Standing desk can cause you spider veins, says health expert

Our Correspodent

Hoshiarpur, January 8

“Veins can become enlarged with pools of blood when they fail to circulate blood properly. These visible and bulging veins, known as spider veins or varicose veins, are often associated with symptoms such as tiredness, heaviness or aching limbs. In severe cases the varicose veins can rupture or open sores (ulcers) that can form on the skin. Varicose veins are most common in the legs and thighs,” said Dr Shankar Rathod, consultant, general and vascular surgery at IVY Hospital, here on Monday.

Talking about spider veins, Dr Rathod, said “These may look like short, fine lines, starburst clusters or a web-like maze. Spider veins are most common in the thighs, ankles, and feet. They may appear on the face too.”

“Varicose and spider veins can occur in men or women of any age, but most frequently affect women in childbearing age. Besides, those having prolonged standing job, obese, farmers, police and Army personnel and medical professionals too are vulnerable to such complications. The family history and age factor too increase one’’s tendency to develop varicose and spider veins,” he said.

Talking about the causes of varicose and spider veins, Dr Rathod said the causes of varicose and spider veins were the absence or weakness of valves in the veins, which prevent the backward flow of blood. In other cases, weaknesses in the vein walls may cause the pooling of the blood. Less commonly, varicose veins are caused by diseases as phlebitis or congenital abnormalities of the veins. Venous disease is generally progressive and cannot be prevented entirely, he said.

About the treatment, he said varicose and spider veins might be initially a cosmetic problem. But in the cases of long standing, the disease may lead to ulcers, dis-colouration of skin, bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, swelling of legs that typically require treatment.