6 Tips on the Prevention of Spider Veins
- Elevate your legs while at work or sitting at your computer. The purpose of elevating your legs is so the blood will be pumped back to your heart and not pool in your legs.
- Always wear low-healed footwear. Wearing high heels puts a lot of tension on your calf muscles and can not only increase the tension on your foot muscles, but can also promote extra pressure on your calf muscles and promote spider veins.
- If pregnant or traveling on long trips wear compression stockings. Many experts recommend that pregnant women, while traveling in a car or plane, wear compression stockings. The stockings should be properly fitted by an experienced licensed pharmacy or surgical supply store. The stockings need not be very high compression. Even stockings in the range of 15 - 20 mm range will help prevent spider veins while being comfortable for daily wear. If it's more cost effective, department store support panty hose will help. Never wear any stocking or sock that leaves an indentation on the skin of your leg. Compression stockings keep the blood circulating back to your heart and prevent pooling in the most dependent area of your body - your legs.
- Exercising can increase blood flow to your legs and it increases your overall circulation. Don't sit or stand in the same position for more than 20 minutes; it is always important to keep moving. If you are at the computer for long periods of time then get up every 20 minutes and walk around for 5-10 minutes to prevent spider veins. Specific leg exercises can help as well.
- Uncross your legs. Yes, your mother was right when she said, "Don't cross your legs or you'll get spider veins." When you cross your legs it causes a decrease in the bloodflow to your legs, causing a weakening in your vein walls which can increase your risk of spider veins.
- Stop wearing tight clothes. If you are wearing tight jeans/clothes over your hips, legs or ankles, this can cut off the blood supply to your lower extremities, which could increase your risk of developing spider veins. Wear clothes that fit well, but get rid of those skinny jeans to help you preserve your legs and prevent spider veins.
4/23/2018 7:00:00 AM
Written by Susan Kramer, APRN,BC
Susan Kramer is a certified Adult Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of expertise specializing in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery at Kay Plastic Surgery. Susan graduated from Syracuse University and received her advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner at George Washington University.
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