, 2019

Varicose And Spider Veins

Vein issues like varicose veins and thread veins affect upwards of 40 million adults in the United States, and millions more throughout other countries each year. More than half of individuals who develop vein disorders have a family history of vein issues, but anyone can develop varicose or thread veins over time.

Although women are more likely to experience a breakdown of the vein walls as they age, men also have a high chance of seeing varicose and thread veins during their lifetime.

For those concerned about or currently living with varicose or thread veins, it is important to understand the differences between the two common disorders, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

What are Thread Veins and Varicose Veins?

It is common for people to lump all vein disorders under the category of varicose veins, but there are differences that distinguish varicose veins from thread veins.

First, varicose veins are often large, bulging lumps of veins that appear dark purple, blue, or red just beneath the skin. Some adults who experience varicose veins can see and feel the twisting veins on their lower legs and up to their thighs.

Thread veins, also known as spider veins, are smaller and can appear on the legs or face. Individuals with thread veins notice a branching out of dark red or purple veins beneath the skin, without the bulging that is characteristic of varicose veins.

Although different in appearance, both varicose and thread veins appear due to a breakdown of the functioning capabilities of the affected veins.

Once the wall of the vein begins to weaken, blood flow is not easily passed through the veins, creating a blockage that results in bulging, twisting, or spidering.

Varicose veins and thread veins may be the result of carrying an unhealthy weight for an extended period or hereditary factors that make individuals prone to vein wall issues.

About Varicose And Spider

Women who are pregnant, people who spend long periods standing or sitting, and those who exert too much pressure on the legs or feet over time are all susceptible to developing varicose or thread veins as they age.

Individuals experiencing varicose or thread veins may also feel differences in the symptoms that arise due to the specific vein disorder they have. Adults who have thread veins may be asymptomatic, meaning there are few symptoms that are noticeable aside from the obvious cosmetic concern.

Some may experience occasional itching or stinging where the vein wall is weakened, however. For those with varicose veins, symptoms run the gamut, from pain and swelling in the legs and feet to achiness and heaviness of the limbs.

Adults with varicose veins may also experience cramping during the day or night, or restless legs as they sleep.

Treatment Options for Each

There are several options for treatment for those with either varicose or thread veins, but the most appropriate course of action is dependent on the type of vein issue in play.

Eddie Chaloner, the vein specialist at Radiance Vein Clinic, states, “Thread veins are most effectively treated through the process of injection sclerotherapy. This treatment technique uses a tiny needle to inject a chemical, sclerosant, directly into the affected vein.”

Chaloner explains that over time, the chemical reacts with the body and allows the vein to fade over the course of a few months.

Few risks are associated with sclerotherapy injections, but some adults may experience deep bruising that lasts until the vein disappears.

For those with varicose veins, less invasive treatment methods are often recommended first. Wearing compression stockings during the day or evening helps relieve the pressure placed on the veins, easing the appearance of varicose veins over time.

Adjusting one’s lifestyle to include daily exercise and getting down to a healthier weight also helps in the fight against varicose veins. When these methods are not achieving optimal results, vein specialists may recommend Endovenous laser treatment, or EVLT.

Through this treatment option, a pulse of laser light is inserted into the vein, causing the malfunctioning vein to collapse. Each individual may have a variety of treatments suggested by their vein specialist, depending on the severity of the vein issues and the symptoms they are experiencing.

For most adults with varicose or thread veins, cosmetic annoyance is enough of a motivator to seek out treatment. However, when pain or discomfort is not consistently present, avoiding visiting a vein specialist may be the easier option.

Experts caution against skipping a doctor’s visit, especially when signs of more serious health issues are present. Varicose and thread veins have the potential to lead to more severe, difficult to treat health issues, including vein ulcers, spontaneous bleeding, superficial thrombophlebitis, and in rare cases, deep vein thrombosis.

It is important for those experiencing vein issues to address concerns with a vein specialist sooner rather than later so that complications of varicose or thread veins can be avoided in the future.

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