Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are small colored veins that appear on the surface of your skin. Although they cause aesthetic issues, they can also be itchy and painful, which means they require treatment. Here are some reasons why you may have these thread-like veins even though you’re healthy:
Genetics
If your family members have a history of weaker vein walls, you may be more prone to inheriting the same traits and developing spider veins. Genetic variations in the way blood circulates can increase pressure in certain veins. When blood fails to flow properly, or there’s too much strain, it makes veins close to the skin swell and become visible. Genetic factors affect the body’s connective tissues, leading to deficiencies that weaken valves and cause them to bulge and form web-like veins. To manage this health condition, a vascular specialist may suggest laser therapy, which involves applying heat to shrink veins.
Lifestyle Factors
Sitting or standing for extended periods can lead to increased pressure in your legs. This pressure makes it harder for blood to flow back up to the heart, causing it to collect in your veins. As time elapses, the walls of your veins lose strength and cause thread-like veins to develop within your legs. Staying in one position for too long prevents blood from circulating properly, causing numbness and tingling related to spider vein formation. If you are smoking excessively, the chemicals can damage your blood vessels, exposing you to the risk of spider veins. A healthcare professional may suggest you quit smoking, elevate your legs, and wear compression stockings to manage this condition.
Hormonal Changes
An increase in estrogen and progesterone causes blood vessels to relax and dilate, creating web-like veins. When a woman is pregnant, progesterone increases, which adds more blood volume to support the growing fetus. This added volume places extra pressure on the legs, causing gradual spider-vein formation during this period. Women who are nearing menopause have the risk of developing web-like veins because changing hormone levels weaken the vein walls. A vein specialist may use sclerotherapy to treat the condition, which involves injecting a solution into the affected veins to help them collapse and fade.
Injury or Trauma
Even if you’re healthy, trauma from surgery can cause veins to become damaged, leading to visible changes in blood vessels. An operation may also lead to scar tissue formation, which prevents proper blood flow and increases the possibility of developing thread-like veins. Repeated injuries from sports and other activities may cause inflammation and deteriorate blood vessels, forming spider veins. If you are injured and put more pressure on one side of your leg while trying to walk, this could strain your veins. Injuries and trauma create a conducive environment for spider vein formation, leading to symptoms like pain and numbness.
Get Proper Treatment for Spider Veins
If you have spider veins, a medical professional reviews your symptoms and offers treatment options like laser therapy or sclerotherapy. They also recommend you wear compression stockings to alleviate swelling in your legs. To manage the discomfort that comes with this condition, call a trusted clinic today to book a consultation appointment.
