Varicose veins are swollen blood veins visible just under the surface of the skin. They often occur in the legs but can form in any part of the body. These veins can be unsightly, dangerous and cause mild to moderate pain, skin ulcers, or blood clots.
There are many myths about varicose veins. Consider the following eight myths that could cause you to ignore the dangers of varicose veins.
MYTH #1 Varicose veins and spider veins often re-occur even after treatment
Treatments from years ago often increased the risk of vein disease recurring. However, today’s modern procedures are safe and efficient. Treatments you undergo at a skilled physician’s office has a 5 percent rate of recurrence.
MYTH #2 Seek treatment only after you are through with childbearing
Modern procedures are safe and undergoing treatment while you are pregnant will help stop the pain and discomfort from varicose veins during pregnancy. Varicose veins could lead to severe complications if they are left untreated. These veins are a venous insufficiency disease that should not be taken lightly. Discuss your varicose vein removal options with your obstetrician.
MYTH #3 Varicose and spider veins only affect older adults
Aging is undoubtedly a risk factor, but this myth is untrue. Many younger adults develop varicose veins due to lifestyle choices and genetics. There is a chance of developing varicose and spider veins whether you are 20 or 80.
MYTH #4 You can see varicose veins on your legs
You can suffer from varicose veins even if you can’t see the veins. Varicose veins may be too deep to be visible, but they can still cause tired and achy legs, swelling, itchy rashes, and leg cramps.
MYTH #5 You can get varicose veins by crossing your legs
Varicose veins are caused by heredity, pregnancy, obesity or weight gain. It is impossible to prove that crossing your legs causes varicose veins.
MYTH #6 Exercise will make your varicose veins worse
Deep veins may be asymptomatic in some, but in others, these issues can cause swelling or sores. Contractions from exercise force blood to the center of the body. This makes exercise great even if you have varicose veins.
MYTH #7 Spider veins are varicose veins
Not so. Spider veins are dilated veins on the surface of the skin and are usually cosmetic. Varicose veins occur in the fat between muscles and skin. Varicose veins may cause spider veins to appear, especially in the ankle area.
MYTH #8 Varicose veins are harmless
Varicose veins can cause aching, throbbing, and itching. Advanced cases of varicose veins cause swelling, thickened skin, and dermatitis. If you let varicose veins go untreated, you may get open sores that can become infected and painful.
Varicose veins are a vascular disease that causes twisted and swollen veins. The disease affects up to 35 percent of Americans. Venous insufficiency is another term for varicose veins. When blood vessels are damaged, they cannot send blood from the legs to the heart. Veins swell, throb, and can cause serious issues.
If you have more questions or concerns, contact Vein Envy for more information and schedule a consultation about your varicose veins.
