Have you ever noticed small colored veins on your legs? These are called spider veins. They are due to increased pressure in the veins that lead to the loss of function in the valves, which creates pooling of the blood in the veins.

As these veins are close to the surface of the skin, they are easily visible. Spider veins are in much smaller veins than their counterpart varicose veins. Most people with spider veins rarely have symptoms, other than their appearance.

If you have noticed these spider veins, do you know the causes of them?

There are several causes that may lead to varicose veins. Some of the causes can be changed and others cannot be changed.

• Family History: If other members of your family, such as your parents or siblings, have spider veins, you are more likely to acquire varicose veins.
• Obesity: Carrying extra weight and being obese increases the pressure in the veins in the legs.
• Stationary positions: Those people that work in jobs where they are sitting or standing for long periods of time leads to an increased pressure in the legs, which may lead to spider veins.
• Age: The older someone is the higher chance there is to develop spider veins.
• Being female: The female gender is much more likely to develop varicose veins due to changes in hormones during menstruation and pregnancy.
• Hormone replacement: This is more common in females with the use of hormones to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the use of hormones during menopause.

Discussing Spider Veins & Treatment at Dr. Mackay's Office in Tampa

What can be done to reduce the risk of spider veins?

Although some of these conditions can be changed, the majority are unable to be changed. There are some ways that you may be able to reduce your risk of spider veins.

1. Try to exercise several times per week, such as walking, running, or biking. This causes the muscles in the legs to squeeze the blood through the veins. Exercise can also help to keep weight in a normal range. 
2. If you find yourself sitting or standing at work for a long period of time, take time to move around at least once an hour to allow for the muscles to compress the vessels to move blood from the legs.

Do the risk factors mean you will get Spider Veins?

Even though you may have all of the potential causes of spider veins above, this doesn’t mean that you will develop spider veins.

What to do if you have Spider Veins?

If you do have spider veins and are interested in the possible ways to treat them, please see your healthcare provider or visit a vein clinic to discuss possible options.