Are You at Risk for Spider Veins?
Spider veins are a common issue for women and even some men. The visible networks of vessels, also known as telangiectasia, get their name from their resemblance to a spider’s web. Although the condition is very common, particularly in aging adults, not everyone will see these veins form in their lifetimes. How do you know if you are at risk for spider veins?
Why Spider Veins Occur
Spider veins can occur for a variety of reasons, but the common denominator is generally increased pressure inside the vessels that causes them to swell. Because these smaller vessels are often close to the surface of the skin, the swelling can make them easily visible. Spider veins frequently appear on the legs and may form in the same area as larger varicose veins. However, spider veins can also occur alone on other areas of the body, including the arms, face and abdomen.
Spider veins can be due to the same underlying vein condition that often leads to the formation of varicose veins. When the veins no longer work as efficiently to carry blood back to the heart, perhaps due to age or damage, blood can begin to pool inside the vessel. This leads to vein weakening and swelling and the eventual development of a varicosity.
In addition to this vein disorder, there are other causes of spider veins:
-Sun exposure and damage
-Trauma or injury to the skin
-Hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy or menopause
-Some types of medication, including anabolic steroids
-Excessive alcohol use
Risk Factors to Consider
There are a number of factors that can make you more likely to develop spider veins at some point in your life. These risk factors might include:
-Weight gain or pregnancy that places additional pressure on vessels"
-A sedentary lifestyle that can restrict healthy blood flow
-The use of some medications, particularly oral contraceptives and steroids
-Long periods of sitting or standing that place pressure on your leg veins
-Excessive sun exposure without proper protection
Probably the three biggest risk factors for spider veins are age, heredity and gender. These visible veins can appear at any age, but are much more likely to show up in adults over the age of 50. They can also be genetic, which means if you have family members with spider veins, you are more likely to develop them as well. Women are also more likely to see spider veins form than men.
Symptoms of Spider Veins
In the large majority of cases, spider veins are strictly a cosmetic problem. However, when spider veins are caused by a vein disorder, or are accompanied by varicose veins, there may be physical symptoms linked to the veins such as pain or heaviness in the legs, cramping of the legs at night and even swelling of the lower leg, ankle and foot. Fortunately, treatment that eliminates the appearance of the veins will eradicate uncomfortable symptoms at the same time in most cases.
Treatment Options
At Center for Vein Restoration, we offer a variety of treatment options to help you say goodbye to your unsightly spider veins for good. Our procedures are all minimally-invasive and performed on an outpatient basis, usually without the need for any type of anesthesia. Most of our patients are back to regular activities the same day or the day after their treatment. To learn more about your choices in spider vein treatment, contact Center for Vein Restoration today.