What Causes Spider Veins?
Spider veins are thin visible veins that sometimes resemble a tree branch or spider web. They are usually visible under the skin, however, they do not make the skin bulge, like a Varicose Vein. Spider veins mostly occur on the face and legs and largely seen as a cosmetic concern.
Both spider veins and varicose veins are caused by a backup of blood-related to venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency occurs when valves in the veins become damaged or weak, causing blood to pool in leg veins instead of travelling back up to the heart.
Spider veins can also be caused by issues unrelated to underlying venous insufficiency, including hormones, sun exposure, and even minor injuries.
A number of factors predispose a person to varicose veins and spider veins. These include:
- Heredity
- Occupations that involve a lot of standing, such as nurses, hair stylists, teachers, and factory workers
- Obesity
- Hormonal influences of pregnancy, puberty, and menopause
- The use of birth control pills
- Postmenopausal hormonal replacement
- A history of blood clots
- Conditions that cause increased pressure in the abdomen, such as tumours, constipation, and externally worn garments like girdles.
Spider Veins Alone Aren’t Dangerous
Spider veins alone aren’t a health concern. The presence of spider veins does not mean you have venous insufficiency. There are, however, other symptoms of venous insufficiency and hidden varicose veins that can alert you to potential venous disease in your legs. Symptoms include:
- Heaviness in the legs
- Aches, pains, and cramps in the legs
- Leg swelling
- Restless legs
- If you have the above symptoms, you may have venous insufficiency. If you have these symptoms and visible spider veins, the likelihood of venous insufficiency is higher.
Spider Veins are treatable
Once it has been established by a specialist or consulting doctor (available at Remedy Plus) that the presence of Spider Veins is a cosmetic issue only. The treatment to remove these veins via a medical grade Nd:YAG laser can be discussed. The Nd:YAG laser is used to safely and effectively treat a range of vascular problems in a safe, quick and effective process.
Contact Remedy Plus Medical Clinics and discuss the removal of your Spider veins today!