What Causes Varicose and Spider Veins?

Veins are the blood vessels through which blood flows back to the heart. Blood that flows into the legs must circulate and then return to the heart. Because the blood needs to flow uphill and against gravity, the veins in the lower part of the body must work hard to move the blood back to the heart. Valves in the veins normally allow the blood to flow toward the heart, and prevent the backflow of blood. If these valves weaken and cannot perform their job, blood may pool in the legs, causing veins to bulge and dilate. When blood pools in the larger surface veins, the result can be the blue, bulging type of varicose vein. When this happens to the tiny veins just below the skin surface, the result can be spider veins.

 

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous? Varicose veins are not usually dangerous, and some people have no symptoms. In many people, however, the varicose veins are associated with pain, aching, itching, burning, a heavy or tired feeling in the legs, swelling or cramps.

 In rare cases, varicose veins may signify serious underlying disease of the deeper veins, and if this is a possibility, it may be recommended that you undergo further evaluation.

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