Spider or varicose veins are small unsightly clusters of red, bluish veins commonly appearing on the thighs, calves, and ankles. These tiny broken blood vessels are fairly visible as they appear just below the skin surface. Varicose veins happen due to malfunctioned valves inside the veins due to prolonged pressure or obstruction of the veins. They are large and lead to itching and cramps.

Varicose or spider veins develop in people from standing or sitting for long periods of time, poor exercises, excessive weight, constipation sitting crossed legs for a long time and even pregnancy. Heredity also contributes to the formation of varicose veins for many individuals.

This condition is more common in women than in men. If not treated properly, complications could happen. Swelling, restlessness, leg sores, itching, leg cramps, feeling of heaviness in the legs and fatigue are common symptoms of varicose veins.

You can prevent varicose or spider veins by doing the following
- Eat a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Your food should be low in fat and carb.
- Include ginger, garlic, onions and pineapples in your diet. Eat as many blackberries and cherries as possible.
- Take a high fiber diet to prevent constipation and keep your bowels clean.
- Avoid sugar, ice creams, fried foods, junk food, tobacco, salt and processed and refined foods.
- Do a daily routine of exercises like walking, swimming and bicycling to promote circulation.
- Elevate your legs at least once a day to alleviate symptoms of spider veins.
- Do not stand or sit for long time, avoid sitting crossed legs, heavy lifting or putting any unnecessary pressure on your legs.
- Tight fitting clothes restrict blood flow, avoid wearing them.
- If you have a desk job, take breaks by walking around, flex your leg muscles and wiggle your toes to increase the blood flow.
- Rest your feet on an elevated object from the floor when seated.
- If your job entails you to be on your feet all day long, shift your weight between your feet, stand on your toes, alternate by putting one leg at a time on stool or walk around to ease the pressure on your legs.
- If you are in pain, stimulate circulation by soaking the affected veins area in a tub filled with cold water.
- Varicose veins make the skin very itchy. Scratching the itchy skin can result in bleeding. Hence it is advisable to avoid scratching.
- Massage castor oil over the affected veins after bath for pain relief.