Show your legs some love: Caring for varicose and spider veins

Ever notice those blue, purple, or twisted veins creeping up on your legs like tiny roadmaps? Whether they’re varicose veins (the bigger, bulging ones) or spider veins (the smaller, web-like ones), they can be more than just a cosmetic concern. While they might seem like an inevitable part of aging or a family inheritance you didn’t ask for, there’s a lot you can do to take care of your veins – with the help of Dr. Paul Dagher.

Why do varicose and spider veins happen?

Your veins work hard to push blood back up to your heart, fighting against gravity. Sometimes, these tiny valves weaken, causing blood to pool – leading to enlarged varicose veins or those delicate little spider veins. Factors that can increase your risk can include:

• Genetics: If your parents had them, chances are, you might too.
• Standing or sitting too long: Desk job or long shifts on your feet? Long hours in one position can put extra pressure on your veins.
• Age: Veins lose elasticity over time, making it harder for them to push blood upward.
• Hormones: Female hormones, like estrogen, can allow the walls of the veins to stretch. Women who are taking birth control pills, going through menopause, or experiencing other hormonal changes may have a higher risk of varicose veins due to fluctuations in hormones.
• Weight: Extra weight puts additional strain on veins, making it harder for blood to flow efficiently. (1)

How to prevent varicose and spider veins

While you can’t change your genes, you can take steps to promote good circulation and reduce strain on your veins with these simple habits:

• Get moving: Exercise, especially walking, biking, or swimming, helps keep blood flowing and strengthens your leg muscles. Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Elevate those legs: Give gravity a break! Prop your feet up when sitting or resting.
• Compression socks are your friend: Supportive socks and pantyhose help improve circulation and can prevent varicose veins from getting worse.
• Avoid crossing your legs for long periods: It’s a habit many of us have, but it can restrict blood flow.
• Be a quitter: Smoking tobacco damages blood vessels and reduces circulation, increasing the risk of varicose veins and other vascular problems. (2)

When to seek Dr. Dagher’s help

Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t enough, and that’s okay! If your varicose veins are causing pain, swelling, or discomfort, or if you simply want to explore cosmetic treatments, Watauga Surgical offers advanced vein treatments, including:

• Sclerotherapy: A quick, in-office treatment where a solution is injected into the vein to make it fade.
• Endovenous thermal ablation: A procedure where Dr. Dagher inserts a catheter (a long, thin tube) into the damaged vein and uses a laser to close it off. This technique effectively reroutes blood to healthier veins and improves circulation.
• Multi-stab phlebectomy (MSP): Typically performed alongside ablation procedures, MSP involves making tiny incisions to remove large, visible varicose veins that remain after ablation.

It’s time to show off your legs

Varicose and spider veins don’t have to be something you just live with. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or simply want to feel more confident in your skin, there are options to help. By taking simple steps to support vein health and knowing when to seek care, you can keep your legs looking and feeling their best.

Dr. Dagher offers advanced, minimally invasive treatments to relieve pain, improve circulation, and restore your confidence. If you’re ready to take the next step, call Watauga Surgical at (828) 264-2340 or click here to learn more.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Varicose veins. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4722-varicose-veins
2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Varicose veins. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/varicose-veins