5 Myths about Varicose Veins

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT VARICOSE VEINS 

Varicose veins have turned into a common disease amongst a lot of adults in modern society. According to a study, more than 20% of adults experience this disorder at some point. Though varicose veins are relatively common, still, there are many misconceptions about its conditions and treatment options.

If you have recently been diagnosed with varicose veins, perhaps you’re trying to sort out facts from fictions. To help you learn the truth, we have put together a few prevalent myths about varicose veins. So, let’s get to know about them.

1. Varicose veins are only cosmetic

Sometimes, primary care doctors tell people that varicose veins are just a cosmetic issue. Undoubtedly, there is a cosmetic element to varicose veins, but they are much more than that.​

In most cases, they arise on your legs and can make it difficult for you to wear shorts or skirts. If not treated on time, varicose veins can have a huge impact on your overall health. Over a period of time, they may:

• Cause Swelling
• Raise the risk of blood clots
• Bleed a lot even with a small injury
• Be painful and uncomfortable

              
Remember, untreated varicose veins can be dangerous because the blood that is pooling in veins can clot. This condition is called superficial phlebitis and is quite painful. Sometimes, even the first stage of varicose veins can become more serious known as chronic venous disease, often marked as strong skin discoloration.

2. Nothing can be done to cure varicose veins

There are some people who will tell you that there is no way to prevent varicose veins. However, the fact is, some people can prevent the onset of varicose veins by making changes to lifestyle and diet. Patients who are in the 1st stage may take the following preventative measures:

• Regular exercise to strengthen the calf muscle
• Elevate the feet while sitting.
• Wear support hose
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Add high-potassium food into your diet such as leafy vegetable, potatoes, white beans, almonds, etc.   

Apart from lifestyle changes, you can go minimally invasive non-surgical options depending on your situation. If home-based treatments are not working for you, your doctor may prescribe you following treatments:

Laser surgery In this treatment, an intense burst of lights is thrown onto the affected vein, making it disappear gradually.

 Endothermal Ablation: This procedure involves the use of heat to seal the affected veins.

 Sclerotherapy: This is where your surgeon will use a certain foam to close the veins.

Ambulatory phlebectomy: This procedure includes the puncturing of the skin and removing affected veins making small cuts on the skin. The patient may notice minimal scarring after the surgery.
​
 Endoscopic Vein Surgery: In this surgery, a small camera is placed into the leg to help the doctor to see varicose veins. Removal of the veins is done via a series of small incisions.

 3. Varicose vein treatment is painful

Modern varicose vein treatments are pretty easy. They are done at doctors’ office under local anesthesia, usually in an hour with no to mild discomfort. Laser or radiofrequency saphenous ablation treatment is performed under ultrasound guidance helping the surgeon to see inside the skin.

The laser treatment involves the closing of the affected vein that allows the body to automatically re-route the blood to other healthy veins.

4. Varicose veins are strictly a women’s issue

It is true that women are more likely to have varicose veins, but saying it is strictly a women’s issue would be wrong. According to a study, around 45% of all men experience varicose veins once in their lives.

However, the primary cause of varicose veins in both men and women is a family history. If someone close in your family has varicose veins, you’re more likely to have them.

In addition to this, your lifestyle also plays a big role too. If your job requires you to stand for a long period such as restaurant occupations, sales, factory works, etc., you have more chance to have varicose veins. 

Even if you sit at a desk for several hours at a time, you’re at the risk as well. An old leg trauma can be cause for this condition.

Though varicose veins can strike men of all ages, the risk is more for older men because of the loss of muscle mass and tissue tone, as well as weakening of the venous walls. 

5. Running can cause varicose veins

Regular exercise can lower your chance of developing varicose veins. And running is one of those exercises that is considered good for blood circulation in the body. 

Running improves circulation of blood in the legs and lowers the blood pressure too - that simply means being a runner doesn’t cause varicose veins. However, people suffering from varicose veins are advised not to run if there is a swelling in legs. 

In case you have leg swelling, you can replace running with ankle exercise. Along with running, you can also do some other low-impact exercises to ease your varicose veins such as swimming, walking, cycling, etc. 

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of myths about varicose veins apart from these five. If you are experiencing any of signs of varicose veins, see your doctors immediately instead of taking advice from friends or the internet. Based on your particular condition, your doctor may prescribe you the best treatment. Since there are many misconceptions about the treatment procedures too, look for a reputed and qualified doctor only.

Contact Us Today

Are you looking for vein treatment or a vein doctor near you? FSA Vein is at the forefront of varicose vein and spider vein treatments in Pomona and Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Click here to schedule your free vein consult.