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Jan 17, 2025|Varicose Veins

Myths About Varicose Veins You Thought Were True

Myths About Varicose Veins You Thought Were True-Houston, TX

If you know anything about varicose veins, it’s possible that some of what you know isn’t fact. Do you think that you can separate fact from fiction when it comes to varicose veins? Here are some popular myths that you probably think are true.

varicose vein massage treatment of a senior woman

Myth #1- Varicose Veins Only Affect Appearance

While varicose veins may be unsightly, many people are unaware of additional characteristics that define them. Some symptoms of varicose veins include, but are not limited to:

  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Leg Cramps
  • Restless Leg
  • Heaviness in the Leg

Myth #2- Varicose Veins Only Affect Women

Varicose veins are more common in women. However, varicose veins can occur in men, as well. Why are they more common in women? Women typically experience more hormonal fluctuation than men do, and this happens especially during pregnancy. Veins that appear during pregnancy may fade once the pregnancy has ended.

Myth #3- I’ll Get Varicose Veins When I Get Old

Varicose veins are indeed more prevalent in older individuals, but they can occur in patients as young as their early 20s. While varicose veins are common, not everyone will experience them. Left untreated, varicose veins may worsen with age.

Myth #4- Varicose Veins and Spider Veins are the Same Thing

Spider veins are very different from varicose veins and are usually no more than a cosmetic issue. While both varicose and spider veins are symptoms of injured or diseased blood vessels, they are very different. Spider veins are typified by their spider web appearance and appear close to the surface of the skin. They occur when capillaries dilate and are usually harmless. They typically don’t alter the skin’s surface and are not raised or bulging.

Myth #5- Varicose Veins are Always Visible

In some instances, varicose veins are visible and may even bulge and create a bumpy or raised surface. However, in other cases, varicose veins will not be visible depending on the amount of fatty tissues under the skin. If you experience the symptoms of varicose veins, such as swelling, tingling, leg cramps, or burning, you may want to have your legs assessed for varicose veins by a doctor.

Myth #6- Exercising Will Make Me Get Varicose Veins

On the contrary, exercise may alleviate varicose veins. Non-weight-bearing exercises may be the most effective in preventing them. In fact, yoga is used as a treatment for varicose veins. Yoga can be 100% curative in some cases.

Myth #7- Changing My Lifestyle Won’t Help

Factors such as dietary choices, exercise levels, and others can be very effective in alleviating varicose veins. Some lifestyle changes that can help alleviate varicose veins are:

  • Dietary Changes
    Consuming more fiber and limiting salt are ways to avoid pressure on the legs. Consuming food rich in antioxidants is another way to help.
  • Vein Friendly Exercise
    Swimming, cycling, and yoga are all exercises that can help patients who have varicose veins.
  • Weight Loss
    Dropping that extra 15 pounds will help take pressure off the legs, thereby relieving the stress on the veins and reducing the risks and symptoms of varicose veins.

Myth #8- Surgery Is My Only Choice for Treating Varicose Veins

Although surgery is a viable option for varicose veins, there are innovative treatments that are effective in the alleviation and elimination of varicose veins. Some of these treatments include:

Myth #9- It’s Challenging to Recover from Vein Surgery

In most cases, the recovery from vein surgery is a simple process.

Myth #10- It Is Possible to Prevent and Cure Varicose Veins

Although there are many ways to prevent and treat varicose veins, the results are not always guaranteed. There is no cure for varicose veins, but they are always treatable.

Talk to a Professional

In the Houston, Texas, area, Premier Vein and Vascular Center is the clear choice for vein support. Our medical professionals are the ultimate experts in vein treatment. From vein treatment to fibroid treatment to other vascular procedures, we are known for our expertise in vein therapy. For more information, visit our website or schedule a consultation with our team.

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