Facts About Spider Veins

Spider veins are thin vessels that appear like spider webs or branches, primarily blue, red, or purple. They can develop on any body part but mainly occur on your legs due to increased pressure and reduced blood flow. In most individuals, spider veins Warner Robins are just a cosmetic concern, while in others, they may cause pain and swelling. Spider veins form when your vein valves become weak or damaged, and blood moving towards the heart flows back and pools in your veins. There are many facts about the condition that can help you understand more about them, including:

Spider veins are different from varicose veins

Spider veins appear as red, purple, or blue vein networks, and you can see them close to your skin surface. Their name spider vein is related to their appearance as tree branches or spider webs. Spider veins can develop in small or large patches on your legs or face. Varicose veins are larger than spider veins and protrude from your skin. 

There are many risk factors for spider veins

If one or both of your parents have spider veins, you are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Prolonged sitting or standing periods can increase pressure in your leg veins, leading to spider veins. Pregnancy or menopausal hormone replacement can cause spider veins in women. You are also susceptible to the problem if you are overweight or obese.

There are various treatment options for spider veins

There are many treatment techniques for spider veins. Your doctor’s treatment will depend on the location and the severity of your spider veins. If the condition is on your legs, your doctor can recommend compression socks or stockings. Other treatments for spider veins include sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and phlebectomy.

Changing some lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of spider veins

Although good lifestyle habits are not guaranteed to prevent you from spider veins, they help reduce the risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding sitting and standing for prolonged periods, and spending much time on heels can help prevent spider veins. You can reduce the chances of having spider veins by exercising regularly to improve blood circulation. These factors can also control the worsening of your problem.

Spider veins can present with symptoms

Despite spider veins being harmless in most people, they can cause symptoms in others. Your spider veins can cause pain, itching, swelling, burning, tenderness, or numbness. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention. If your spider veins are causing discomfort and you do not treat them, they can lead to varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency.

Spider veins are common and affect both genders

Spider veins are common and can affect anyone. About one in three individuals have spider veins. The genetic factor is the leading cause of the condition in both genders. There are more common in females due to aspects like pregnancy, birth control pills, and postmenopausal hormone therapies. In men, spider veins can result from a sedentary lifestyle.

Spider veins are small twisted vessels and can develop in any body part, including the face, legs, and hands. The condition is treatable. Schedule an appointment at Middle Georgia Vascular Surgery Center for spider vein treatment to relieve your discomfort.