A few risk factors that can increase your risk of developing varicose veins or spider veins are: • Age Varicose veins can increase the risk with age. Aging causes wear and tear on the valves in your veins that help to push blood flow through them and back to your heart. After a while, that wear and tear cause the valves to allow some of the blood to flow backwards into your veins where it collects and causes the veins to enlarge or twist. • Sex Unfortunately, women are more likely to develop varicose veins over men. Hormonal changes in the body before your period or during pregnancy and menopause can be a contributing factor because female hormones tend to relax the vein walls. Hormone treatments, such as birth control, also might increase your risk of varicose veins. • Pregnancy During pregnancy, the amount of blood in your body increases significantly. This change supports the growing fetus, but can also produce an unfortunate side effect which is enlarged veins in your legs. • Family history If any other family members have had varicose veins, there is a greater chance you might as well. • Obesity Being overweight or obese also add more pressure onto your veins. • Standing or sitting for long periods of time While standing or sitting for extended periods, your blood isn’t able to flow as well. There is no way to completely prevent varicose veins, however you can improve the ability of circulation and muscle tone which may help to reduce your risk of developing varicose veins or getting additional ones by: • Exercising • Maintaining a healthy weight • Eating a high-fiber and low salt diet • Avoid wearing high-heels or tight tights • Elevate your legs when you can • Changing your sitting or standing position regularly