Spider veins technically known as telangiectasias, are tiny 1-2 mm dilated capillary veins that can be red, blue or purplish in color and sometimes give a spidery appearance. Commonly patients will be asked if they have bruised their legs. Spider veins can occur anywhere on the legs but commonly occur along the lateral thigh and medial knee. Risk factors for spider veins include genetics, obesity, pregnancy, increased age, sitting or standing for long periods of time, prior blood clots and just being female.Spider veins can initially start as just a cosmetic problem with a worrisome appearance. Spider veins can be associated with varicose veins and most patients with varicose veins will also have spider veins. Spider veins will not disappear without treatment and will normally progress and worsen over years. If you have spider veins and also have leg symptoms including pain, aching, heaviness, tiredness, fatigue, cramping, throbbing, itching, burning, warmth, restless or swelling, you will likely need a diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate for vein disease. Our veins have tiny valves that keep the blood flowing in one direction up towards our heart. These valves may become damaged over time. Diagnostic ultrasound can evaluate these valves and the direction of flow in our veins. As these valves become damaged you will start to notice visible increase in spider and varicose veins.