I have spider veins around both ankles and they look awful! I was told by my GP nothing will help their appearance. Is that true?

Answers from doctors (3)

More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Feb 10, 2022

The term 'Spider Veins' is used generically to refer to both small veins (Venous Telangiectasias) and small capillaries (Capillary Telangiectasias). Venous Telangiectasias are blue or purple and are greater than 0.3mm in diameter. These respond well to Sclerotherapy, no matter where they are found, including on the feet and ankles. Capillary Telangiectasias are pink or red and threadlike (less than 0.3mm in diameter). These do not respond to Sclerotherapy but sometimes may respond to vascular laser treatment.

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Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

The term 'Spider Veins' is used generically to refer to both small veins (Venous Telangiectasias) and small capillaries (Capillary Telangiectasias). Venous Telangiectasias are blue or purple and are greater than 0.3mm in diameter. These respond well to Sclerotherapy, no matter where they are found, including on the feet and ankles. Capillary Telangiectasias are pink or red and threadlike (less than 0.3mm in diameter). These do not respond to Sclerotherapy but sometimes may respond to vascular laser treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Illinois Vein Specialists

Published on Mar 30, 2017

Spider veining around the ankles is often the first sign of chronic venous hypertension. You should ignore your doctor in this specific case and go see a competent vein doctor. That doctor can perform an ultrasound to determine if you have CVI from treatable veins. If so this can be treated. If no CVI is found on exam simple sclerotherapy can be safely used to treat the spider veins.

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Answered by Illinois Vein Specialists

Spider veining around the ankles is often the first sign of chronic venous hypertension. You should ignore your doctor in this specific case and go see a competent vein doctor. That doctor can perform an ultrasound to determine if you have CVI from treatable veins. If so this can be treated. If no CVI is found on exam simple sclerotherapy can be safely used to treat the spider veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Center for Vein Care

Published on Mar 28, 2017

This is not true. These can be treated with sclerotherapy. The results vary, but usually have 70% improvement.

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Answered by Center for Vein Care

This is not true. These can be treated with sclerotherapy. The results vary, but usually have 70% improvement.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

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