Spider veins are a common and, fortunately, mild form of venous insufficiency. They do not represent a major medical problem, nor does having spider veins mean you will get varicose veins. However, these groups of visible webs of blue, purple, and red can be a huge cosmetic concern. Because they often develop on the ankles, calves, and thighs, they’re difficult to hide. That is, unless you like wearing long pants or dresses even when it’s hot outside. Spider veins can be treated with relative ease at the Minimally Invasive Vascular Institute. Here in our Laurel, MD facility, patients can start restoring their legs, and their confidence, via sclerotherapy.
Whether you have spider veins that you want to get rid of or you know you have a risk of developing this condition and want to decrease it, you’ll want to know the best strategies for prevention of new spider veins. They include:
- Wear good shoes. What does that even mean? Primarily what it means is to avoid wearing high heels. Studies have shown that high heels put the leg and ankle at such a position that the pressure within the small veins of the calves and ankles increases. Increased venous pressure is what causes reflux, swelling, and visibility.
- Elevate the legs. No matter how we look at it, the leg veins are under a lot of stress to push blood up and back to the heart. These veins are constantly working against the force of gravity, which in itself increases venous pressure. Elevating the legs often is a great way to let the veins rest and empty more easily. Ideally, elevation will involve having the feet over the heart. This can be done by lying on the back and placing the legs up a wall.
- Move often. Exercise benefits the body in many ways. As it pertains to the leg veins, exercise is more about movement for good circulation. If you’ve been sitting for an hour, get up and walk around for 5 minutes. Stand up and lift your heels off the floor several times. These movements help move the muscles that push against the leg veins, helping force blood upward.
- Straighten out. Bends in the legs make it harder for blood to move out of the lower extremities. So, sitting on the floor with the legs crossed or knees bent could increase venous pressure. Sitting in a chair with your legs crossed increases venous pressure. Whenever possible, sit with the legs bent no more than a 90-degree angle and not crossed over one another, even at the ankles.
Having spider veins can feel frustrating. You don’t have to accept this condition as something you’ll live with forever. We can help. Contact us at (855) 803-MIVC (6482) to schedule your vein treatment consultation.