Symptoms
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but are smaller. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. They can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.
Some most common symptoms associated with spider veins include:
- Aching pain..
- Easily tired legs.
- Leg heaviness.
- Swelling in the legs.
- Darkening of the skin (in severe cases).
- Numbness in the legs.
- Itching or irritated rash in the legs.
Causes
The squeezing of leg muscles pumps blood back to the heart from the lower body. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps. These valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs. If the one-way valves become weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there. This problem is called venous insufficiency. Pooled blood enlarges the vein and it becomes varicose. Spider veins can also be caused by
- Backup of blood.
- Hormone changes
- Inherited factors
- Exposure to the sun
Treatment
- Elevate Feet And Legs. When resting, elevate your feet above your heart. When sitting, rest your feet on a stool. Avoid crossing your legs.
- Exercise Daily (Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program). Start a daily regimen of walking, swimming or other aerobic exercises. When sitting or standing, exercise your legs. Wiggle your toes, fl ex your feet or tighten your calf muscles to improve blood flow.
- Use Flight Hose. Travellers who pull on a pair of compression hose before boarding long
flights can cut their risk of blood clots. - Use Gradient Compression Therapy Daily. Gradient compression applies a measured amount of compression to your leg as the basis for management of venous conditions. Gradient compression stockings apply the highest amount of pressure at the ankle and gradually decreases up the length of the stocking. This helps the blood in your veins to flow in the right direction (back toward your heart) even if your veins and valves are damaged. Medical gradient compression stockings come in four different compression levels as well as different stockings lengths depending on the location of the damage to your veins . Your Pedorthist can fit you with the compression level recommended by your doctor. In addition, there is a style designed specifically for pregnant women.