Spider veins are small thread-like blood vessels that appear on the surface of the skin, often showing up as red or purple blood vessels that form a natural branching pattern. These veins can occur on the face, around the nose, or most commonly on the legs, ankles, and feet. There is absolutely no harm in having spider veins, but they sometimes represent a precursor to more serious vein concerns such as venous insufficiency. There are many common risk factors for the development of spider veins and many of these risk factors are beyond ones control. The most common risk factors for spider veins include advanced age, genetics, and family, history, obesity, inactivity, gender, and pregnancy.

 

Age: Although there are spider and varicose vein problems that occur as congenital vascular disease; most spider veins occur with advanced age. Exposure to exogenous and endogenous hormones, multiple pregnancies, soft tissue trauma, and periods of inactivity can all lead to valvular dysfunction in the venous circulation. when these valves malfunction, varicose veins and spider veins can form because of an increase in venous pressure and circulatory dysfunction within the vein system. we see the most common presentations of Venus insufficiency has small thread like spider veins that occur locally, or diffusely, across the feet and legs. With each passing decade, the risk of spider and varicose fans increases – that is why we see more spider and various fans and adults and seniors.

 

Genetics and Family History: Genetics plays a very large role in the development of spider and varicose veins. Clinicians often ask patients whether there is a family history of vein disease, including spider and varicose veins along maternal or paternal lines of family genetics. If there is a strong and positive family, history of vain, disease, both men and women have a significantly higher risk of developing these conditions themselves. There are many factors that contribute to genetic predisposition for varicose veins, and that may include the elasticity and resiliency of the vein wall, anatomy of Venus valves, resolute, dilation of normal veins in the body, circulatory patterns, and mechanisms to regulate venous blood pressure. if you have a family history of varicose veins or spider veins, there is not much you can do to change the genetics, but there are pro preventative measures that you can take to reduce the onset, severity, and progression of vein disease.

 

Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for spider and varicose veins because tral bodyweight can place enormous pressure on the valves in the upper thighs and legs. The circulatory strain that occurs with obesity, may also affect venous pressure and may cause the veins to weaken overtime. Although not absolute, obesity is often linked to inactivity and this may further coincide with the development of Venus circulation problems. Long-term weight loss may improve circulation and may fundamentally improve venous dysfunction. It is important to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise to reduce diseases associated with arterial circulation and venous circulation.

 

Gender: Vein problems, occurring both men and women, but are far more likely to occur in women, especially after pregnancy and childbirth. There are double digit prevalence rates for Venus disease in women who have multiple children. Hormonal influences to estrogen and progesterone can also affect the development of spider and varicose veins. If you have taken birth control pills, oral, contraceptives, or are currently taking hormonal supplements related to hormone replacement therapy, your risk of developing spider and varicose veins may be higher. Estrogen and progesterone do play a role in the development of spider veins and varicose veins.

 

Inactivity: Most vein surgeons will advocate for increased aerobic exercise if there is a fundamental lifestyle risk factor with inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle make contributions development of spider and varicose veins, and the more serious diagnosis of Venus insufficiency. Regular aerobic activity can stimulate muscle contraction which can help circulate blood through the lower extremities and augment stagnant circulation to the venous blood vessels. Occupational lifestyles that require long periods of standing or sitting may also worsen your vein risk. It is important to maintain regular physical activity, including walking, aerobic running, cycling, swimming, or activities that induce contraction of the lower extremity muscles.

 

Pregnancy: In our Santa Monica Vein Center, we see many patients who have recently been pregnant or have had multiple pregnancies in the past. Pregnancy is a significant risk factor for the development of Venus disease because of the influences of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, and the pressure changes inherent with childbirth and vaginal delivery. Pregnancy induces an increase in blood volume and, weakening of the vein wall and vein valves, which may contribute to venous reflux and worsening venous insufficiency. If you have a family history of varicose veins, pregnancy and childbirth can compound the risk. Our Los Angeles vein center can evaluate your varicose veins during pregnancy and work closely with your obstetrician in order to time treatments after childbirth. Dr. Karamanoukian is a double board-certified vein, surgeon and plastic surgeon with affiliations at Providence St. John Hospital in Santa Monica. He is available for consultation or referral by your obstetrician or gynecologist for a evaluation of the varicose veins.

Superficial Thrombophlebitis is a complication arising from small blood clots that accumulate within spider veins and reticular veins underneath the skin. This condition arises acutely, causing both pain and inflammation under the skin. Most patients will begin to feel acute redness, warmth, swelling, and pain with changes in skin color and spider vein color. If you are experiencing superficial thrombophlebitis, it is always best to seek the advice and care of a board certified vein surgeon. Once examined, Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian can exclude signs of deeper vein thrombosis, followed by a therapeutic protocol to reduce inflammation and thrombus within your superfical vein system. It is always important to also increase your aerobic activity, whenever possible, to avoid complications in your venous circulation caused by inactivity.