Brentwood Residents: 5 Lifestyle Habits to Avoid Getting Spider Veins

Lots of us have spider veins, those small, ugly, meandering lines that suddenly appear on our legs, arms, face, or feet. What causes spider veins? Spider veins occur when the tiny valves inside a vein become damaged, inhibiting blood flow. Although these red, blue, and purple streaks aren't particularly attractive, spider veins are mostly harmless.

You Could Be At Risk of Getting Spider Veins

Anyone can develop spider veins, though some people may be more at risk than others.  Risk factors that can increase your chances of getting spider include:

• Genetics
• Pregnancy 
• Sex 
• Age
• Weight 
• Hormones 
• Sitting or standing for extended periods
• Previous vein damage 
• Pressure on the face
• Sun damage
• Pressure on the face

Spider Vein Treatments

Many people seek to have their spider veins treated for cosmetic reasons. 

Because of their small size, spider vein surgery is not an option. However, there are several low and non-invasive spider vein treatment options available. Laser treatments, such as Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), are effective for spider veins located near the surface of the skin. Sclerotherapy and closure system treatments involve the injection of substances into the damaged vein to shut off the flow of blood. Deprived of blood, the spider veins will fade and disappear over time. 

Lifestyle Habits to Prevent Spider Veins

Since we know what causes spider veins, we can take steps to prevent them. Five simple lifestyle habits are all you need to help prevent spider veins from forming.

• A Healthy Diet: A vein-healthy diet includes foods with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities, such as broccoli, spinach, garlic, citrus fruits, and     strawberries. Foods rich in fiber help reduce the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Drinking lots of water helps prevent the cramping and bloating that can cause vein damage. 
• Exercise: Sitting or standing for long periods can cause spider veins to develop. Take a break, get up, and walk around every half hour or so. Physical activity promotes circulation and prevents blood from pooling in the legs. Exercise will also help you control your weight.
• Sun Protection: Ultraviolet light from the Sun can damage the blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Wear long pants, shirts with long sleeves, and a hat to protect your face. What you can't cover in clothing, cover in sunscreen. Sunscreen can not only help prevent spider veins but can also protect against other kinds of sun damage, including premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
• Leg Work: Spider veins and other blood circulation problems arise from the pressure put on the legs while sitting. To reduce the chances of spider veins in the legs, avoid crossing your legs while seated, sitting with your feet flat on the floor. Raising your feet while seated can also relieve the pressure that can lead to spider veins.
• Compression Stockings: Compression stockings work by applying controlled pressure to the leg, pressing strongly at the ankles, gradually reducing the pressure as the stockings go up the leg, helping the blood flow up through the legs and back to the heart.

Brentwood Spider Vein Treatment at the Bass Vein Center

Get rid of those spider veins today! If you live in Brentwood or elsewhere in the East Bay Area community and want to get rid of unattractive spider veins, schedule an appointment with the Bass Vein Center by calling (925) 281-5912 today. We offer patients the latest in non-invasive spider vein treatments. Our vein specialists will recommend lifestyle changes to help prevent the return of spider veins as part of our post-treatment care.