Reticular Veins

Millions of people are familiar with the sight of blue-green veins crisscrossing their legs. For many, these reticular veins cause self-consciousness and discomfort, and may limit their choices of clothing and activities.

Dr. Richard J. Fischel and Dr. John P. Maurice specialize in the treatment of all kinds of vein disorders at their offices in Orange County. Veins that are troublesome or unsightly can often be a symptom of a more serious underlying problem. Drs. Fischel and Maurice are highly trained vascular surgeons who will treat the underlying issue as well as the unsightly surface veins.

To get more information about reticular veins and their treatment, click here to request a consultation with one of our vein specialists.

Description, Causes, and Symptoms of Reticular Veins

What are Reticular Veins?

Reticular veins, also called feeder veins, are larger, bluish or greenish veins that typically form a crisscross or web-like pattern on the legs. They may occur in the upper body, but are generally more common on the thighs and lower legs. These flat veins run close to the surface, making them easily visible. Their purpose is to collect blood from the skin and feed it into the larger, deeper veins.

Causes of Reticular Veins

Reticular veins are enlarged due to an increase in pressure, generally caused by faulty valves within the veins. When the valves fail, blood is allowed to back up into the veins and accumulate. This accumulation causes the pressure which enlarges the vein, making it more prominent. In some cases, the pressure is great enough to cause varicose veins.

There is a strong connection between reticular veins and heredity. Other factors which may contribute to the development of reticular veins include obesity, prolonged standing, pregnancy, hormonal changes, age, and gender. Women develop reticular veins more frequently than men.

Symptoms of Reticular Veins

In general, reticular veins do not produce substantial medical symptoms or complications. However, some people report aching, burning, throbbing, or heaviness in the legs associated with these veins. Perhaps the most common symptom of reticular veins reported in Orange County is spider veins. Although reticular veins can exist independently, they are usually the underlying problem which produces spider veins. The clusters of tiny, purplish spider veins typically occur because of reverse pressure from the mid-sized reticular vein, which causes the capillary vein network to dilate or burst. In order to achieve good results from spider vein treatment, the underlying reticular vein must be treated as well.

The Next Step

Drs. Fischel and Maurice typically treat reticular veins with sclerotherapy in Orange County. Spider veins also respond very well to this treatment option. Although your concerns may be primarily cosmetic, reticular veins are a medical condition which should be evaluated and treated by a highly trained vascular surgeon. Both Dr. Fischel and Dr. Maurice are board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

If you are interested in eliminating reticular veins, click here to request a consultation with one of our vascular disease specialists. Or, you can call Orange County Laser and Vein Rejuvenation Specialists at 714-954-0270 to schedule an appointment.