In your leg, you have two sets of veins. They are called deep veins and superficial veins.

Deep veins are in the deeper part of the leg where the muscles are, and superficial veins are right under the skin.

In a normal person, the blood circulates from the feet toward the heart in both veins.

When someone has venous insufficiency, the blood will go up the deep veins and back into the superficial vein.

The blood will start pooling in the superficial veins.

Since the superficial veins are closest to the skin, they will bulge and create varicose veins. They are often bluish or purple.

Spider Veins are essentially a smaller version of varicose veins. They are red, purple, and blue vessels that are also twisted and turning. They are most often seen on the legs, chest, or face.

No. Varicose veins can occur deeper in the leg, where one can’t see them. Varicose veins are classified under the spectrum of venous insufficiency disease.

Venous insufficiency disease causes leg discomfort, swelling of the ankles and leg, itching, and weariness. Other signs and symptoms may be prickling, cramping, aching, and heaviness of the lower limbs after prolonged standing.

Keep an eye out for these symptoms besides simply visible veins.

Progression of varicose veins can be dangerous as they may later become venous ulcerations. When left without treatment, complications may include rashes, infections, bleeding, sores, and blood clots.

In rare cases, varicose veins can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening.