Varicose veins and Spider veins are found most commonly on the thighs or lower legs, but can form anywhere on the legs.  Spider veins are those tiny purple and red blood vessels. They are hereditary and commonly found on the legs of women.  Occassionally spider veins appear on the face.  Varicose veins are larger.  They can appear raised with a bluish color and can become painful.  Although spider veins and varicose veins carry blood, they are not part of your venous valve system.   

There are several contributing factors:

·    Age – The development can occur at any age but most commonly begin between the ages of 18-35, and peak between 50-60 years.

·    Heredity – There is a significant relationship between heredity and the development of varicose veins.

·    Gender – Approximately 4 females are affected to every 1 male.

·    Pregnancy – Both hormonally changes during pregnancy and compression of veins by the enlarged uterus can contribute to varicose veins and spider veins.  8% to 20% of pregnant women will develop varicose veins.

·    Lifestyle – Prolonged periods of sitting or standing are at increased risk for developing varicose veins.  

Your spider veins and varicose veins can be eliminated permanently through a procedure called Sclerotherapy.  Dr. Michael Smith D.P.M. provides in-office, non-surgical treatments of painful or unsightly veins of the leg through endovascular vein closure (sclerotherapy) and laser treatments.