Stress and Spider Veins- Vein Specialists of Augusta

Can Stress Cause Spider Veins On Legs?

How Do We Get Spider Veins On Legs?

Although it is not always easy to determine what causes spider veins on legs, some factors increase the chances of their development. One of the most common factors is stress. You can minimize your risk of spider vein development from stress by focusing on self-care during stressful times and making a few simple lifestyle changes. 

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What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are small, reddish-purple blood vessels that can appear on the surface of your skin. They may look like a spider’s web because they branch out from one central location. Spider veins occur most often on the legs or face close to where folds in your skin naturally form. Some people develop them more frequently than others due to certain risk factors. One of these risk factors is stress.

How Does Stress Cause Spider Veins On Legs?

Stress may cause spider veins to develop by increasing blood flow through your body’s smaller blood vessels. The extra pressure from the increased volume of blood passing through these tiny capillaries causes them to stretch and become damaged over time. Eventually, these overtaxed veins can turn into spider veins. In some cases, spider veins on legs can even burst or break open, causing bruising on the skin.

How Can I Minimize My Risk of Spider Veins On Legs Due to Stress?

Diet & Exercise

First, determine whether your stress is chronic or temporary to minimize your risk of spider veins due to stress. If you are dealing with chronic stress, such as high blood pressure or obesity, try reducing both conditions through dieting and exercise. Eating healthy and regularly exercising can have both immediate and long-term benefits, including a noticeable reduction in stress levels. Improving your general physical health will go a long way toward reducing chronic stress and minimizing your risk of developing spider veins.

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Quality Sleep

You should also take steps to improve sleep quality, one of the most effective methods for achieving a more balanced life. Establish a regular bedtime routine that will help relax you and send signals to your brain to shut down for the night. Avoid drinking caffeine in the evenings, staying up late, and cutting your sleep short, as sleep is critical in stress reduction and healthy living.

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Healthy Habits

If your stress is more of a temporary situation or influenced by certain lifestyle factors, take steps to avoid behaviors that may exacerbate the condition. Taking steps means focusing on self-care during stressful times. For example, if you just started a new job or have an upcoming wedding, look for ways to help yourself relax when you feel stressed.

Many people find meditation helpful; it can help you control breathing patterns and feel better overall. You may also consider dedicating a portion of every day to a leisure recreational activity that brings you fulfillment. Activities such as gardening, painting, journaling, or learning a musical instrument help reduce stress. Doing something you love every day will help re-center your thoughts and keep stress at bay.

What Can I Do If I Already Have Spider Veins On Legs?

Spider veins are not necessarily dangerous; however, they can be symptomatic and may be considered unattractive. Spider vein removal is possible with treatments such as sclerotherapy, which we offer here at Vein Specialists of Augusta. Whether or not you decide to pursue spider vein removal for your existing spider veins on legs, you must take proactive measures to protect yourself from the development of more spider veins during periods where stress impacts you.

Before and after sclerotherapy at Vein Specialist of Augusta

The presence of spider veins can indicate a more significant venous insufficiency problem. We offer expert evaluations of vein issues in Augusta, Georgia. If you have spider veins, we recommend you come in for a vein evaluation. Dr. Sherman can perform a complete evaluation to determine if you have spider veins or varicose veins and recommend treatment options to help.

Call (706) 854-8340 or contact us online to book an appointment with Dr. Sherman today.

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