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Preventative Measures for Spider Veins

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While they look like similar conditions, there is a difference between varicose veins and spider veins. The former tends to be larger in appearance compared to the latter. Women also tend to develop a spider vein or varicose vein condition more often than men.

 

Although medical treatment isn’t necessary for the circular condition, it can be a source of discomfort as a person ages. That said, experiencing severe pain from a spider vein is not common.

 

 

Signs of Discomfort

Spider veins are unsightly and as mentioned, not necessary to be treated medically. However, you might want to seek medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • swollen feet and legs
  • tired leg muscles
  • night cramps
  • itchy or burning sensation on the skin of legs and ankles

 

You can opt for spider vein removal in Orange County as a treatment option. There are different choices to go for, including sclerotherapy and laser surgery.

 

 

Where Spider Veins Appear

As mentioned, spider veins look similar to varicose veins. However, there are ways of telling each apart.

 

Varicose veins appear red or blue. They look like cords that seem to be twisted and bulging and can be located in different parts of the body, including the legs and calves.

 

Spider veins have a similar appearance but they are smaller and bear resemblance to a spider’s web – hence the name. If you take a really good look, you’ll also find that they are located closer to your skin’s surface. They can also cover either a small portion of the skin or a rather large area. You can check for spider veins on your legs or on your face.

 

 

What Causes Spider Veins

Veins make up part of the circulatory system. As such, they deal with blood circulation. Healthy veins facilitate the flow of blood really well. Unhealthy ones, however, causes blood to flow back. That leads blood to pool which causes congestion which then results in the vein getting enlarged. You could end up with either varicose or spider veins.

 

While there is no clear culprit for spider veins, there are factors that make their development more likely:

  • hormonal changes
  • pregnancy
  • Heredity

 

These can also be contributory factors:

  • aging
  • a leg injury
  • obesity
  • prolonged standing (this is the reason a lot of nurses, teachers, and food service workers develop varicose or spider veins)

 

While spider veins can be harmless, they tend to be unsightly. If you are conscious about their appearance on your body, you can seek spider vein removal in Orange County to remove the offending veins.

 

 

How to Prevent Spider Veins

As they say, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips:

  • Do regular exercise. This not only improves leg circulation but it also builds leg and vein strength.

 

  • Watch your weight. Obesity is one of the factors that can contribute to the development of spider veins so it’s best to control your weight.

 

  • Avoid standing for long periods. While your workplace might require you to stand for long hours, make sure to fit in some sitting time during the day.

 

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with a doctor, contact San Diego Vascular Center today!

 

We specialize in diagnosis and treatment for any and all vascular health issues for patients in San Diego County, Orange County, and Riverside County. For more information or to set an appointment, please contact us.