Although spider veins should not be equated with varicose veins, they can still be regarded as the first sign of underlying venous insufficiency venous insufficiency. In one study, scientists succeeded in finding a significant link between the number of spider veins (medical term: telangiectasia) and the severity of varicose veins. Nevertheless, spider veins are far more common than varicose veins. Therefore, they should not be seen as a sure harbinger of venous insufficiency that needs to be treated. The variation of the veins is visible on the skin: often on the thighs and lower legs, but also on the face (couperose). It is possible to remove spider veins and couperose using laser treatment.
Forms of varicose veins
A distinction is made between spider veins, reticular varicose veins and perforating, lateral branch or truncal varicose veins.
Small varicose veins
Spider veins are veins with a diameter of up to 1 mm, while reticular varicose veins are approximately 1 to 3 mm in diameter. Spider veins are slightly more superficial than reticular varicose veins, although they are located in the skin.
Perforating varicose veins
Perforating vein spasms on the inner thigh or above the inner ankle with eruptions
Perforating vein spasm with blow-out formations
Dysfunctional connecting veins between the superficial and deep venous system form the starting points for varicose perforating veins. There are around 150 connecting veins on each leg. Their function is to ensure the flow of blood from the superficial to the deep veins. Venous valves are also located in the perforating veins to prevent the backflow of blood. If these valves do not function properly, blood leaks from the deep veins into the superficial veins, which leads to varicose veins over time.
Varicose veins of side branches and side branch veins
Varicose veins of the side branches occur when the valves of the side branch veins no longer close properly and the veins expand due to the backflow of blood. The condition is known as side branch varicosis. The disease often occurs together with a varicose vein on the main vein or is the result of it. However, side branch varicose veins can also occur on their own.
Truncal varicose veins
If the valves of the truncal veins (great saphenous vein and small saphenous vein) are affected by varicose vein disease and no longer close properly, this is referred to as varicose veins of the truncal veins or truncal varices. Truncal varicose veins or truncal varicosis is the name of the disease. Depending on which venous valves are affected and how far the backflow of blood extends down the leg, the doctor distinguishes between different stages of the disease during a standing examination (according to Hach). The blood reflux can therefore extend further down: to above the knee, to below the knee or even to the ankle region if the large rose vein only has a leaky venous valve in the groin area. The small Rosen vein is also similar. Only the first valve can be affected.
deep veins into the superficial veins, which leads to varicose veins over time.
