How to Prevent Spider Veins From Appearing or Reappearing

Are you struggling to find a treatment for spider veins? According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, more than 40% of women suffer from varicose vein conditions such as spider veins. But how can you prevent spider veins from appearing or reappearing on your body?

If you want to get rid of spider veins for good then there are several methods you can try. People who suffer from spider veins can experience complications further down the line so it is important to receive treatment from a spider vein specialist.

Do you want to learn more about how to prevent spider veins? Read on to find out everything you need to know about the causes and treatment.

What Are the Causes of Spider Veins?

Spider veins are weakened veins that become enlarged or twisted and appear at the surface of the skin on your face or legs. Spider veins appear in a web-like pattern and can be red, blue, or purple in color. They are small in comparison to varicose veins and appear in clusters that resemble a spider web.

For many people the causes of spider veins are unknown. As veins begin to weaken, blood can leak under the skin causing congestion. The veins become enlarged and result in varicose veins or spider veins.

Several factors can cause the veins to weaken including hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Some people are born with weak vein valves and there is no external cause. Spider veins can also appear as a result of obesity, aging, prolonged standing, leg injuries and even wearing tight clothing.

Spider veins may appear more prominent during hormonal changes. Symptoms can be worse during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause due to continuous changes in hormone levels.

How Do You Prevent Spider Veins?

Spider veins cannot always be prevented if they are pregnancy-related or hereditary. Spider veins can also be difficult to control as a person grows older. There are lots of methods of spider vein prevention that you can try at home.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a nutritious, balanced diet can help prevent spider veins from occurring. Obesity can cause excessive weight and tension on your legs which can weaken the veins. Speak to your local healthcare provider if you are unsure of how to maintain a healthy weight.

Try to focus on keeping active and eating a diet that is rich in protein and fiber. A diet that is high in fiber can help support gut and heart health as well as a healthy weight. Avoiding or limiting alcohol is also encouraged as it can lead to broken blood vessels.

Quality Footwear

Spider veins can occur when there is pressure on the legs and ankles. Shoes that do not fit well can lead to damaged valves in the veins. By wearing shoes that are the proper fit, you can reduce pressure around the legs and ankles and improve blood flow.

Elevate Your Legs

Putting your feet up while you rest will improve blood flow and prevent blood from pooling around the legs. Elevating your legs can also help blood circulate back to the heart. Spider veins occur most often in the legs because the blood has the furthest to travel back to the heart.

Regular Physical Activity

Exercising regularly can help prevent spider veins by helping the blood flow back to the heart. Exercises that work the legs, in particular, can help prevent spider veins from forming. Try to avoid sitting or standing for long periods and take a walk every 30 minutes to encourage better blood flow.

Treatment for Spider Veins

There are various treatments available for people suffering from spider veins. Although spider veins are generally not painful, you may wish to remove them for cosmetic reasons or if they are causing you discomfort.

Compression Stockings and Socks

Before you choose surgical treatments you may want to consider using compression stockings or socks. These place a small amount of pressure on the veins in your legs which can improve blood flow. Compression stockings and socks can also relieve swelling and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Different types of compression stockings and socks include:

• Prescription Stockings - available on prescription from healthcare providers. They come in a variety of sizes and provide the most pressure possible to the feet and legs.
• Compression Pantyhose - provide light pressure and support. These are available in various stores.
• Gradient Compression Stockings - provide moderate pressure to the feet, ankles, and legs.

Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy involves injecting the vein with a sclerosant solution which leads to the eventual collapse of the affected vein. The injection is followed by ultrasound scanning for the most effective outcome.

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is a non-surgical procedure with a short recovery time. Patients are advised to wear compression stockings after the procedure and can be back to their normal routine in 1-2 days. The procedure is safe, minimally invasive, and can be done within an hour depending on the patient's condition.

Several treatments may be required to achieve the desired results.

Book A Consultation Today

There are various methods to treat and prevent spider veins that are painless and do not cause health problems. Wearing sunscreen and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the appearance of damaged or burst blood vessels. Speak to a spider vein specialist if you are unsure of how to treat your spider veins.

For a more permanent solution, book a consultation with Ivy League trained advanced peripheral vascular specialist, Dr. Rishi Panchal, at Ivy Cardiovascular & Vein Center.