Spider veins are small veins which are entirely of a cosmetic nuisance. They do not form blood clots, they do not ache, and they do not cause swollen feet or pain. One may elect to observe them. The situation can be different with larger, varicose veins. Untreated varicose veins can cause significant pain, aching, swelling in the lower legs. It may progress to heart problems, if enough blood is contained the lower veins, leg ulcers, and severe skin changes, chronic infections

Last updated on January 17, 2010 by Sarah Yousuff, MD