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What Causes Spider Veins in Ankles – Causes & Treatments

Spider veins on feet and ankles are easily spotted because of the bluish-purple veins that tend to appear overnight. These web-like veins are surprisingly noticeable, considering they are so small to begin with. Even though they are mostly considered a mere cosmetic issue, spider veins can be a warning sign of more severe vein or health problems. At Jersey Joint, Spine, & Regen, we specialize in assisting patients with all aspects of spider veins. You can rely on our healthcare experts whether you permanently want unsightly veins gone or you need to rule out any hidden venous issues. However, before that, we want you to know.

The Main Reasons Behind Spider Veins

Healthier veins have valves that serve as one-way doors to permit blood to flow toward the heart, but not backward because of gravity. When these valves start malfunctioning or collapsing, the blood begins accumulating or flowing backward in the veins in ankle or legs. This results in vascular dilation and the formation of varicose or spider veins. It can be due to a number of things, including: 

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  1. Damage to the venous wall
  2. Inflammation of veins
  3. Damage to the valves

What Specifically Causes Spider Veins In Ankle And Legs?

Spider veins occur commonly in the lower extremities of the body, i.e., the feet, ankles, and thighs. You can get spider veins on other parts of your body, including your face. However, these veins commonly appear on the legs. This is because the collapse of vein valves initially impacts the lower extremities of the body. The veins in the legs must carry blood right up to the heart against gravity. If these valves malfunction, gravity forces the blood to flow backward and gather in the leg veins. It leads to spider veins in the legs and ankles.

What Are The Other Risk Factors For Spider Veins On Ankles?

Age

As you get older, the valves in your veins might begin getting weak, too. Due to this reason, your blood will most likely pool in your veins. 

Injury

If you have suffered from an injury in your leg, it might also become one of the reasons behind you witnessing purple veins on your veins. As an injury can damage the valves in your veins. 

Pregnancy

There are a couple of reasons why females are more prone to getting spider veins during pregnancy. Such as:

  1. The additional weight of the baby exerts extra pressure on the veins. As a consequence, the veins start to bulge. 
  2. Elevated levels of hormones can also lead to the walls of the veins relaxing. This can make these leg or ankle veins more likely to turn into spider veins. 
  3. The heightened blood volume throughout pregnancy can also result in the veins dilating and becoming more visible. 
  4. Generally, women have a higher risk of developing spider veins due to the progesterone and estrogen hormones, which can severely weaken the valves of the veins. Thus, it increases the chances of vein disease, varicose veins, and spider veins. 

Sitting Or Standing For Elongated Periods Of Time

If you are employed in a job that requires you to sit or stand for elongated periods of time, then you must be aware. This can also increase the chances for blood to pool in your veins. 

Obesity

If you are overweight, then you must be vigilant about it, as carrying extra weight can also put a strain on your veins. You better start practicing weight loss strategies to keep yourself safe from these issues. Speaking of it, how about we look into some spider veins on ankles treatment options?

How Can I Prevent Spider Veins?

If you possess a great risk of developing varicose veins or spider veins, then there are a bunch of things that you can do to minimize the risks. Since these venous issues can occur due to a bunch of underlying reasons, there are no definitive ways to prevent them. However, you can make some healthier lifestyle alterations to cut down the risks of these issues, such as: 

  • Exercise: Being active and exercising regularly can help you enhance your blood circulation and prevent blood from pooling in your veins.
  • Elevate Your Legs: Elevating your legs can help you decrease the pressure on your veins and prevent blood from accumulating in your veins. 
  • Wear Compression Stockings: Another thing that you can do is wear compression stockings. This can help your blood to circulate and prevent it from pooling in your veins.  

Spider Veins And Varicose Veins: How To Get Rid Of Them?

You must consult a healthcare expert if you are observing unusual signs of spider veins ankles, or varicose veins. Jersey Joint, Spine, & Regen offers the best vein treatment options in New Jersey. It is a medical center that is led by board-certified experts who not only offer precise diagnoses but also treat the root cause of these issues. Below, we have shed light on some of the best minimally invasive vein treatments that you can get.

  • Sclerotherapy: For this procedure, a sclerosing solution is injected into the veins, which triggers the walls of the veins and results in them collapsing. Soon enough, your problematic veins will harden into scar tissues, and your body will metabolize them.
  • Endovenous Laser Therapy: In this technique, a laser fiber is used to heat and destroy the problematic saphenous vein that is responsible for your spider veins. This procedure is the best bet to get rid of the root cause of such diseased veins. 
  • Radiofrequency Ablation: It is a method that includes using radiofrequency waves or even heat to destroy the vein responsible for your venous issues. This method also eliminates the root cause of spider veins. 

To Sum It All Up!

Now that you are well aware of all the reasons that can lead to the formation of spider veins in your ankles, you better start taking steps to minimize the risks. However, if you are already suffering from such diseased veins, then you must know that Jersey Joint, Spine, & Regen offers the best vein treatments in New Jersey. They provide personalized treatment options for each one of their clients to ensure maximum satisfaction. So, schedule an appointment right now and bid farewell to all your vein issues once and for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Typically, spider veins do not go away naturally once they have developed. However, lifestyle changes and natural remedies can help alleviate discomfort and manage their appearance. 

Yes, drinking plenty of water seems to work well for the prevention of spider veins. However, once the symptoms start to appear, you have to consult healthcare experts for them to go away. 

For purple veins (spider veins) massage is great as it can reduce swelling and discomfort to a considerable extent. Of course, it will help you more if you get massaged by a qualified professional. 

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