What Causes Spider Veins? Root Cause & Risk Factors
Have you ever noticed small, red, blue, or purple veins appearing near your skin’s surface? These veins, known as spider veins, are a common cosmetic concern for many people. While they are often harmless, they can be unsightly and impact your self-confidence. In some cases, they can also be indicative of a dangerous circulatory disorder known as chronic venous insufficiency. In this article, you’ll learn about the root cause of spider veins, as well as the various risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing them.
What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that develop close to the skin’s surface. They usually appear on the legs and face, but can also be found on other parts of the body. The veins take on a spider-like appearance due to their branching pattern. While they can be unsightly, they do not typically cause any physical discomfort or pain.
Root Cause of Spider Veins
The root cause of spider veins is a malfunction of the one-way valve system that is responsible for keeping blood flowing in the right direction. When these valves fail, blood begins to pool in the veins and causes them to enlarge and become visible. The exact cause of valve failure is not well understood, but several factors are known to contribute to it, including:
- Aging: As you get older, your veins become less elastic and less able to keep blood flowing in the right direction.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause, or the use of birth control pills, can increase the likelihood of spider veins.
- Genetics: Some people are simply more predisposed to developing spider veins due to genetic factors.
- Inactivity: Prolonged periods of standing or sitting can cause blood to pool in your legs, leading to the development of spider veins.
Risk Factors for Spider Veins
In addition to the root causes, there are several other factors that can increase your risk of developing spider veins. These risk factors include:
- Family history: If someone in your family has had spider veins, you may be more likely to develop them.
- Age: As mentioned earlier, aging can cause the veins to become less elastic and increase your risk of developing spider veins.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop spider veins than men.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight can put additional pressure on your veins and increase your risk of developing spider veins.
- Prolonged standing or sitting: As mentioned earlier, prolonged periods of standing or sitting can cause blood to pool in your legs, leading to the development of spider veins.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Do you have any symptoms? Consult now with one of the Best Vein Specialist in New Jersey
Preventing Spider Veins
While you can’t completely prevent the development of spider veins, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Carrying excess weight can put additional pressure on your veins, so it’s important to maintain a healthy weight.
- Staying active: Regular physical activity can help keep your blood flowing and reduce your risk of developing spider veins.
- Wearing compression stockings: Compression stockings can help improve circulation in your legs and reduce your risk of developing spider veins.
- Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting: Try to take breaks every hour or so to walk around and stretch your legs.
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your veins healthy.
Treating Spider Veins
If you already have spider veins, there are several treatment options available. These include:
- Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is one of the most common treatments for spider veins. During this procedure, a solution is injected into the vein, causing it to collapse and eventually fade away. The solution is typically a saline solution or a solution that contains a sclerosing agent, which irritates the inner lining of the vein, causing it to shrink.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy is another option for treating spider veins. During this procedure, a laser is used to deliver intense bursts of light to the vein. The light energy is absorbed by the blood in the vein, causing the vein to shrink and eventually disappear. Laser therapy is only suitable for extremely small spider veins on the face and feet — it’s not nearly as effective as sclerotherapy.
- Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT): Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to treat larger veins and the roots cause of spider veins — chronic venous insufficiency. During the procedure, a small laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a small incision. The laser energy is then used to heat and close the vein.
- Radiofrequency closure: Radiofrequency closure is another minimally invasive procedure for treating spider veins. During this procedure, a small radiofrequency catheter is inserted into the vein through a small incision. Radiofrequency energy is then used to heat and close the vein. This procedure treats large varicose veins and underlying vein disease.
Visit New Jersey Vein Treatment
If you’re looking for effective, minimally invasive treatments for your spider veins, look no further than New Jersey Vein Treatment. Our team of board-certified vein doctors is dedicated to helping you achieve your best possible outcome. We offer a range of state-of-the-art treatments for spider veins, including sclerotherapy, laser therapy, endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), and radiofrequency closure.
At New Jersey Vein Treatment, we have offices in Clifton, Paramus, Woodland Park, Woodbridge, and Scotch Plains, making it easy for you to receive the care you need. If you’re in or around Clifton, you can visit our medical center for vein treatment at 1117 US-46 Suite 205, just past the Ford dealership on route 46-E. Our experienced team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care in a warm, welcoming environment.
Our board-certified vein doctors are experts in their field and are committed to using the latest technology and techniques to deliver the best possible results. Whether you’re dealing with cosmetic concerns or pain and discomfort, our team is here to help. If you’re interested in learning more about our services or scheduling a consultation, we encourage you to contact us today. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and help you determine the best course of action for your specific needs.
NJ Vein Doctors
Meet our team of New Jersey Vein Treatment Specialists
Vein Treatments are covered by most major medical insurances, including Medicare. Call us today to verify your insurance for FREE >
Meet our Team of Top Vein Specialists in New Jersey
Contact us
CALL US
Speak instantly with one of our team members; they will answer any questions you may have regarding insurance coverage, booking an appointment and our vein treatment locations. (973) 447-3227
BOOK APPOINTMENT
Visit our Book Appointment page and instantly request an appointment at the New Jersey vein center. We offer Free Insurance Verification before your appointment.
