If you have a family history of developing spider veins, chances are you may get them as well. They are spidery-shaped red, purple, and blue veins that appear on your ankle, legs, feet, and other parts of the body. While most people only seek to conduct a spider vein removal surgery for cosmetic purposes, they can sometimes pose problems.
Certain people are more likely to develop spider veins than others. Some factors can increase your likelihood of getting spider veins. Understanding why you may be getting spider veins can help you with its treatment. Here are a few factors that contribute to the situation.
Factors that increase your odds of getting spider veins
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Old age.
As you get older, your body goes through various changes. All your body parts become older with you, along with your veins. Aging may cause the walls and valves in your veins to become weak and appear on the surface of your skin. These are likely to occur around and after the age of 40.
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Family history.
Genetics plays an important role in all aspects of your health. While it is still not understood why family plays a role here, you are likely to develop spider veins at one point in your life if someone in your family has them too.
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Pregnancy.
Pregnancy increases the risk of getting spider veins. The hormonal changes weaken your vein walls and make the veins dilate, pulling at the valves and allowing the blood to blow in the wrong direction.
Another reason why pregnancy increases your risk is due to the downward pressure on your legs because of the baby’s growing weight.
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Sedentary lifestyle.
If you are inactive or lead a sedentary lifestyle, you are likely to develop spider veins. If you have a habit of lying around on your bed all day, sitting or standing at one spot without moving for hours, and if you do not exercise, that could be why you see spider veins on your skin. Your legs need to move in order to circulate blood in your body. Without circulation, the chances of damage increase.
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Being overweight or obese.
As we have mentioned in the third point, the increased weight during pregnancy increases the chances of spider veins. Similarly, being overweight or obese can also put pressure on your legs and develop this condition. The extra weight strains your walls and valves.
If you have one or more of these risk factors, there are chances of spider veins. Thankfully, this condition is almost always cosmetic and does not threaten your health. Still, you should consider treatment options to avoid risks.
