What Causes Spider Veins?

Dealing with any medical condition – however seemingly trivial – is much easier if you know something about it. Knowledge is power in this situation. So, if you’ve got them you probably want to know the causes of spider veins.

Causes of Spider Veins

Most people do not know that spider veins and varicose veins are actually two different conditions with the latter more serious than the former. Varicose veins are raised, large and swollen blood vessels usually developing in legs in a twisted pattern. Spider veins are also twisted; however, they are of a different color. Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins and can be red, blue or purple-colored blood vessels. Both these veins are visible through the skin. Millions of people suffer from this medical condition around the world.

So, let’s get the show on-road and let me tell you what the causes of Spider Veins are!

The origin of spider vein can usually be traced to some form of venous insufficiency. This means that the valves of the veins are not functioning as they should. In a normal functional valve, the blood flow is restricted to flow only towards the heart against the pull of gravity. If for any reason the walls of the veins weaken, the blood could begin to flow away from the heart in response to the gravitational pull. This will result in blood pooling in the legs. This is the same thing that causes varicose veins which is much more serious vein disease.

Spider veins found on the face are usually caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays. Continued unprotected exposure to the rays of the sun can lead to this condition appearing on the face. Other things that can cause spider veins are:

Heredity

Some people are more likely to have this condition than others because of the family they come from. It is simply inherited from the genes.

Gender

Females are four times more likely to have this condition than men. Factors that influence this include the hormonal changes that occur in women, birth control pills that some women take, the strain associated with pregnancy amongst other things.

Obesity

Excessive weight gain puts pressure on the legs, increasing the likelihood of developing spider veins. Tall, obese women are more likely to develop this problem.

Prolonged Standing or Sitting

If the vein valves are constantly working against the gravitational pull, it is likely to weaken faster. This is the case when a person stands or sits for prolonged periods of time.

Lack of exercise

Lack of exercise such as walking, swimming or bicycling, for instance, can result in added pressure on veins and poor blood circulation in the legs.

Diet

Poor diet is another major factor causing loss of skin elasticity. The result of nutritional deficiencies is decreased leg circulation causing legs and ankles to swell possibly resulting in leg vein problems.

Smoking

If you smoke then be aware that it contributes to elevated blood pressure, which can definitely become the cause of spider veins.

These are some factors that can contribute to the appearance of spider veins. There are other possible causes of spider vein like injury or trauma to the skin and increased abdominal pressure arising from constipation or tumors.

So there you have it! The causes of spider veins are many. But we can do a very simple, in-office procedure that we think will make you very happy. Contact us today and let’s get started.