Spider veins are tiny, twisted blood vessels under the skin’s surface. Also referred to as telangiectasia, spider veins derive their name from their pattern appearing like small spider webs. The color of spider veins varies and may be purple, blue, or red. Although Aventura spider veins can appear almost in any part of your body, they are more common in the legs. Besides appearing like spider webs or tree branches, spider veins are distinctly different from varicose veins as they are smaller and have less severe symptoms.
Subsequently, below are a few things you may need to remember about spider veins.
Causes of spider veins
Healthy veins play a vital role in collecting and transporting oxygen-poor blood from the rest of the body and returning it to the heart. Veins have valves that allow blood to flow in one direction and muscles that help contract and pump blood to your heart.
However, if your blood, veins, or surrounding muscles do not function normally, blood pooling often occurs inside your veins. Gradually, blood collection in veins leads to pressure buildup, which weakens them. Therefore, the veins bulge and twist, creating spider veins.
You may be at risk of spider veins if you have a condition that causes pressure buildup inside of veins, especially in your legs.
Some conditions that may make you prone to spider veins are pregnancy, being overweight, genetics, an inactive lifestyle, or menopause.
Diagnosis of spider veins
A specialist in spider veins will establish whether you have spider or varicose veins by subjecting you to a thorough physical examination. Your health provider may also ask you about your symptoms and medical history, including your family’s health history.
Your health provider may also use other diagnostic tools to check if you have blood clots, leaking valves in the veins of your legs, and other potential conditions that may contribute to your problem.
Treatment and management of spider veins
Your doctor will often prefer to treat or manage your spider veins conservatively. Conservative treatments that may come in handy include adopting healthy lifestyle habits and wearing compression stockings or socks.
For instance, compression stockings ensure proper pressure distribution in your legs so that blood flows to your heart without interference.
Adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, and keeping your legs elevated. These lifestyle changes can help improve blood flow and ensure your veins function healthily.
Remember that lifestyle changes can only improve your spider veins as long as you are not dealing with severe health complications. But, if your spider veins pose a cosmetic issue and cause health conditions, your health specialist may recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure or laser treatment.
Prevention of spider veins
You can adopt various preventive measures to lower your risk of spider veins. You can prevent spider veins by exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding sitting or standing for an extensive period, and always keeping your legs elevated relative to your heart.
Contact Soffer Health Institute today to schedule an appointment with a specialist in spider veins and learn more about the condition.
