Fact Checked
Spider veins are usually common in the legs and thighs, but it can also develop in the feet and ankles or in other areas of the body. Spider veins are fine and dark-looking veins that forms in clusters like a web of a spider on the surface of the skin.
This condition is common among women after the childbearing years. Spider veins develop due to weaknesses of the walls of the vein and cause accumulation of blood.
Causes of spider veins
- Increased pressure in the veins.
- Standing for long periods of time especially nurses and teachers
- Hereditary and becomes common among the elderly
Symptoms
- A patchwork of red and blue veins that can be seen through the skin
Perform exercises such as running or walking for proper flow of blood in the area and strengthen the muscles of the legs. - Swollen legs
- Legs becoming tired
- A feeling of heaviness in the legs
Treatment
- Avoid being overweight to lessen the pressure placed on the legs and formation of spider veins on the feet and ankles.
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of times. Take a break by talking a walk every 30 minutes. Avoid crossing the legs while sitting to lessen the development of spider veins.
- Perform exercises such as running or walking for proper flow of blood in the area and strengthen the muscles of the legs.
- Wear compression stockings which are strong hoses that compress the dilated spider veins. Compression stockings improve the blood circulation in the area and lessen pressure and swelling of the foot which causes spider veins in the feet and ankles.
- When sitting, elevate the affected area above the level of the heart for at least 15 minutes at 3-4 times every day. Elevating the area will make the heart pump faster and increase blood circulation in the spider veins to make them smaller. Another alternative is elevating the feet using a couple of pillows and cushions.
- Massage the feet using a lotion that has St John’s wort oil or use a massage oil to relax the legs and for the proper flow of blood in the area. Massage the legs and ankles in a circulatar motion. Squeeze the feet and ankles hard once in a while to force blood out of the spider veins.
- Soak a piece of cloth in raw unprocessed apple cider vinegar and wrap it around the area with spider webs. Leave it on the area for at least 15-20 minutes and remove. Repeat the process at least 2 times every day until the spider veins totally disappears. Another alternative is taking apple cider vinegar orally. In a cup filled with warm water or at room temperature, add 1 teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of organic honey and drink before meals. Apple cider vinegar lessens the inflammation of the veins.
FACT CHECK
https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/what-causes-spider-veins.aspx
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-spider-varicose-veins