The human body is an intricate marvel, and the circulatory system, with its vast network of veins and arteries, is a testament to this complexity.
The venous system performs the critical task of returning deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart. Once the blood has delivered its oxygen content to the body’s cells, it must return to the heart to get re-oxygenated. This process is vital for maintaining the body’s pH balance, supplying nutrients, removing waste products, and regulating body temperature.
As previously mentioned, age can be a significant factor in weakening blood vessels and vein valves. But what exactly happens during the aging process? As we age, our skin loses elasticity, which can cause the veins to lose their capacity to stretch. This loss in elasticity can make the valves in the veins more vulnerable to damage. Moreover, the natural wear and tear on the vein walls due to years of pumping blood against gravity makes them more susceptible to malfunctioning, eventually leading to conditions like spider or varicose veins.
While factors like age, lifestyle choices and environmental factors play a role in the development of spider veins, genetics is another significant contributor. If your parents or their parents also had spider or varicose veins, your risk of developing them increases.
It’s worth noting why women are more affected by spider veins than men. Hormonal shifts during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, or from birth control pills, can affect vein walls and valves, making women more susceptible. During pregnancy, the increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus can weaken veins and valves, particularly in the legs.
Though spider veins predominantly influence an individual’s aesthetics, they might sometimes be associated with physical symptoms. Some individuals might experience a mild burning or tingling around the spider vein area. Monitoring any discomfort or pain is essential, as this could indicate a deeper venous issue.
I'm very pleased! My veins have definitely improved and look so much better (hardly detectable after just a few months)! The entire staff is helpful, friendly and knowledgable!
– Katy
Diet and Vein Health: While it’s common knowledge that a nutritious diet promotes overall health, certain foods can specifically benefit vein health. Foods such as citrus fruits, berries, nuts and seeds are high in vitamins C and E, which promote collagen and elastin production, enhancing elasticity in veins. Additionally, foods high in rutin, like apples, cherries, grapes, and blackberries, can help strengthen veins and prevent inflammation.
Regular exercise, particularly leg exercises like walking, cycling or swimming, improves leg circulation and reduces the risk of spider veins. Movement ensures that the calf muscles regularly contract, aiding the upward push of blood against gravity.
Practicing mindfulness in everyday habits can make a significant difference. For instance, elevating the legs periodically when sitting for prolonged periods is beneficial. This simple action can significantly reduce the pressure on the veins in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of spider veins.
Very nice staff and Dr. Jimenez is kind, caring and focused on the needs of the patient.
– Kristine
The medical world has seen significant advancements in the field of vein treatments. While sclerotherapy remains a popular method for spider vein removal, other innovative therapies have emerged over the years.
This noninvasive treatment involves sending intense bursts of light into the vein, making it slowly fade and disappear. It may be effective for spider veins and tiny varicose veins.
This minimally invasive procedure uses heat from a laser to close off affected veins. It’s primarily used for treatment of underlying venous disease which can lead to prominent spider veins and varicose veins.
Similar to EVLA, this treatment uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser to heat and seal off the affected veins.
I have had great results with EVLT. I was having a lot of pain and swelling in my legs and ankle. After the treatment, the pain and swelling have gone and now I can be on my feet all day without any discomfort.
If you have a vein problem, don’t wait! Check out EVLT. You’ll be glad you did.
– Martha Q.
Put your health in the hands of the best vein doctor, and get ready to show off your legs instead of hiding them. Call The Vein Center at 1-800-910-VEIN or click here to book your FREE consultation today with Dr. J!