They can seem to appear out of nowhere or slowly grow over time. One day, your skin appears clear, but over time, rogue veins crop up, leaving a visible lumpy blue line on your body. With the sudden appearance of varicose or spider veins, it’s normal to wonder if there might be some everyday behavior you do that caused them to suddenly show up in the first place.
Let’s be clear, there are some uncontrollable factors, such as your genetics, your age, bodily changes (for example, pregnancy) that can raise your risk of developing spider or varicose veins. However, there are some lifestyle behaviors that can also heighten your risk. With proper planning, you can avoid and lessen your chances of developing unsightly vein issues.
The two most common types of vein issues are spider veins and varicose veins. Think of spider veins as varicose vein’s little sister. These are small blue or red veins which appear close to the surface of the skin and are frequently seen on the legs. Varicose veins are larger and are often twisted and stick out on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins commonly occur on the legs.
At San Diego’s Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists are leading authorities on the causes of leg veins and the latest cutting-edge treatments that can help you say goodbye to varicose veins for good.
Top 5 Habits That Can Cause Varicose Veins (“It’s the straw that breaks the camel’s back”)
- Excessive Standing: Jobs or activities that demand you stand for long periods at a time can increase the development of varicose veins. It may not be easy to always avoid this habit, especially if it’s part of your job. However, wearing lightweight graduated support stockings, low-heeled shoes and standing on rubber mats can mitigate risks.
- Excessive Sitting: Conversely, sitting for extended amounts of time is a big “no-no” too! Our leg muscles are meant to pump venous blood up to the heart so it can be recirculated. Sit for too long and gravity slows down circulation, causing the blood to pool in the legs, leading to possible trouble in the form of varicose veins. Small breaks throughout the day help to keep the blood pumping as it should. Also, keep in mind there is some evidence that crossing your legs can lead to spider veins, because of the added pressure this position puts on your legs and hips. So, pay attention to how you sit!
- Wearing high heeled shoes: Even though high heeled shoes gives your calves a shapely look and a gorgeous walk, they are very bad for your circulation. Walking in heels greater than an inch or so stops the use of your calf muscles from working and instead uses your buttock muscles to walk (which gives you that sexy appearance). What happens is that blood pools in your calves and back-up into your superficial veins causing them to bulge and grow.
- Birth control pills and hormone replacement: Additional estrogens to replace low levels and/or prevent pregnancy causes your veins to dilate by weakening their walls. This will cause veins to develop in certain individuals who are predisposed to developing unsightly leg veins.
- Constipation: Eating a low fiber diet and straining during bowel movements puts pressure in your abdomen, which causes a back-flow of blood into leg veins.
While doing what you can to prevent varicose veins is a good idea, vein issues can still crop up. The good news is there are many effective vein treatments including sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, and CoolTouch CTEV laser vein removal, which are all offered at our vein treatment center in San Diego.
Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Veins
For some patients, vein issues are mostly a cosmetic concern. However, both spider and varicose veins can be accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms and lead to problematic health concerns. Signs and symptoms of vein issues can include:
- Visible and/or enlarged, twisted veins that may bulge out from the skin
- Aching, cramping or throbbing pain
- Itchy skin around the affected veins
- Pain after sitting or standing for extended periods
- Leg swelling, fatigue, heaviness, or restlessness
- Thickening, hardening or discoloration of the skin
- Skin ulcers, usually around the ankle
Contrary to popular belief, both women and men are at risk for developing varicose veins. In addition to the factors we’ve already discussed.
Read more about varicose veins at WebMD.com.
Contact the Vein Treatment Specialists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego Today!
To learn more about the latest vein treatments for your varicose veins, please contact us to schedule a consultation. We’re in San Diego’s UTC area, minutes from La Jolla, Del Mar, and Downtown.
Next, read 2 Ways Varicose Veins are Affecting More Than Just Your Appearance
The post Everyday Habits That Can Cause Varicose Veins appeared first on Sclerotherapy San Diego.
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