Spider Vein Prevention

The small, thin in diameter veins that spread out in a web like pattern, are called spider veins. These tiny vessels often look dark purple, red or sometimes have a bluish color. Women have a much higher risk of developing the problem than men do, as hormone fluctuations are one of the factors that can trigger varicose veins. Varicose veins are more likely to occur as we age and gain weight, or stand for long periods of time.

Small Spider Veins

If you have spider veins but are not in any pain, then there is no need to be concerned. If you notice however that the web is expanding at a rapid rate and you start to develop pain, leg swelling, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs, it’s time to see a doctor. Small varicose veins may turn into big varicose veins so it’s important to address the problem as early as possible.

Related problems

An additional problem that occurs as a result of varicose veins is known as venous insufficiency. It means that your body is struggling to pump blood back to your heart. This increases the pressure on the vascular system and can cause veins to enlarge.

Prevention

The best prevention of spider veins is daily exercise. It gets your circulation flowing and your heart pumping. Select fruits and vegetables to eat that are bright in color as they will be full of antioxidants to bolster your vascular system and help minimize further damage. Varicose veins are more prevalent in the western world. This means that many of us are eating a diet that includes a lot of processed foods and that we are failing to exercise at regular intervals.

Stockings

Elasticized compression stockings can be helpful in preventing varicose veins or treating them. They are the most elasticized at the ankle and decrease in tension as they move up the leg. This helps with the upward flow of blood circulation. Whenever you have to stand or sit for a long period of time wear the stockings. They can be worn under pants or jeans so that they are not visible to other people.

Elevated Legs

Every day take a 15 minute break and put your feet at a 90 degree angle to your body. Putting your legs against a wall is helpful with this exercise. When watching TV or reading use gravity to assist you with circulation problems.

Medical Solutions

If you need medical assistance, there are 2 main venues available, laser and sclerotherapy. Laser therapy is time consuming as it requires a number of treatments to be effective and can also be painful. Sclerotherapy injects a chemical solution into the vein(s), which cause them to wither and become non- functional. Ultimately the veins disappear. This technique is also uncomfortable but it is better visually than laser therapy. Each of these treatments, focus only on the symptoms and not on the cause. This means that in the future more varicose veins may appear.

Action Plan

Get informed, try to take preventative measures where possible, and if you are suffering as a result of varicose veins, seek medical attention.