Spider Veins

[Jaimee]

My mother's legs and feet are covered in massive blue spider veins.  It's so bad that she won't wear shorts or skirts.  She says it happened during her pregnancies (two) and they never went away.  I have had two pregnancies and escaped with no spider veins.  But now during my third pregnancy I see some purple spider veins appearing  on my legs.  I know for most women they go away after delivery, but I'm terrified that they'll turn into what my mother has. 

Any tips to avoid getting more and make sure the ones I already have do go away?  I avoid crossing my legs and I'm not doing any strenuous/high impact exercise or anything.  Thanks!

[Peony]

My spider veins never decrease while not pg, the varicose ones do, the spider veins just get worse with every pg for me. I know some women wear compression hose but I think that would officially kill me in this heat! Other then that there isn't much to do about them, and yes, family history does play into who gets them. My mom got all hers while pg as well. 

[amberskyfire]

I can't guarantee that anything will work, but when I used to wait tables, I was on my feet all the time and started getting spider veins. I bought some special tights which were made just for varicose veins and wore them and they worked. My spider veins totally went away. I had to wear them for about eight hours a day and I only wore them at work. I'm not sure if you live somewhere too hot to wear tights.

[Jaimee]

Yeah it's pretty hot and humid here in Maryland and will be as well in Illinois where we are moving to shortly.  But it will be cold in a couple months so maybe then?  What's the difference between spider and varicose veins?

[amberskyfire]

Spider veins are thin like little threads. Varicose veins are thick, like a pencil, and they usually hurt.

[Jaimee]

But are they caused by different things and treated differently?  Sounds like my mother's are varicose veins then b/c they are large, though they don't seem to hurt her.

[dot1]

Spider veins are caused by the same physical process that causes varicose veins.  They are the precurser to the ugly bulging varicose veins.  Basically vein valves that are starting to fail and stretching veins losing their pressure....a result of gravity and blood pooling.  They are a warning sign of poor vein health and shouldn't be taken lightly.  

I can't say it often enough....wear compression stockings all day or anytime you are on your feet, especially when pregnant and all those pregnancy hormones are causing the veins to be more relaxed than normal!  They must be at least 20-30 mm HG pressure to be effective enough to give enough compression to allow the vein valves to work effectively at getting blood back up the leg.  Get a doctor's note, then go to a drugstore that has a certified compression stocking fitter on staff.  You must be measured - I don't recommend buying off the shelf as you risk not getting the right fit (important for them to be effective).  Most decent medical plans should cover them.  If not, they are still a worthwhile investment if you can ensure a good comfortable fit (ie. they must be comfortable enough to wear).  I recommend the Sigvaris cotton series, or Venosan makes some comfortable ones. (google them for info on their lines).

Heat will make them worse too - so keep your legs cool.  Lots of splashes of cold water to encourage circulation.

Your mom could consider sclerotherapy (guided ultrasound injections to get rid of spider veins) if she wanted to improve the esthetic appearance.

Good luck!  I see all kinds of clients with awful legs....from not taking care of them in their younger years.  This is your chance to help your legs for life.

[Jaimee]

Thank you so much for the info dot1!  I will definitely look into it!  My mom has looked into treatment b/c my aunt did get treatment for hers.  I guess she decided against it for some reason.  Probably too old school to spend money on her appearance.

[Jaimee]

Oh and is the whole crossing your legs thing for real or is it a myth that it will cause issues?  What about using pillows between the knees while sleeping?  Does that help at all?

[dot1]

Crossing legs results in areas of higher pressure, which can contribute to a back up of blood flow.  It's all about moderation - a bit of crossing for a few minutes, not a big deal....but sitting for a long time with legs crossed and not changing positioning can impede blood flow in veins trying to get back up the legs (results in areas of "too much" pressure in one spot which can cause a little tiny kink in a vein and slow down blood flow, contirubting to it pooling/backing up.

Sleeping with a pillow between legs is better than nothing at all - if it feels like the pressure of the pillow is soft and evenly distributed then it's good.  

  In summer time I wear the Sigvaris egyptian cotton series sock or the thigh length "venosan legline" hose with lightweight capris or a skirt and close toed sandals.  We live in a hot climate for Canada - can get up to 100 degrees in peak summer heat.  I feel geeky sometimes....but at least it's better than being in pain, swollen..and seeing a new spider vein appear when I don't wear them.  Most people tell me they didn't even notice the hose - just thought it was tan (but maybe they're just being nice :))  I find that despite having the extra layer on, my legs still feel better than without wearing them and being swollen/achy.  The material breathes enough to stay cool (but some stockings ARE really hot and not breathable).

Good luck :)

[Jaimee]

Thanks again for the info.  I'm not feeling achy or swollen.  In fact I don't even get swollen feet so this is a surprise for me.  I'm feeling very adverse to wearing stockings/tights, but I completely understand that it is my best bet at preventing permanent damage.  Ugh!  It's just so hot and humid here in Maryland and won't improve when we move to Illinois in a week.  I'm packing up the house, which is sweaty work.  Blech!