Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, in that they appear as purple/blue marks, but they are smaller in size. They have short, jagged lines and can appear in clusters and appear as branches or webs. They usually appear in the legs, and can be painful or cause itching/swelling. The good news is, if you’ve noticed you have spider or varicose veins, they can be treated. Spider vein treatment in Chicago, as well as other cities across the country, have less invasive treatment methods today than in the past.
What causes spider veins?
Several factors can cause spider veins:
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A backup of blood
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Hormone changes in the body
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Injuries
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Too much exposure to the sun
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Poor circulation (crossing your legs or ankles)
Risk factors of spider veins
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Pregnancy
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Increasing age
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Obesity
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Medical history
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Lack of exercise
Can they be prevented?
While spider veins can’t be completely prevented from appearing eventually, there are some things you can do to delay them from appearing. These methods include:
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Don’t wear high heels for long periods of time
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Watch your diet – choose plenty of fruits, veggies, protein and whole grains
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Watch your salt intake – choose low-sodium foods
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Don’t stand or sit for long periods of time
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Keep your weight down
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Exercise regularly to improve circulation and keep your legs moving; walking is ideal
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Wear sunscreen to prevent spider veins from appearing on your face
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Elevate your legs when resting
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Don’t cross your ankles or legs for long periods of time when sitting
Can they reappear after treatment?
Today’s treatments have a very high success rate, and spider veins will keep at bay for several years to come. However, you may notice a return after several years. This could be attributed to the risk factors above. By following the prevention tips above, you have a better chance of them not returning at all. If you do, contact your spider vein treatment clinic in Chicago for more help.
