One might ponder about what causes swollen veins or what causes spider veins. Varicose veins are described as being veins that are abnormally stretched or swollen. They will usually protrude from the surface of the skin and usually are found on the legs. They can be the result of faulty vein valves or just weak vein walls. Spider veins are also known as broken capillaries. They are capillary veins that exist just below the surface of the skin and are found either on the legs or the face. They have a blue, red, or purple color and look much like a spider web.
Problems with leg veins start when the vein valves that prevent the flow of blood in the wrong direction become weak and begin to malfunction. This can be described as reflux, much like acid reflux of the esophagus. Once this happened the blood begins to pool in the veins and forces them to protrude to the outside of the body. With this increase in pressure within the blood veins you may also experience in other vein failures in the same area. This causes an unsightly appearance to the skin and causes many people concern for the way they look. Eventually it can also lead to pain and discomfort.
In addition to being ugly and embarrassing, varicose and spider veins can lead to swelling, throbbing, aching, cramps in the legs, and heaviness. Varicose veins are considered to be progressive and can lead to swelling of ankles, discoloration of the pigmentation, ulceration, and even bleeding. To prevent the disorder from becoming worse one should seek help for the disorder as soon as it is noticed. It is much easier to treat in the early stages before it has caused heavy damage.
Often spider veins will form at the same time as varicose veins because of the increased pressure to the veins. They will also sometimes from on their own without the presence of varicose veins. If spider veins appear and you have not yet developed varicose veins you should immediately get help to prevent the onset of varicose veins.
While doctors cannot put a definite finger on what causes swollen veins they do know some of the contributing factors that increase the likelihood of varicose or spider vein development. Sometimes they are hereditary and basically there is little you can do to stop their appearance. Other times they can be attributed to a certain lifestyle.
Pregnancy is one of the things that can contribute to the formation of varicose and spider veins. There is added pressure in the lower part of the body with the added weight and weaker veins will often be unable to handle the extra load. Women who take birth control pills seem to be more prone to the development of vein disorders. Also women who take hormone replacement therapy often develop spider veins.
Lack of exercise can cause weak veins to bulge and turn into either spider veins or varicose veins. Exercise helps to promote stronger muscles and also helps develop stronger veins and provide greater blood flow. A person who maintains a healthy weight and exercise routine is much less at risk for developing vein problems.
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