How Compression Garments Can Help Your Spider Veins
Zari Cooper, MOT, OTR/L, CLT-ALM
Spider veins are tiny, visible blood vessels just beneath the skin that often show up on the legs or face as red, blue, or purple lines that resemble a spider’s web. They’re very common and usually harmless, though some people notice mild discomfort or feel self‑conscious about their appearance. Spider veins develop when small vein valves weaken, due to increased venous hypertension, and allow blood to pool closer to the skin’s surface, a process influenced by factors like pregnancy, genetics, prolonged standing or sitting, hormonal changes, and aging. Understanding what spider veins are and why they appear can help you decide when to seek care and how to support your vein health going forward. Compression, lifestyle changes, and other strategies can help manage symptoms.
How Compression Garments Help
Compression improves venous return, by pushing the dilated veins together making the valves more efficiently, reduces swelling, and supports vein function.
Who Benefits from Compression Therapy
Individuals who stand for long periods, are pregnant or postpartum, or have early venous insufficiency often benefit.
Compression as Prevention
While compression does not eliminate spider veins, it can slow progression, improve vein function, and improve comfort.
Do your legs feel heavy or achy at the end of the day? Contact us to learn if compression therapy may be right for you.
Keywords: spider veins, compression stockings, venous health
Sources:
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https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23449‑compression‑therapy
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Image:Definitions | Triangle Vein Clinic – Cary, NC
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