Is there a way to prevent spider veins?

My mother and sister both have spider veins on their thighs and knees. Is there anything I can to do prevent spider veins as I get older?

Answers from doctors (8)


The Kimmel Institute

Published on Apr 23, 2013

Most spider veins are hereditary but there are a few things that can make them worse. Prolonged standing, obesity and sedentary lifestyle are all modifiable risk factors. In addition, if there is an underlying problem, such as venous reflux or insufficiency, this will often result in an increase in the visible vein problems that patients are concerned about. So, while it is difficult to prevent spider veins, they can be successfully treated and controlled.

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Answered by The Kimmel Institute

Most spider veins are hereditary but there are a few things that can make them worse. Prolonged standing, obesity and sedentary lifestyle are all modifiable risk factors. In addition, if there is an underlying problem, such as venous reflux or insufficiency, this will often result in an increase in the visible vein problems that patients are concerned about. So, while it is difficult to prevent spider veins, they can be successfully treated and controlled.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Pittsburgh Vein Center

Published on Apr 12, 2013

I know of no treatment that prevents spider veins. They tend to reoccur with time. There are some preemptive measure patients can take to try and reduce the occurrence of spider veins such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercise, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, wearing some form of compression most days etc., but none will guarantee the prevention of spider veins unfortunately.

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Answered by Pittsburgh Vein Center

I know of no treatment that prevents spider veins. They tend to reoccur with time. There are some preemptive measure patients can take to try and reduce the occurrence of spider veins such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercise, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, wearing some form of compression most days etc., but none will guarantee the prevention of spider veins unfortunately.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 05, 2010

Spider veins have many causes including genetics, pregnancies, aging, sun exposure, and sometimes no cause can be established. Vein care including keeping weight down, staying physically active, wearing support hose and avoiding excessive sun exposure may help to reduce varicose vein formation but, even with doing all of this, there is no guarantee that veins will not form.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Spider veins have many causes including genetics, pregnancies, aging, sun exposure, and sometimes no cause can be established. Vein care including keeping weight down, staying physically active, wearing support hose and avoiding excessive sun exposure may help to reduce varicose vein formation but, even with doing all of this, there is no guarantee that veins will not form.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Jan 28, 2010

There is no scientific proof that there are effective ways to prevent spider veins from occurring.

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Answered by Miller Vein

There is no scientific proof that there are effective ways to prevent spider veins from occurring.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Jan 25, 2010

Wearing compression hose will slow the progression of varicose veins.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

Wearing compression hose will slow the progression of varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Jan 25, 2010

Yes and no. Spider veins and all vein disease has a genetic component. So veins will appear regardless what you do to prevent them. However, eliminating underlying large diseased veins will greatly reduce the rate at which new spider veins appear.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

Yes and no. Spider veins and all vein disease has a genetic component. So veins will appear regardless what you do to prevent them. However, eliminating underlying large diseased veins will greatly reduce the rate at which new spider veins appear.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 25, 2010

No way that I am aware of except perhaps support stockings or avoiding pregnancy. These will generally occur if you have the congenital predisposition.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

No way that I am aware of except perhaps support stockings or avoiding pregnancy. These will generally occur if you have the congenital predisposition.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jan 22, 2010

Stay fit. Obesity is a risk factor for developing vein problems.
Stay active.Exercise helps keep your vein in good shape.
Other factors like injury to the legs and pregnancies can influence the development of vein problems.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Stay fit. Obesity is a risk factor for developing vein problems.
Stay active.Exercise helps keep your vein in good shape.
Other factors like injury to the legs and pregnancies can influence the development of vein problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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