Noticing bluish veins growing darker and more prominent in your legs is a cause of concern for many. But what do they mean, why is this happening now, and what can you do to treat or prevent them? Today, our podiatrists are sharing what you need to know about spider veins and varicose veins on your legs.  

What are veins, and what do they do?

We have veins all around our body, most of which we can’t see through our skin. Veins play a very important role in helping return the blood from our body back to the heart. This includes working against gravity up our legs by using a series of one-way valves that prevent the blood from going backwards, combined with muscles surrounding the vessels which contract and help pump blood to the heart.   

Veins become dark and visible when there’s a problem with their function

If problems arise with the vein valves, the blood itself or the surrounding muscles, blood may pool inside the veins instead of being transported back to the heart. This causes pressure to build within the vein, which weakens the vessel wall and results in the vein bulging and twisting to produce a noticeable varicose vein or spider vein. The difference between the two are: Varicose vein: Varicose veins are bigger than spider veins and are the most common cause of prominent blue veins in the legs. They tend to bulge out from the skin, giving them a worm-like appearance. They can develop anywhere on the body but most often arise in the feet and ankles. Spider vein: Spider veins are very small, prominent vessels that often take the form of a spider web pattern – having a central point and then branching out. These veins may be red, purple, or blue. They’ll most often appear on the legs or the face. Up to 60% of adults will experience changes in the appearance of their veins, which may occur along with:

• Foot & leg aches and cramps
• Throbbing, burning and tingling
• Tired, heavy legs
• Foot & leg swelling
• Inflammation & itchiness

 

Are blue, prominent veins something to be concerned about?

The good news is that while dark veins may not look the best, they don’t pose an immediate hazard to your health. They can, however, indicate an increased risk of two important problems:

• Blood clots: the blood that pools in large veins can, under certain circumstances, clot. If the clots travel to other areas of the body, they can result in an embolism (a blockage in an important vessel), which can be dangerous for your health and can even turn into a medical emergency. 
• Venous ulcers: blood building up and pooling is a cause of ulcers, which may bleed and even become infected.

This is why it’s important to bring any concerns you have to your doctor at your appointments – and let us know too!  

Am I at risk of spider or varicose veins?

Women are twice as susceptible as men, though problems with the veins can affect anyone. This is largely due to hormonal changes throughout the various stages of a woman’s life. If your job keeps you on your feet, like if you’re a tradie or healthcare worker, you may also have an increased risk. Other risk factors include:

• Increasing age – as we age, our valves can wear down, become weaker and lose elasticity
• Increasing weight & obesity – extra weight on the body can put extra pressure on the veins
• A decrease in physical activity & movement 
• Pregnancy – as a result of hormonal changes, combined with the increase in blood volume and pressure on the veins from the fetus, mothers are more vulnerable to developing varicose veins
• A history of injury
• Surgery
• A family history of venous insufficiency – if your parents had varicose veins, your chance of having them is significantly greater
• Standing for long periods at work – doesn’t allow your blood to flow as well as it should

Treating varicose veins

If you’re concerned about your veins, your GP will be able to refer you to a vein specialist. Our podiatrists can also help you manage certain symptoms by using: 

• Compression stockings
• Exercises targeted at promoting circulation in the feet and legs, especially at the calves
• Helping improve your mobility so you can walk or exercise daily
• Footwear to assist your mobility and help you feel comfortable on your feet

Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs by our experienced podiatry team. To get the best results, don’t forget to:

• Limit long periods of sitting or standing as much as possible
• Elevate your legs periodically, this can help with promoting blood return and reducing swelling
• Get your 30 minutes of exercise every day
• Limit high heel wear – flat shoes better work your calf muscles and help blood flow in this area

Book your appointment with us by calling 09 523 2333 or book online here.