Spider Veins on Legs Causes

Spider veins are nothing but enlarged veins or capillaries that lie close to the surface of the skin. They appear as very thin thread veins of red, blue or purple color, spreading like a web or net, just like a spider web. This is the reason they are called 'spider veins'. The actual medical term for spider veins is telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities. These are a bit similar to varicose veins and are usually considered as a mild variation of varicose veins. Unlike varicose veins, however, they do not cause pain and significant swelling but are a cosmetic concern for many people. The places where spider veins more commonly develop are the face, legs and the feet. Spider veins on any part of the body, usually result from the gradual weakening of the blood vessels or the capillaries and their widening and narrowing, which can sometimes cause the capillary wall to tear.

Causes of Spider Veins

They can develop due to the interplay of several factors. The most common predisposing factor for this problem is, however, progressive weakening of the blood vessels due to aging. As we age, the blood vessels or capillaries of our body lose their elasticity, and the valves that maintain the flow of blood in one direction weaken. The valves present in our legs maintain the flow of blood from the legs to the heart, and prevent its back flow. But, when the valves become weak or fail to function normally, a small amount of blood can pool in the veins due to the force of gravity. This causes the veins to enlarge and become distinctly visible.

This condition can be affected or aggravated by several factors, out of which some of the most important factors are excessive body weight, pregnancy and standing or sitting in a single position for extended periods of time. Obesity or excess body weight puts more pressure on the legs and can cause the appearance of spider veins. Pregnancy is another factor that can contribute to this condition. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in the body increases, which causes the dilation of the veins. This in turn, affects the functioning of the valves present in the veins. Moreover, pregnancy hormones can weaken the vein wall, while the growing fetus puts more pressure on the veins. All these factors can cause spider and varicose veins during pregnancy.

Apart from these, certain other factors can also affect the development of spider veins. Some such possible risk factors are leg injury, sun exposure (especially for people with fair skin), poor blood circulation, use of birth control pills, exposure to cold, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. They can also be a hereditary condition for some people. Another important fact about spider and varicose veins is that they are more prevalent in women than men.

Spider Veins Treatment

They usually do not cause any health problem and hence, do not require any medical treatment as such. Most people want to get rid of the spider veins due to cosmetic reasons. The main options available for treatment are sclerotherapy and laser therapy. In sclerotherapy, a chemical is injected into the veins, in order to harden and close them. The chemical causes the veins to shrink and the blood inside the veins to clot. Over a period of time, the body absorbs such blood vessels and thus, they disappear. Laser therapy on the other hand, employs laser beams to close off the spider veins, and make them disappear gradually.

Application of creams and ointments containing vitamin K, C and E, as well as use of compression stockings are some other options for treatment. Compression stockings help to maintain the normal flow of blood through the veins to treat and prevent spider veins. For effective prevention and treatment, it is equally important to maintain ideal body weight and exercise regularly. Besides helping to control body weight, exercise can improve the circulation of blood in your legs and throughout the body. Exercises like walking and swimming can be of immense help in this regard.

It can also be treated by adopting a healthy lifestyle, that includes a well-balanced diet along with regular physical activities. Individuals with spider and varicose veins should also restrict their salt or sodium intake, avoid standing or sitting for a prolonged time period, especially sitting with the legs crossed at the knee, elevate their legs after sitting or standing for a long time and include foods rich in vitamin C and K in their diet.