What are Spider Veins? Everything You Must Know

Spider veins are a common medical condition with several causes, from genetics to hormones. However, one of the most common causes of spider veins is an underlying venous condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Chronic venous insufficiency is a medical condition caused by the collapse or weakening of vein valves. The valves act like one-way doors in healthy veins, allowing blood to flow toward the heart but not backward due to gravity. When the vein valves malfunction or collapse, blood flows backward due to gravity and accumulates in the leg veins, eventually leading to vascular dilation and forming spider veins and varicose veins.

Genetics can play a role in developing this condition, as the valves of the veins can be naturally weakened. Women are more prone to developing spider veins than men because hormonal changes due to menopause, pregnancy, and hormones added to contraception drugs can cause the valves to weaken. Women may also experience these changes due to fluctuations in their natural hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle.

Spider veins can also occur if a person stands or sits in the same position for long periods. Healthcare professionals, such as nurses and technicians, are more prone to developing spider veins due to long hours of standing or sitting at work. Similarly, lifestyles where one has to stand or sit for long hours, like flight attendants, teachers, or factory workers, can also lead to spider veins.

If you suspect you have spider veins, please visit a vein doctor or a specialist in vascular diseases. A vein doctor can diagnose your condition and suggest the best treatment. Spider veins are usually treated with sclerotherapy, a procedure where a sclerosing solution is injected into the affected veins. This solution makes the veins collapse and eventually disappear. If you notice spider veins, please contact a vein doctor to learn more.

New York Vein Treatment is a group of medical centers for vein treatment specializing in minimally invasive spider vein and varicose vein treatments in New York. You can find our vein doctors in Midtown Manhattan, close to Grand Central Station or the Financial District. Our vein doctors will examine your spider veins, discuss your symptoms, and curate a personalized treatment plan. Please schedule an appointment to learn more about spider veins.

If you’re looking to prevent spider veins, there are a few steps you can take. First, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight. Too much body fat can increase your risk, so finding a diet and exercise regimen that works for you can minimize this risk. Sitting or standing in one position for too long can lead to poor circulation, contributing to spider veins. Take time throughout the day to get up and stretch and make sure you’re moving.

In addition, you can take steps to improve your venous health in general. Wear clothing that encourages good circulation, such as loose-fitting clothes, and avoid high heels. You can also wear compression stockings — they promote circulation and reduce the risk of spider veins. Making these small lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing spider veins. However, while lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of spider veins, they’re not a definite silver bullet, and you can still develop vein problems.

Unfortunately, spider veins don’t go away on their own. Spider veins are caused by increased pressure in the veins and are usually a result of aging, sun exposure, smoking, or pregnancy. They often require professional medical intervention to be eliminated. However, you can help reduce the appearance of spider veins with lifestyle changes such as exercising, managing your weight, avoiding direct sunlight, and quitting smoking.