Causes of Spider Veins

What is the main cause of spider veins? There are a number of factors which can lead to spider veins:

Heredity - This is the most important factor in the main cause of spider veins. If your parents and grandparents have the problem then you are at increased risk due to your genetics. Unfortunately there is nothing anyone can do about their physical makeup and you can only work towards preventing the cause of spider veins.

Pregnancy & Hormonal Factors - Pregnancy causes an increase in pressure and volume on the veins in the legs due to additional weight, blood, and hormonal imbalances common with pregnancy. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins.

Age - As we age, our tissues lose elasticity. This is true of vein walls causing the valve system to work less as efficiently. Spider veins affect 50% of people aged 50 and older.

There are additional factors which do not cause spider veins, but will speed up the development of this disease and make them worse:

Obesity - Increases in weight often go hand in hand with increased blood pressure which will add to vein problems.

Prolonged Standing - The volume and pressure of blood in the lower limbs is affected by gravity, so the longer you stand the greater the effect. When you rest, it is a good idea to elevate your feet periodically.

Physical Trauma - Sometimes trauma to the lower limbs can damage the underlying blood vessels and add to the problem of vein reflux disease.

Changes in lifestyle - These may slow down the development of varicose veins, but in most cases if you are going to develop the problem, there is little which can be done to avoid it.