Spider Veins: Their Symptoms And Treatment

If you've noticed that the veins on your legs are unusually visible, or even swollen, then you could be suffering from varicose or spider veins. These veins are not only unsightly, but they can also cause a variety of leg issues and discomfort. In some cases, they can even disrupt your activities. Here is more information about spider veins so that you can identify them more easily and get them treated.

What are the Symptoms of Spider Veins?

The most noticeable symptom of spider veins is the prevalence of small blue veins on the legs. You may also experience the feeling that your legs are heavy or excessively tired. These symptoms will seem worse if you've been standing for long periods. Spider veins can also appear on the face.

How are Spider Veins and Varicose Veins Different?

Both are fairly similar, except varicose veins are usually thicker and bulkier than spider veins and are not only blue, but flesh colored. These thicker veins also tend to range from the hips and buttocks areas all the way down to the feet.

Why do Spider Veins Appear on the Legs?

The reason why they appear on the legs has to do with the fact that these veins are working against gravity and are the furthest from your heart. That puts a great deal of stress on the smallest of these veins.

Who are More Likely to Get Spider Veins?

While anyone can get spider veins, women tend to have a much higher risk factor. That may be because their veins are smaller and they have other hormonal influences. Women who are going through pregnancy, puberty, or are taking menopausal hormone treatments are at a very high risk. Heredity, obesity, and age are also important factors.

What are Some Ways to Relieve Spider Vein Discomfort?

If you are only experiencing mild discomfort from your spider veins, then you can try wearing compression socks or elevating your feet whenever possible. If you must sit or stand for long periods, try stretching and switching positions whenever possible. Exercise can also help reduce the pain and discomfort.

Can Spider Veins be Cured?

There are various ways you can eliminate, or at least reduce, spider veins through medical treatments. While surgery is an option for worst-case-scenarios, there are non-surgical options, such as an injection procedure, that can reroute the blood and cause the veins to fade. This option leaves no scarring and is considered very effective.

Spider veins are not just about your appearance, they are a health problem, so it's important not to ignore them. If your spider veins are causing you problems, or you simply don't light the looks of them, then contact a doctor who can help with spider vein treatment.