Spider veins commonly occur when the veins in the legs do not function properly. They can severely impact the blood circulation. They are more like varicose veins, but spider veins are purple veins on legs closer to the surface and can look like branches of a tree or a spider web. Spider veins tend to develop anywhere in the body, but they commonly develop on legs and hands.
What are spider veins? What should you know about them?
Spider veins are dilated, twisted veins close to the skin’s surface. They are most common on the legs but can appear on the face and other areas of the body. While the exact cause is unknown, but several factors can contribute to it:
Heredity:
Genetics play a major role, with a family of spider veins, your chances are increased.
Hormonal fluctuations:
Pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can cause hormonal changes that weaken veins walls, leading to spider veins.
Standing for a long time:
Jobs that involve standing for extended periods put extra pressure on leg veins, increasing the risk of spider veins.
Obesity:
Excess weight puts strain on the circulatory system, including the veins, and can contribute to spider veins.
What are the symptoms of spider veins?
Spider veins are usually harmless; they may not show any symptoms in many people. But few people may experience certain symptoms like:
- Itching
- Cramping
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs
- Pain
- Burning feeling in the legs
If these symptoms are bothering you consult the best vascular surgery hospitals in Coimbatore to find a relief from the symptoms.
How does regular walking benefit your veins?
Fortunately, including regular walking into your routine can positively affect spider veins in several ways.
Improved circulation:
Walking is a fantastic best exercise for spider veins that gets your blood to circulate. As you walk, your calf muscles contract, acting like a natural pump, pushing blood back towards the heart. This improved circulation helps prevent blood from accumulating in the legs, reducing pressure on veins and potentially helping remove spider veins on legs.
Stronger vein walls:
Walking on a regular basis strengthens the calf muscles and the muscles surrounding the veins. These stronger muscles provide better support for the veins, improving their overall function and elasticity. This can help prevent further weakening and dilation of the veins, leading to fewer spider veins.
Weight management:
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall health, including vein health. Walking is a great way to burn calories and promote weight loss or management. By reducing excess weight, you decrease the pressure on your legs and veins, potentially preventing the development of new spider veins.
Reduced pressure:
Sitting or standing for extended periods puts a lot of strain on your legs and veins. Walking helps to break up these periods of inactivity and improve overall circulation. This reduction in pressure can help prevent spider veins and alleviate existing discomfort associated with them.
What are the tips to follow while walking with spider veins?
Here are some tips to follow while walking, if you have spider veins.
Aim for consistency:
Consistency is the key. At least aim to walk for 30 minutes of brisk walking on most days of the week. Consistency will provide the most significant benefits for your veins. There is a lot of similarity between spider veins and varicose veins hence knowing the root problem can help find a relief.
Find your speed:
A comfortable but slightly fast pace is ideal. Make sure you are not running, if you are gasping for breath, slow down a bit.
Incorporate elevation:
After walking, elevate your legs above your heart for a while. This helps further improve blood flow and reduce pressure in the legs.
Compression stockings:
Consider wearing compression stockings while walking or for long periods of sitting and standing. These stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs, which can help improve circulation and provide relief from spider veins.
Can walking make spider veins worse?
One common worry is that walking like this could worsen spider veins. But it is not true that walking can further worsen spider veins.However, you should pay attention to your body. Walking with pain may indicate that you need to slow down or stop for a rest. However, as already mentioned, you may also wear compression stockings and even walk at your own pace keeping yourself comfortable. Walking is considered the best exercise for spider veins so set a routine for yourself to find relief from spider veins.
What are the other benefiting factors beyond circulation?
While improved circulation is one of the best reasons which state that walking prevents spider veins. But walking also benefits in several other ways,
- Improves mood: Varicose veins are a chronic condition that can be physically and emotionally draining. People may experience severe anxiety or depression as a result of this. Walking can help with psychological stress and low self-esteem among other symptoms of the condition.
- Eases your joints: Walking is a low-impact workout that strengthens muscles to relieve joint stress. Walking on a regular basis can help to reduce joint pain and improve joint function.
- Helps prevent and manage chronic conditions: Being physically active can help prevent chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes and heart diseases in addition to preventing spider veins.
- Lowers blood pressure: Your blood pressure rises as your circulation gets better. Blood starts to flow more freely as a result of the vessel’s increased flexibility.
What are the tips to prevent spider veins?
There are several ways to prevent spider veins and self-care is the best way to prevent the development of spider veins. The best tips to prevent spider veins can include:
- Avoid sitting or standing for long hours
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid wearing tight clothes
- Keeping flexing feet and hands
- Keep a check on your weight
- Keep your legs at slightly higher
Important Takeaway:
Spider veins can be uncomfortable, but incorporating regular walking into your life can make a real difference. By improving circulation, strengthening veins, and managing weight, walking can help prevent new spider veins and potentially reduce the appearance of existing ones. Reach out to the varicose veins specialist in Coimbatore if it is causing trouble in your daily life.
