Spider veins and varicose veins are conditions caused by venous insufficiency. Some cases may simply be a minor cosmetic concern, but other cases can indicate more serious circulatory problems that require treatment. 

Learn More: Varicose Veins vs Spider Veins: Similarities and Differences

Varicose veins and spider veins can be hereditary, but it can also stem from other factors, such as obesity or prolonged hours of standing or sitting. If you’re worried about developing varicose or spider veins, we share with you some preventive steps to take to reduce your risk of these conditions. 

1. Maintain A Healthy Weight 

A balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle are key to maintaining vein health. Excessive fat present around your body due to obesity can place extra pressure on your veins, valves, and vein walls, which can make it even more challenging for blood to flow, especially against gravity, in an upward direction from your legs to your heart. When that happens, blood may leak backwards and pool in your leg veins instead. This contributes to the swelling of your veins, resulting in the formation of varicose or spider veins. Healthy weight maintenance reduces the risk of pressure being placed on your veins, protecting them and preventing the development of venous insufficiency conditions. 

2. Avoid Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Prolonged standing may cause your veins to overwork, and blood to pool in your leg veins. This increases pressure in the veins, causing the valves and vein walls to weaken and become inefficient, increasing the risk of you developing varicose veins or spider veins. Sitting for long periods can also lead to these venous conditions. When you sit for extended hours, circulation in your legs is poor and your veins must work extra hard to move blood up to your heart. Refrain from staying in the same standing or sitting position for too long. Instead, move around every hour to promote blood circulation. 

3. Give Your Legs Proper Care At The End Of The Day

After a long day of sitting, standing, and walking, giving your legs proper care before you go to bed can do wonders for your vein health. Some of the things you can do include wearing compression socks to improve blood flow in your lower legs and reduce fluid buildup, as well as elevating your legs to stop blood from pooling and allow blood to flow back to your heart. 

Taking preventive steps can help significantly lower your risk of developing varicose veins or spider veins. If you are already suffering from these conditions, however, there are minimally-invasive treatment approaches that can help treat varicose or spider veins and ensure speedy recovery. 

Cheng SC Veins and Endovascular Clinic is a Vein Clinic in Singapore providing various treatments to help manage or treat vascular conditions such as varicose veins and spider veins. Schedule a consultation with us today.