Spider veins are thin vessels that appear close to your skin and resemble webs or branches. They are primarily blue, red, or purple and can form on any part of your body but often develop in your legs. Spider veins New York occur when your vein valves become weak or damaged, making blood moving toward your heart flow back and pool in your veins. They cause symptoms like pain and swelling in some people. You can treat your spider veins for cosmetic reasons or if they cause symptoms. Here are some facts that can help you understand more about spider veins.
Spider veins are different from varicose veins
Spider veins are red, purple, or blue networks of veins, and they form close to your skin’s surface. Their name, spider vein, comes from their appearance as tree branches or spider webs. Spider veins can occur as small or large patches on your legs or face. Varicose veins are larger than spider veins and protrude from the skin.
There are many risk factors for spider veins
You are at higher risk of developing spider veins if one or both of your parents has the condition. Sitting or standing in one position for a prolonged period can also increase pressure in your leg veins, leading to spider veins. Pregnancy and menopausal hormone therapy can increase women’s risk of spider veins. You also have a higher chance of having spider veins if you are overweight or obese.
Spider veins are treatable
There are various treatments for spider veins depending on their location, severity, and your preferred choice. If you have spider veins in your legs, your doctor can recommend wearing compression stockings or socks. They help improve blood circulation in your legs, reducing pain and swelling. Other spider veins treatments include Sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, endovenous ablation, and phlebectomy.
Lifestyle modifications can help reduce the risk of developing spider veins
Certain lifestyle modifications can help reduce the risk of spider veins. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding standing or sitting in one position for a long period, and spending much time in heels can help prevent spider veins. Exercising can also help improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of spider veins. These lifestyle habits can also control the worsening of your spider veins symptoms.
Spider veins can present with symptoms
Spider veins are harmless in most people but cause symptoms in others. They can present symptoms like pain, itching, swelling, burning, tenderness, or numbness. If you experience such symptoms, consult your doctor for evaluation and treatment. Untreated symptomatic spider veins can lead to varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency.
Spider veins affect both genders
Spider veins affect both genders, but they are more common in women. The genetic factor is the leading cause of spider veins in both genders. Spider veins are more common in women due to pregnancy, hormonal therapies, and birth control pills. In men, the y can result from sedentary lifestyles.
Spider veins are thin purple, blue, or red web-like vessels that appear close to your skin. They can affect anyone and cause symptoms in some people. Schedule an appointment at Upper East Side Cardiology for spider veins treatment to alleviate your leg pain.
