Spider Veins – Causes and Prevention

There is a myth that only elderly women can get spider veins, the tangled web of small blue/purple veins commonly appearing on the legs. The fact is many people will get them at some point in their lives, especially if someone in your family has them. So if you discover a small cluster of spider veins, there is no need to panic. We’ll look at some of the causes and also means of prevention for spider veins.

There are generally no health risks associated with spider veins, also known as telangiectasias. Spider veins that occur in the outside of the thighs are usually associated with a remnant from embryonic (in the womb) development called the lateral subdermic plexus. Spider veins show up more as we age but can be seen even in adolescents and teenagers. They are most commonly linked to genetic causes, but hormonal states such as pregnancy and physical factors such as prolonged standing can make them worse. These tiny discolored veins become enlarged when there is extra stress on the vascular system. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins aren’t necessarily a sign of vein disease. However, spider veins located on the inside of the ankle or inside of the thigh can be a sign of a more serious vein problem.

If you notice numerous patches of spider veins on your torso or arms, they could be due to a rare, but risky, genetic condition. If you feel that your spider veins are indicative of a more serious problem, speak with the best vein specialist in Katy at Premier Vein. Spider veins appearing occasionally on the face or legs are often harmless. That said, they often don’t go away without treatment, so if you are uncomfortable with the appearance, there are treatments available. Otherwise, there is no reason to treat a benign spider vein.

Preventing spider veins can be as simple as wearing compression socks and weight reduction if you are overweight. It is an old wife’s tail that crossing your legs causes spider veins. Graduated compression socks put a mild pressure on the legs to help better regulate blood flow. Following a healthy diet, staying hydrated and participating in an exercise program are also good for your vein health. These methods can also reduce the likelihood of developing varicose veins, which are indicators of vein disease. If you develop varicose veins, it is best to have them examined and treated at a vascular center.