What Causes Spider Veins?

Prolonged Sitting Or Standing

Veins work to transport blood back to the heart. The veins in the legs must complete this task while working against gravity. To reach the heart, blood from the legs must be transported over a longer distance than blood that travels from anywhere else in the body. These factors account for the increased prevalence of spider veins in the legs, and prolonged sitting or standing is known to worsen spider veins. When an individual stands or sits in the same posture for an extended period, the veins must work even harder to move blood to the heart. Remaining in the same posture without any movement can also cause blood circulation to slow. Patients who work in occupations that require sitting or standing for long periods, including teachers and office workers, are at a naturally increased risk of spider veins. To minimize this risk, doctors recommend that individuals take a break every thirty minutes to stand up and walk. Walking and changing position both help to improve blood flow. When sitting, elevating the feet on a footstool makes it easier for the veins to transport blood to the heart. Wearing compression socks can also increase blood flow. Patients interested in purchasing these stockings should ask a doctor about the most appropriate type for their health needs.

Keep reading to learn more about the different causes of spider veins now.

Constipation

It might surprise some to learn spider veins can be caused by constipation. Being constipated temporarily isn't likely to cause spider veins to develop, but chronic constipation can. Any condition that increases the pressure against an individual's abdomen or legs can cause spider veins to develop. Constipation occurs when bowel movements happen less often or are difficult to pass. The majority of causes of constipation aren't serious. Some cases of constipation can be relieved by making simple diet changes, such as adding more fiber. Different individuals have different frequencies of their bowel movements, so what is normal to one might not be for another. However, more than three days without a bowel movement tends to be too long for the vast majority of individuals. Three days causes the fecal matter to harden and become more difficult to pass. If individuals do experience chronic constipation that doesn't get better with lifestyle and diet changes, they should talk to a doctor.

Learn more about what can cause spider veins now.