How Young Adults Get Varicose And Spider Veins

What Are Varicose and Spider Veins?

Varicose and spider veins are the result of malfunctioning veins. They appear because of venous insufficiency, which just means the valves in the blood vessels are not working properly. Normally, these valves keep blood flowing in one direction, but when they malfunction, they allow the blood to flow backwards and pool in the veins. This causes the veins to grow larger, resulting in varicose veins and spider veins. The primary difference between these two kinds of veins is their size. Varicose veins look like abnormally bulging veins, typically on the legs. Spider veins, on the other hand, are small broken veins that show up on the legs, face, and other areas. They don’t really pose a health risk, and spider veins on the legs are not much of a worry, but on the face, they are a cosmetic concern.

Prevalence of Varicose and Spider Veins in Young Adults

When you think about vein issues, you probably think about older people. After all, young people tend to think of themselves as invincible, and don’t often consider that they might develop things like varicose veins or spider veins. However, there has recently been an increase of people in their 20s, 30s, and even teens developing varicose and spider veins. What causes varicose veins in people who are so young?

Causes of Varicose and Spider Veins in Young Adults

Some of the reasons behind this sudden increase in venous insufficiency among young people can be attributed to the rise in computer technology and sedentary jobs. Sitting at a computer all day, without exercise, can lead to varicose veins. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, which is also among the top varicose veins causes. As more young adults gravitate towards desk jobs and teenagers interact with each other on devices, this problem is likely to increase. What causes spider veins in young people? Often, hormonal shifts can play a role in developing spider veins. Other factors are obesity, prolonged sitting or standing, and genetic predisposition.

Signs And Symptoms Of Vein Disease In Teenagers and Young Adults

While other people might notice the visible signs of vein disease, what younger patients typically notice first are the physical symptoms. Legs that ache, are painful, or just uncomfortable or restless, are some symptoms that might cause alarm in a younger person. Burning, itching, and tingling are also physical symptoms of venous insufficiency. These symptoms are often worse at night and are relieved by elevating the legs or wearing compression stockings.

Visible varicose veins symptoms include bulging veins and leg swelling. Even more concerning symptoms include things like slow or non-healing wounds (ulcers) and hardening of the bulging veins. Redness of the area can also be a sign of vein disease in young adults and teenagers.

Risk Factors For Varicose Veins And Spider Veins In Young Adults

You can reduce your risk of developing varicose and spider veins at a young age by making some lifestyle modifications. Avoid prolonged sitting and standing, making sure to take frequent breaks to move around. Manage your weight, by eating a nutritious, high-fiber, low-salt diet, and exercising regularly. It’s also wise to steer clear of high-heeled shoes, which can put undue pressure on the veins in your legs. Some risk factors, like genetics and hormonal changes, are unavoidable, but if you are concerned that you may be predisposed because of family history, avoid birth control pills or hormonal therapy, to reduce your risk.

Varicose And Spider Vein Treatment Options For Young Adults

Of course, the main thing people with venous insufficiency want to know is how to get rid of varicose veins and spider veins. If you are looking for a minimally invasive varicose veins medical procedure, there are a few available. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the vein to cause it to scar and reroute the blood. Radiofrequency ablation heats the veins with radiofrequency and causes them to become sealed off, and endovenous laser treatment accomplishes the same thing using lasers. There is also varicose vein surgery, in which affected veins are removed.

For young people, however, it is often best to start with more conservative measures. Making suggested lifestyle changes and wearing compression socks can be effective in managing varicose veins. However, if you are noticing signs of varicose or spider veins, it is important to seek medical treatment to determine the right course of action for you.

Spider Vein and Varicose Vein Treatment from Experienced Professionals

No matter what your age, if you need varicose vein or spider veins treatment, trust the doctors at Premier Vein & Vascular Center. Our experienced and skilled team specializes in treating vein disease, not just to improve your comfort level but also to help you find long-term positive results. At our clinic in the west Houston area, our board-certified doctors use the latest advances in vascular treatment to address the underlying cause of your symptoms. Contact us through our website or call 832-772-4899 to schedule a free vein screening and consultation.