What Causes Spider Veins On Legs?

If you have noticed blue or purple veins creeping up on your legs, you may be experiencing spider veins. These small, twisted blood vessels can be unsightly and sometimes cause discomfort. At New York Vein Treatment, we understand how these spider veins can affect your confidence and quality of life. In this article, we will discuss what causes spider veins on legs, how to prevent them, and the various treatments available.

Spider veins are small, twisted blood vessels that appear just beneath the skin’s surface. They are most commonly found on the legs and face and can be blue, purple, or red. Spider veins are not always harmful, but they can be unsightly and sometimes cause discomfort or aching in the legs. In some cases, spider veins can also be symptomatic of a dangerous underlying medical condition known as chronic venous insufficiency, which is caused by collapsed vein valves that allow blood to pool in the leg veins, leading to vascular dilation and the formation of spider veins and varicose veins.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing spider veins, including:

• Age: As you age, the risk of developing spider veins increases as the valves in your veins weaken over time. This can cause blood to flow backward and pool in the veins, resulting in spider veins.
• Genetics: If your parents or grandparents had spider veins, you may be more likely to develop them as well. Family history is a significant risk factor for spider veins, and genetic predisposition can play a role in their development.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills can also increase the risk of developing spider veins. The hormones can weaken the vein walls, causing them to dilate and resulting in spider veins.
• Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts additional pressure on your veins, making it harder for blood to circulate properly. This can cause the veins to become enlarged and twist, resulting in spider veins.
• Prolonged sitting or standing: Sitting or standing for long periods puts pressure on your veins, causing blood to pool and increasing the risk of spider veins. This is because the muscles that help circulate blood in your legs are not being used, and the blood can’t flow as efficiently, resulting in spider veins.

Sclerotherapy is a popular and effective treatment for spider veins. During the procedure, a solution is injected into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and fade from view over time. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically performed in an office setting, and most patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, with little to no discomfort or downtime.

Sclerotherapy can be used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. While multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results, many patients notice a significant improvement in the appearance of their spider veins after just one treatment. At New York Vein Treatment, our board-certified vein doctors will evaluate your spider veins and determine if sclerotherapy is the best treatment option for you.

Our board-certified vein doctors will diagnose the root cause of your spider veins and curate a personalized treatment plan to ensure the best possible results. If your spider veins are caused by underlying chronic venous insufficiency, our vein doctors may also recommend radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser ablation, venaseal, or other minimally invasive procedures that address underlying chronic venous insufficiency.

While spider veins are generally harmless, they can sometimes cause discomfort or indicate an underlying condition, such as chronic venous insufficiency. If you experience the following symptoms, you should seek treatment:

• Pain or aching in the legs
• Swollen veins on the buttocks
• Broken capillaries on the feet
• Green veins that appear on the surface of the skin
• Varicose veins on black skin
• Untreated varicose veins

New York Vein Treatment has two convenient locations in Midtown Manhattan and the Financial District. Our Midtown Manhattan location is across from Grand Central Station and within walking distance from several landmarks, including Empire State Building, Bryant Park, and Madison Square Park. Our Financial District location is close to the New York Stock Exchange and The Seaport.

We offer free insurance verification even before your first appointment, and our board-certified vein doctors will diagnose the root cause of your spider veins before curating a personalized treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations and take the first step toward achieving smoother and healthier legs.