Discover what causes varicose and spider veins, their risk factors, plus prevention and when to seek treatment.
Varicose veins and spider veins are common cosmetic and medical issues, affecting up to 30% of adults. While often harmless, they can cause discomfort and self-consciousness.
🩺 What Are Varicose & Spider Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins appearing blue or dark purple, typically on legs. Spider veins are smaller red or blue vessels visible near the skin’s surface, often branching like a spider web.
📌 Primary Causes
- Weak or damaged valves inside veins let blood flow backward and pool, causing vein enlargement.
- Venous insufficiency: This chronic condition means veins struggle to return blood efficiently toward the heart.
- Genetics: Family history increases your chance significantly.
- Pregnancy: Growing uterus increases pressure on veins and hormonal changes relax vein walls.
- Age: Vein elastin and muscle tone decline with age, raising risk.
- Obesity or weight gain: Extra body weight puts more pressure on leg veins.
- Prolonged standing or sitting: Long periods without movement reduce circulation.
👩 Risk Factors & Triggers
- Family history of varicose or spider veins
- Female gender (hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause)
- Occupations requiring long hours standing or sitting (e.g., teachers, drivers)
- Previous vein damage or blood clots
- Lack of regular physical activity
🏥 Symptoms & When to See a Doctor
- Visible twisted veins under the skin’s surface
- Leg heaviness, aching, cramps, or burning sensation
- Swelling after standing, especially around ankles
- Skin changes (itchiness, discoloration, ulcers in severe cases)
Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or affect your daily life—it may indicate chronic venous insufficiency.
✅ Prevention & Lifestyle Steps
- Exercise regularly (walking, swimming) to improve blood flow.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on veins.
- Elevate your legs when resting to ease venous return.
- Wear compression stockings if recommended, especially during pregnancy or travel.
- Avoid sitting or standing for too long—take breaks to move around.
⚕️ Treatment Options
- Sclerotherapy: Injection of solution to collapse small varicose and spider veins.
- Laser therapy: Non-invasive option for spider veins or small varicose veins.
- Endovenous ablation: Uses heat via laser or radiofrequency to close larger veins.
- Vein stripping or ligation: Surgical removal of problematic veins in severe cases.
📎 Bottom Line
Varicose and spider veins develop from weakened vein walls and valves, worsened by genetics, lifestyle, and hormonal factors. While often harmless, they can be managed or treated with lifestyle changes, medical procedures, or surgery depending on severity and symptoms.