Myths About Varicose Veins

These ugly blue blood vessels often come to people’s minds, as over 30% of the American population suffers from varicose veins (source).Not only is it embarrassing for the sufferer, but it can sometimes cause a lot of pain. In some people, these types of veins can cause skin damage and blood clots. Whether you’re just starting to see the first signs of possible varicose veins or your symptoms have progressed further, there is a lot of information that could point you in the wrong direction. Given the popularity of concerns about such veins, some myths about this venous disease are inevitable. The internet is a powerful place of information, but it is also a powerful place of false information when it comes to self-diagnosis. So today let’s dispel some myths and write you about some misconceptions about the upper veins surrounding varicose veins and the facts behind the myth.

1st Myth -You’ll get varicose veins if you cross your legs.

Varicose veins are caused by weak or damaged valves. These valves are critical for maintaining blood flow, but if anything happens to the valves, the blood builds up and causes varicose veins. The act of crossing your legs will not weaken or damage the valves.

2nd Myth – Varicose veins are purely cosmetic.

Some people develop varicose veins as a result of being overweight. This can lead to many other health problems, including the risk of developing diabetes. Carrying a lot of extra weight puts extra pressure on the veins and can damage them. This, as you know, can lead to the formation of varicose veins. Varicose veins can also manifest with hormonal changes. This is common in pregnant or postmenopausal women, but hormonal imbalances can cause many other health problems. If the veins are left untreated, serious problems can arise, such as leg ulcers and blood clots.

3rd Myth – Varicose and spider veins are the same.

They are not the same thing. Varicose veins usually require some form of intravenous treatment, but varicose veins often go untreated.

  • Spider veins are red or purple and are much smaller.
  • Varicose veins are blue and cause a bulge wherever the vein is damaged, typically in your legs.
4th Myth – Only women get varicose veins.

The statistics will soon dispel this myth. Studies show that 56% of men suffer from varicose veins. In many cases, heredity plays an important role in the development of varicose veins, and these venous genes are not unique to women.

5th Myth – Varicose veins are painful and expensive to treat.

First, many of our intravenous treatments are covered by insurance because they are not purely cosmetic treatments. Second, the treatment itself is not painful, recovery is usually rapid but depends on the severity of the venous injury.

6th Myth – Varicose veins will just come back after being treated.

This claim may have been true many years ago, but it is no longer valid in current medical development. The biggest game changer in permanent varicose vein removal is offered in the form of laser vein resection treatment. This laser treatment avoids the symptoms of varicose veins and mainly treats the problem of venous damage. This is a quick and easy outpatient treatment – patients can expect to recover within hours.

7th Myth – Varicose veins will get worse if you exercise.

Exercise is not only good for general health, but also for the veins. Walking or running pumps blood into the heart of the calf muscles, greatly improving circulation. However, if you have been treated for varicose veins, we recommend that you wear compression stockings before jogging. This will help prevent blood from pooling in the feet. Are you wondering if you have these types of veins or do you think you are at risk of having them? Instead of getting lost in the myths about varicose veins on the internet for hours, make an appointment with us today. One of our physiologists will work with you to determine the health of your veins and determine the best treatment for you.

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