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What Causes Spider Veins?

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What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins are typically caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, health conditions, and lifestyle choices. They can be found on various parts of the body, including the face and legs. Are you wondering whether you’re at risk of developing this condition? Let’s take a look at some of the possible causes of this vein disorder and what your treatment options are at North Texas Vein and Vascular in Flower Mound, TX.

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins are visible blood vessels that may appear red, blue, or purple and can look like a spider web or tree branch. Many factors may contribute to their development, including genetics, age, pregnancy, and activity level.

Disordered veins can also develop in a variety of ways, such as when blood vessels become enlarged due to pressure. Excess fluid in the tissues below the skin can also make superficial veins become visible. In some cases, disordered veins may be caused by an inherited condition.

Genetics

One of the primary causes of problematic veins is genetics. Vein disorders can be hereditary and are more common in people who have a family history of them. Therefore, If you have close relatives who suffer from vein disorders, you may have a higher chance of developing problematic veins at some point in your life.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Many women who have given birth know that vein disorders can be a common side effect of pregnancy. Vein disorders can develop during the third trimester when the body is preparing to give birth. The increased blood flow and pressure in the veins can cause blood vessels to enlarge and become visible.

Problematic veins may go away after giving birth, but they may stay also visible for an indefinite period of time. If you have developed visible veins after giving birth and are bothered by their appearance, there are various non-invasive treatments that can help minimize their appearance.

Aging

Vein disorders develop most often during middle age or later in life, although they can occur at any age. They can also become more noticeable and persistent with age. The reason for this is that superficial veins may become weaker over time, causing blood to pool near the surface of the skin.

Lifestyle

Genetics may play a huge role in the likelihood of developing vein disorders, but it is not the only factor. There are also lifestyle factors that can contribute to the development of vein disorders. For example, smoking cigarettes affects your veins and capillaries, and it can cause them to become weaker over time. And if you have a sedentary lifestyle, you may also be more likely to develop vein disorders due to poor circulation.

Fluid Accumulation

Additionally, vein disorders can be caused by the accumulation of fluid in the legs and feet, which can be a result of standing or sitting for long periods of time. When you stand or sit for an extended period, your blood pools in your lower extremities and causes superficial blood vessels to enlarge and become visible. This is why veins may become visible during pregnancy because of increased blood flow and pressure in the body.

How Do Spider Veins Develop?

Spider veins are small blood vessels that have become weakened and enlarged, causing blood to pool and become visible near the surface of the skin. Like varicose veins, this vein disorder can be a result of many factors such as standing or sitting for long periods, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Problematic veins can develop anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the legs. Although they do not pose serious health risks, many men and women seek medical treatment to restore their skin’s natural appearance. Early treatment can also prevent them from becoming worse and more numerous.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

If your vein disorder has been causing pain and discomfort, you may seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you have visible veins, it’s important to get them treated as soon as you can, so they don’t become bigger and more difficult to treat.

Medical treatment can include surgery to remove problematic veins. A non-invasive treatment option is sclerotherapy, in which a needle is used to inject a solution that causes unwanted veins to break down. Laser treatments use heat to break down problematic blood vessels.

Is It Possible To Prevent Spider Veins?

Vein disorders are a common issue, and they affect millions of people each year. While there is no one definitive cause for vein issues, there are some things you can do to help prevent them from developing.

Aside from seeking medical treatment, you can make positive lifestyle changes, such as reducing weight and exercising regularly. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent vein disorders from developing in the future, maintaining good overall health may minimize your chances of getting them at some point.

Keep Your Weight in Check

One of the most important things you can do is maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese puts pressure on your superficial blood vessels, which makes it more likely that they will become swollen and visible. Exercising regularly can also help keep your blood vessels healthy and reduce the risk of unsightly veins from forming.

Stay Physically Active

Another key factor in preventing vein disorders is making sure that you have healthy blood circulation. One way to do this is to avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing. When you’re inactive, your veins may become weaker over time, causing blood to pool.

What Are Treatment Options for Vein Disorders?

For many people, the appearance of visible veins can cause discomfort and may not look very appealing. Fortunately, there are treatments available at North Texas Vein and Vascular to help you get rid of your vein issues and improve the appearance of your skin. Some of your options for treating spider veins include sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and radiofrequency ablation.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is one of the most popular treatments for unsightly veins. During this treatment, we inject a solution into superficial blood vessels to eliminate them. Sclerotherapy may be done on veins in the arms and legs, but it can also be used on other areas of the body. With multiple treatments spaced about six weeks apart, it’s possible to eliminate as much as 80% of unwanted veins.

Laser Vein Ablation

Laser vein ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that uses the energy of lasers to destroy problematic veins. The laser vaporizes the fatty tissue and blood vessels in the vein, causing it to collapse. This technique is usually more effective than sclerotherapy and doesn’t require as many treatments over time.

Over time, the internal scarring caused by the procedure will gradually fade away, leaving you with a smooth vein free of unsightly veins. There is a brief healing period after getting this treatment, and you may need to wear compression stockings for one to two weeks.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive technique that uses radiofrequency waves to heat up and destroy vein tissue. This treatment is done under local anesthesia, and it offers a less invasive treatment option than surgery.

Are You a Good Candidate for Vein Treatments?

While spider veins do not usually pose serious health issues, you may find them unsightly and bothersome. Are you wondering whether you’re a good candidate for spider vein treatments? The best candidates for non-surgical treatment are those who have mild to moderate vein disorders.

If you have tried self-care measures such as elevating your legs and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting, then you may be a candidate for medical treatments that can improve the appearance of your skin.

Our team will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and concerns before recommending the best treatment for your vein disorder. At North Texas Vein and Vascular, we’re dedicated to providing you with successful treatments that can ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Many factors can cause problematic veins, and it may not be possible to completely prevent them from developing in the first place. If you are bothered by the appearance of unsightly veins, getting the right medical attention can make you look and feel your best. If you’re considering getting treatment for problematic veins, our team would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact North Texas Vein and Vascular in Flower Mound, TX today for a consultation!

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