Spider veins are small, damaged veins typically measuring less than 1mm in diameter, and often appearing in clusters. They most frequently appear on the surface of the legs or even the face. Typically, they are not painful or harmful but can be symptomatic or an indicator of deeper venous issues. They are generally more of a visual nuisance than a medical problem, but they may cause an achy or tingling feeling in the affected legs.
These factors that can contribute to the development of spider veins:
- Heredity.
- Obesity.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
- Standing or sitting for long periods of time.
Preventing Spider Veins
If you are wanting to be proactive rather than reactive, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent spider veins from occurring in the first place. The following are a few things that you can do to improve the flow of blood in your legs and to decrease the risk of developing spider veins.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Since obesity is one of the causes of spider veins, it stands to reason that maintaining a healthy weight will decrease your chance of developing them. If you are overweight, consult a health professional to help you find an eating plan that works best for you.
- Get regular physical activity. Prolonged periods of sitting or standing are culprits in the formation of spider veins. To combat this, make sure that you are getting intentional periods of physical activity which will keep the blood flowing properly in your legs.
- Do not stand to sit for extended periods of time. If you have a job that requires you to sit for long hours at a desk or behind a steering wheel, take a few minutes each hour to get up and move around. Likewise, if your job requires you to stand for long stretches of time in front of a classroom, counter, workstation, or another post, be sure to take a few minutes each hour to sit down. Perhaps you can even incorporate a stool into your workspace for more frequent breaks.
- Elevate your feet. This simple activity is good for the blood flow in your legs and with your feet elevated, gravity helps your body get that blood flowing back up to your heart more easily than when you are standing and the pull of gravity works against your veins.
- Wear Compression Stockings. Compression stockings will put pressure on your veins, which will increase blood flow from your legs. Wearing them will give your legs a little boost and keep the blood flowing.