Tips to Prevent Spider Veins

Spider veins are a smaller version of varicose veins; they appear as thin flat lines on the legs. They are primarily purple, red, and blue, and their appearance is unsightly. Although spider veins Bakersfield can cause some discomfort, they are painless most of the time. Like varicose veins, spider veins develop due to damaged or weakened valves. They form the same medical condition called venous insufficiency, but the two present different symptoms. For instance, varicose veins are larger, they may appear twisted or lumpy, and are usually red or flesh-colored. These tips can help you prevent varicose veins from getting worse before you visit your healthcare provider.

Get regular exercise

The muscles in your legs help veins push blood to the heart; therefore, they are your biggest allies. Physical activities such as walking may improve blood circulation and reduce the appearance of spider veins.

Lose extra weight

Extra body weight exerts added pressure on the veins in your legs, weakening or damaging the valves. Consequently, some blood flows back and pools in your blood vessels, causing spider veins. Therefore, losing extra weight and maintaining staying within a healthy weight can help you prevent spider veins. You can lose weight by making physical activity part of your everyday life and watching the foods you eat. Besides preventing spider veins, losing weight reduces your risk of chronic health problems like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Don’t sit or stand for many hours

Office workers are more likely to develop spider veins because of the nature of their jobs. Being in a sedentary position for long allows blood to accumulate in the veins instead of flowing to the heart. Remember to change your sitting or standing position regularly or take a break after every half hour. Walking around causes your leg muscles to move blood towards your heart, preventing the appearance of spider and varicose veins.

Elevate your legs

Ensure to prop your legs up each time you sit or lie on a flat surface. You can elevate your legs by placing them on a stool or a pillow. When you raise your legs, you allow blood to flow back to the heart.

Avoid tight clothing

Apparel that is too tight around your waist, pelvis, and legs restricts blood flow and may cause spider veins. For this reason, your clothes should not exert much pressure on your veins.

Wear compression stockings

Compression stockings place pressure on your legs, improve blood circulation, and reduce swelling. For spider veins, support pantyhose may be just what you need; they provide light pressure. You can get support socks in a drug store. Gradient compression stockings provide medium pressure around the calves, ankles, and feet. Your doctor may also prescribe compression stockings; these provide the most pressure to the feet and legs but may not suit everyone. Your healthcare provider may caution against prescription compression stockings if you have heart problems.

Spider veins are usually not painful, but their appearance can be unsightly. If you need to get rid of spider veins in your legs or face, visit your doctor at Heart Vascular and Leg Center for treatment.