Preventing Spider and Varicose Veins

by: AimyD
Total views: 30 | Word Count: 582

Causes of spider and varicose veins are still undetermined yet there are ways to reduce the signs of spider and varicose veins. Before we go into detail on how to reduce the appearance of spider and varicose veins we should first define what they are.

Varicose veins are the blue or purplish enlarged veins you typically see bulging out of one's leg. The word "varicose" is derived from the Latin root word "varix," which is translated in English as "twisted." Any vein in your body may become varicose. However, it’s important to note that this condition or varicose veins exists most often in the legs and feet. Varicose veins occur in the legs and lower extremities because standing and walking increases the pressure in the veins in the lower half of your body.

Spider veins are like varicose veins only smaller. They begin as tiny capillaries and appear as blue or red squiggles. They are small red, blue or purple veins that commonly appear on the surface of the thighs, calves and ankles. It's estimated that at least one third of the adult female population is troubled with this common problem.

Likely causes of spider and varicose veins

These are only suggestions of what my cause the appearance of spider and varicose veins.

Heredity - There is a significant relationship between heredity and the development of spider and varicose veins.

Gender – Females are affected approximately four to one to males.

Age - The development of spider veins and varicose veins may occur at any age usually occurring between the ages of 18 and 35 years, and may peak between 50 and 60 years of age.

Lifestyle/Occupation - People who are involved with prolonged sitting or standing in their daily activities have an increased risk of developing varicose veins. Thus, the weight of the blood continuously pressing against the closed valves causes them to fail, leading to distention in the veins.

Pregnancy – Pregnancy is a common factor contributing to the formation of spider and varicose veins. The most important factor is circulating hormones that weaken vein walls. There is also a significant increase in the blood volume during pregnancy. This tends to distend veins, causing valve dysfunction which leads to blood pooling in the veins. Later in pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can compress veins, causing higher vein pressure leading to dilated veins. Varicose veins that form during pregnancy may spontaneously improve or even disappear a few months after delivery.

Reducing the appearance

You should start by elevating your legs whenever possible, be sure to keep your feet higher than your heart. This will help with the blood flow to your legs.

Move your legs frequently. Flexing your ankles periodically will pump the blood out of your legs. During periods of prolonged sitting or standing, flex your ankles 10 times and repeat this every 10 minutes. Try to avoid sitting for extended periods throughout your day.

Exercise daily. Walking, climbing stairs, cycling and swimming keep your calf muscles in motion to activate the calf muscle pump. This reduces pooling and pressure in the veins.

Maintain your ideal body weight to reduce excess pressure on your legs.

Avoid excessive heat on your legs, such as hot tubs and hot baths. Heat will tend to increase vein distention and lead to more pooling of blood.

If you are concerned about the appearance of spider or varicose veins on your legs, ankles, or feet you should talk to your doctor. There may be away to get rid of these cosmetic blemishes on your legs that will be right for you.