Understanding and Treating Spider Veins: Causes & Remedies

Spider veins are a less severe version of varicose veins. They are caused when de-oxygenated blood coming back to the heart does not properly get there due to a faulty valve in the vein. Blood then pools up in the veins and they can appear under the skin in the shape of a spider web. They often appear on the legs and there are some remedies that can help with the discomfort that they cause.

Exercise

• Exercise works in two ways. It helps keep weight down, which can place less stress on the legs and it also helps increase circulation. Running and walking are a couple examples.

Elevation

• When you are at rest, keep your legs elevated. You can also lie on your back and place your legs up against a wall. Your body will by folded at a 90-degree angle in this case.

Clothes

• Wear clothes that are not too constricting on your legs and groin area. Also wear support socks that are made out of elastic.

Sodium

• Sodium can cause the body to hold on to excess water. This can exacerbate the symptoms of spider veins. Eliminate high amounts of sodium and salt.

Movement

• Elongated periods of sitting and standing can promote spider vein symptoms. If you are sitting for a long time, get up and take walks every half hour. If you stand for a long period, keep shifting your body weight back and forth.