What causes varicose veins and spider veins and what can I do to prevent them?

Question

I'm 16 but my mum has them and I don't want legs like hers when I grow older and I've heard it can be hereditary.

Thanks x*x

Answer 1

The main reason, and very unpopular reason to tell anyone, is constipation: pushing hard when you go to the loo not only promotes piles but also damages the veins in legs

Cure: none needed if you eat enough fibre, drink plenty of water and go to the loo when you feel the urge

Answer 2

Hi, i heard that standing for long periods on a regular basis causes varicous vains, I used to work in a florist where i was standing 9 hours a day 5 days a week and im only 21, so i dont have them but a lot of the older girls suffer from them. hope this helps x

Answer 3

There is stockings u can get.

Answer 4

They can be hereditary, I have had then since I was 12 and there is not much you can do about them.

Answer 5

Exercise regularly. Walking and jogging improve circulation in the legs, and proper circulation helps ward off varicose veins. Exercise also reduces overall high blood pressure and strengthens the entire circulatory system.

Avoid prolonged standing. Standing in one place for a long time increases venous pressure in the legs and feet, and over time this pressure weakens the blood vessel walls. Since prolonged standing is almost unavoidable in some jobs, mitigate the harm by shifting your position as frequently as possible, and try to walk around at least every 30 minutes. If your job can be performed while sitting, see if you can arrange that.

Maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, you put excess pressure on your legs. Exercise regularly and develop healthy eating habits, and you’ll reap a whole host of health benefits, including reduction of your varicose vein risk.

Quit smoking. Everybody knows that smoking contributes to myriad health problems, but if you need one more reason, keep in mind that the high blood pressure associated with smoking also helps cause varicose veins.

Put your feet up for a while. Especially if you have to stand up for long periods, take time to relax your legs and improve circulation by elevating your legs and feet for several minutes throughout the day or when you finish your shift. With your doctor’s blessing, you might also try using an inversion table or elevating the foot of your bed so that your feet are slightly higher than your head when you sleep. Taking pressure off the legs and letting gravity act on your body a little differently from time to time will help prevent blood from pooling in the veins.

Redesign your wardrobe. Improve circulation to your lower body by avoiding tight-fitting clothes on your legs and around your waist. Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes instead of high heels, and make sure your shoes are properly fitted.

Sit properly. Sit up straight and don’t cross your legs. Good posture improves circulation, while crossed legs restrict blood flow to and from the legs.

Avoid high-estrogen birth control pills. Long-term use of high-estrogen birth control pills have been shown to increase the risk of varicose veins by altering circulatory valve functioning. If you require birth control for an extended period of time, ask your health care provider about other options.

Wear compression hose. If you’re developing varicose veins, try regularly using compression hose (support hose). These can be purchased at medical supply stores or pharmacies and come in a variety of different compressions. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you get the proper fit and compression level.

Consider medical options. While the steps above can help prevent the appearance of varicose veins, stop new ones from forming, and reduce the size and painfulness of existing ones, medical treatment may be advisable if you are in severe pain or if these less severe methods don’t work. Treatments include sclerotherapy, laser surgery, and vein stripping. Consult your physician to determine the best option for you.