Spider Veins on Legs

Spider veins often show up on the lower legs, ankles, and feet—areas that carry the most pressure throughout the day. While small, these veins can cause more than just cosmetic concerns. For some individuals, they lead to itching, burning, or discomfort that worsens after long periods of standing.

Others feel self-conscious wearing shorts or skirts because of how visible the veins are. Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to treat spider veins.

What Spider Veins Look Like

Spider veins are thin, visible veins that sit just beneath the surface of the skin. They often appear in clusters or branching patterns and may be red, purple, or blue in color.

On the legs and ankles, these veins are especially noticeable because of the skin’s tone and the pressure those areas experience daily. While typically harmless, they can still be frustrating—especially when they become irritated or more prominent over time.

Where on the Legs do Spider Veins Occur?

Spider veins can appear in several areas of the lower body, each affected by different types of pressure or changes in circulation:

Calves and thighs: These are the most common areas. Standing or sitting for long periods increases pressure in the veins, causing them to dilate and become visible.
Ankles and feet: These areas are especially vulnerable because of gravity and reduced circulation farthest from the heart. Spider veins here may feel more irritated, especially after long days on your feet.
Back of the knees: Bending and pressure while sitting or standing can contribute to vein visibility in this region.
Inner legs: Veins here may be less noticeable at first but can still cause discomfort or itching.

Some individuals may also experience mild symptoms like burning, itching, or localized aching, particularly if veins are exposed to heat or long durations of standing.

Why Spider Veins Develop on the Lower Body

Several factors contribute to spider veins forming in the legs and feet:

Circulation challenges: Blood must travel upward from the legs, and over time, vein walls can weaken under this pressure.
Genetics: If close family members have vein issues, you’re more likely to develop them too.
Lifestyle habits: Long hours of standing or sitting without movement can slow circulation and contribute to vein visibility.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy or other hormonal shifts may soften vein walls, making them more prone to stretching.
Added pressure: Carrying extra weight or going through pregnancy can increase strain on the lower limbs.

Because these risk factors often overlap, spider veins tend to become more noticeable with age.

Spider Veins on the Legs Treatment with Sclerotherapy

One of the most effective treatments for spider veins on the legs, ankles, and feet is sclerotherapy—a minimally invasive procedure that can be done right in our Simpsonville office.

During the procedure, a special solution is injected directly into the targeted veins, causing them to close and gradually fade. The process doesn’t require anesthesia, and most patients are able to return to their usual activities the same day.

Here’s what makes it a preferred option:

Fast and convenient: Appointments are brief, often under 30 minutes.
Minimally invasive: No incisions or stitches required.
Tailored care: At Carolina Vein Care, all sclerotherapy treatments are customized using detailed vein mapping and handled by board-certified specialists.
Visible improvement: Results often appear within a few weeks, though more than one session may be needed.

This approach is especially well-suited for people balancing treatment with work or family schedules.

You Don’t Have to Ignore Spider Veins on the Legs

Spider veins might be common, but that doesn’t mean you need to just live with them. If they’re causing irritation or affecting your confidence, there are safe, low-impact solutions available.

Expert Care from Board-Certified Vein Specialists

At Carolina Vein Care, your care is led by two highly experienced physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of vein conditions.

Dr. Mark R. Jackson, MD is a board-certified vascular surgeon with over 30 years of experience. A former Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, he completed his fellowship at Walter Reed and went on to lead academic and clinical programs in vascular surgery. Dr. Jackson focuses on minimally invasive techniques that improve circulation and comfort with lasting results.
Dr. Julie U. Park, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional radiologist. She trained at Northwestern University and brings two decades of experience in image-guided treatments for spider veins, facial veins, and aesthetic concerns. Known for her personalized approach, Dr. Park helps individuals feel confident and cared for through every step of their treatment.

Together, Dr. Jackson and Dr. Park provide physician-led care that combines expertise, modern techniques, and a thoughtful approach tailored to your needs.

Explore Spider Vein Treatment at Carolina Vein Care

If you’re in Simpsonville, Five Forks, or Greenville and exploring options for spider vein treatment, our vascular specialists are here to guide you through your next steps.