Women often seek treatment for spider veins because they are of cosmetic concern. And, for cosmetic reasons, insurance companies will not cover the treatment. However, it is not uncommon for spider veins to also cause specific symptoms, such as aching, heaviness or itching on the legs. Spider veins are associated with larger underlying varicose veins and are sometimes a precursor to those larger medical problems. (8)
To fully understand how a spider vein will materialize it is important to understand the underlying physiology of the vascular system. Normally, oxygen enters the lungs and is transferred to arterial blood supply. This blood is then pumped around the body using the force behind the heart muscle. Once the blood gets to the furthest end of the arterial supply and no longer has oxygen to deliver to the cellular system, it begins its long journey back to the lungs to pick up more oxygen.