Venous diseases have three types: spider veins, reticular veins, and varicose veins. The classification of varicose veins is done based on the extent of the dilatation of the veins.

Spider veins are tiny veins that appear red or blue and are close to the skin. Spider veins are usually not painful and can occur on any body part. Reticular veins are more prominent than spider veins but significantly smaller than varicose veins.

Varicose veins are large, tortuous, and dilated veins most commonly present in the lower limb. Varicose veins are usually asymptomatic and are very common.

Pregnancy can increase the chances of developing varicose veins. In males, varicose veins in the testicles can cause infertility.

Varicose veins are treated by a vascular surgeon. A Vascular surgeon is an expert who can treat varicose veins surgically.

However, people who want a minimally invasive technique like a laser to treat varicose veins can go to an interventional radiologist.

The type of treatment chosen for the patient depends on the size of the vessels, comorbidities, and patency of the deep veins.

Initially, an ultrasound of the leg is done to assess the direction of blood flow. Then, appropriate treatment depends on whether there is a leakage in the vessels or reflux of blood in the vessels.

Varicose veins are usually asymptomatic. Hence, they are first noticed when the veins become dilated, tortuous and appear as rope-like structures on the legs or ankles.

Some people may experience itching near the dilated vessels and swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet. The legs usually feel heavy after mild physical activity.

If varicose veins are left untreated for a long time, brown skin discolouration may occur. Some people develop venous ulcers due to a lack of proper treatment. Females experience varicose veins during pregnancy. However, they disappear within a few weeks after delivery.

Although spider veins do not cause varicose veins, varicose veins can give rise to spider veins. When blood accumulates in the vessels of the legs, the pressure in the vessels increases, the excess blood is pushed into the smaller vessels leading to the formation of spider veins.

People who have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins can develop varicose veins from spider veins. However, in an average population with no genetic predisposition, spider veins do not cause varicose veins.

Even though treatment for both spider and varicose veins is available, one can not rule out chances of recurrence.

Varicose veins are a type of venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency can be further divided into six stages. The veins are usually small and red or blue in the first stage. They are referred to as spider veins.

In the second stage, the veins become dilated and tortuous, leading to the formation of varicose veins. The spider veins do not necessarily give rise to varicose veins.

Furthermore, in the third stage, swelling of the legs occurs, but there are no changes in the skin.

In the fourth stage, discolouration of the skin occurs. In the final two stages, varicose veins are usually associated with ulcers.