Our bodies go through a lot of changes as a result of the aging process. From graying hair to fine lines and wrinkles, we gain a lot more than just experience as we get older.
A common condition that can develop in our later years is spider veins. A mild form of varicose veins, spider veins rarely present more than a cosmetic concern.
Caused by weak or damaged valves, blood travels in the wrong direction, thus causing blood clots. As blood collects, it causes the vein to enlarge, sometimes resembling a spider web or tree branch.
While some estimates suggest over 70% of women may develop spider veins, a review of studies found that up to 56% of men may also experience the condition at some point in life. To reduce your risk, let’s learn about the causes and symptoms and find out how to prevent spider veins.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins, sometimes called superficial veins, occur when small blood clots cause the veins to expand. Causing red, blue, or purple discolorations on the skin, they are most common on the legs, ankles, thighs, and calves.
Spider veins represent a milder form of varicose veins. They generally won’t bulge like varicose veins and will appear closer to the surface of the skin.
What Are the Causes?
Veins return blood from other parts of the body to the heart for recirculation. To pump blood from your arms and legs, the veins have to work against gravity.
One-way valves prevent the blood from flowing backward, but when these valves become damaged or weak, it can cause the veins to twist. Once twisted, the veins can be seen through the skin.
Risk Factors
While an exact cause for the weakening of valves is yet to be found, there are many factors that can increase your risk of developing the condition:
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop spider veins. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and medications like birth control can also increase your risk.
- Age: Muscle contractions pump blood back towards your heart. As we get older, our muscles weaken, increasing the risk of developing spider veins.
- Genetics: Spider veins are hereditary. If you have a family history of the condition, you have a greater chance of developing it.
- Obesity: The additional pressure obesity places on veins can cause damage to the valves, thus increasing your risk.
- Physical Inactivity: Veins need to work harder if you’re sitting or standing in the same position for extended periods of time. This can cause damage to your veins and further increase your risk of developing the condition.
Symptoms
The main symptom of spider veins is the appearance of small, discolored blood vessels on the skin. Most commonly found on the lower extremities, spider veins can also appear on the arms, hands, and face. Spider veins rarely cause additional symptoms. However, some swelling or mild discomfort may be felt.
How to Prevent Spider Veins
Some causes of spider veins are preventable, while others aren’t. You can’t pick your genes, so if you have a predisposition to the condition, prevention can be hard. But there are many factors that you can control to help prevent spider veins.
1. Get Moving
A sedentary lifestyle is sometimes hard to avoid. Many people spend their workday seated at a desk or standing for long periods of time. If you have to sit or stand for extended periods, take a break every hour and walk around or stretch. This will help activate the muscles to assist with pumping the blood back to your heart.
2. Exercise
Moving around at work and during the day is great, but for the most benefit, it’s important to get regular exercise. Weak muscles may struggle to recirculate blood against the force of gravity. To fight this, start an exercise regimen. By strengthening muscles and improving circulation you can help prevent spider veins.
While exercise is a sure-fire way to improve your health, consult your doctor before starting a new program. Whether you’re new to exercise or it’s just been a while since your last visit to the gym, it’s best to get a check-up first to prevent hurting yourself.
3. Control Your Weight
Being overweight doesn’t just increase your risk of spider veins; it’s one of the major causes of chronic diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. By losing weight, you will take some of the pressure off your veins, reducing your risk for the condition. If you’re struggling to control your weight, speak to your doctor about how they can help.
4. Change Your Diet
Another great way to improve general health and prevent spider veins is to eat a high-fiber diet. As fiber helps keep the digestive tract running smoothly, it will ease the strain of bowel movements, thus lessening the pressure on valves.
Cutting down your sodium intake and eating circulation-boosting foods can also help. As salt encourages swelling and inflammation, it’s a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease, stomach cancer, and weakened veins.
Flavonoids and other antioxidants help build tissue and reduce blood pressure, promoting strong and healthy veins. Apples, blueberries, cranberries, and broccoli are all rich in flavonoids and will help your body repair damaged cells and improve circulation.
Treatment
Some causes of spider veins can’t be prevented, but there’s plenty you can do to treat the condition.
Compression Clothing
Compression socks, stockings, and leggings help increase blood flow by putting pressure on the veins and can thus be used to treat spider veins. However, as some of these items exert a great deal of pressure on the legs and feet, check with your doctor if they’re suitable for you.
Non-Surgical Treatments
There are various non-surgical options to treat spider veins:
- Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for spider veins. A solution of salt, fatty acids, and glycerin is injected into the vein, cutting off blood flow and turning the vein into scar tissue. As no anesthesia is required, the procedure can generally be performed in your doctor’s office.
- Laser treatment is a non-invasive way of treating the condition. Strong bursts of light help the vein fade and eventually disappear.
As spider veins are rarely more than a cosmetic issue, surgical treatments are not often used. For severe varicose vein cases, doctors may remove part of the vein or perform endoscopic vein surgery.
Final Word
For many, spider veins are just a part of life. But while there’s little you can do about your age, gender, or family history, many risk factors are within your control. Eat a fiber-rich, low-salt diet and get regular exercise. If you’re seated all day, take regular breaks from your desk to help boost your circulation.
Now that you know how to prevent spider veins, you can take some steps to mitigate your chances of developing the condition.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15723761
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/sodium-and-salt
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24114476
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465813
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/sclerotherapy/about/pac-20384592
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