Vascular #: can spider veins just below the knee, without swelling, have mild soreness from time to time or is it usually a varicose vein symtom?

Spider veins as: seen in younger people will not have any symptoms , procedures done for cosmetic purposes , how ever older group will have associated vascular diseases that cause symptoms like yours ( both venous & arterial ) , need evaluation and treatments , get your self checked by your doctor for such possibility.

Yes: Likely just the spider vein cluster causing symptoms, which is fairly common. There sometime is a small feeding vein beneath the spider vein cluster that is also defective (reticular or spider vein) & that could also increase symptoms. If symptoms become more severe or more frequent or if the cluster of vein significantly enlarges, then more likely an underlying varicose vein. See vascular MD.

Spider vein pain: Spider veins do not cause pain but over the years I have seen many patients complain of aching and pressure from spider veins.If spider veins are the result of underlying saphenous vein reflux (malfunctioning valves) then the spider vein discomfort may be due to the increased venous pressure from the refluxing valves. See a vein specialist for a full venous evaluation including a vein ultrasound.