What Causes Superficial Veins

posted on 5/2/2011

Why Do I Have Visible Veins?

Many factors can increase your risk of superficial veins. When you consult with your vein doctor, he or she will tell you some of the following factors. In addition, some physicians may even show you vein treatment before and after pictures so you can see how your appearance will change with each procedure.

How Age Affects Your Veins

As you get older, so do your veins, and the valves inside them may begin to weaken as well, exposing your veins. 

How Genetics Affects Your Veins

Weak vein valves are genetic, so look to your family members to see if they have problems with veins.

How Hormonal Changes Affect Your Veins

Puberty, pregnancy and menopause all have an impact on increasing your chances of forming superficial veins. It's important to note that birth control pills (which contain estrogen and progesterone) can also contribute to the development of these damaged veins.

How Pregnancy Affects Your Veins

Briefly mentioned above, pregnancy and varicose veins are often linked. During pregnancy, the body pumps significantly more blood, which can cause veins to enlarge. The good news is that these veins brought on by pregnancy usually improve within three months after delivery.

How Weight Affects Your Veins

The extra pressure on your veins due to obesity and excess weight can commonly lead to vein problems.

How Movement Affects Your Veins

Leg veins endure the most pressure because they carry blood up from the bottom of the body to the heart. Therefore, prolonged sitting or standing can force your veins to work harder, which causes vein problems. Crossing your legs for long periods of time has also been linked to vein damage.

How Straining Affects Your Veins

Chronic constipation, urinary retention, chronic cough or any other conditions that cause you to strain for a prolonged time can result in problems with your varicose veins or spider veins. 

How Your Body Reacts to Superficial Veins

The presence of bumps and visible veins can wear on you emotionally. Many people try to hide the protruding veins with clothes. But there is also pain associated with your varicose veins and spider veins. If you’ve had large leg veins for several years, you might even notice itchiness, cramping, burning and fatigue in your legs on a regular basis. For these reasons, many people choose to remedy their problem with vein treatments.

Take some time to review vein treatment before and after pictures so you can see how your problem areas compare.

Contact a vein specialist to discuss the different types of vein treatments available and make recommendations based on your situation.