As you may well know, varicose veins are a common condition caused by damaged or weak walls and valves. Varicose veins may form when there is an increase in blood pressure inside your veins. Varicose veins can be due to certain conditions, such as constipation, pregnancy, a tumor, being overweight, or obesity.
For some, varicose veins can simply be a cosmetic concern. For others, varicose veins can lead to aching pain and discomfort. In certain instances, varicose veins can lead to serious problems.
However, there are certain myths about varicose veins that need to be addressed. That is what this article will do…
Myth #1: Varicose Veins are mainly a cosmetic issue
Reality Check: Many patients with varicose veins may be told by their primary doctor that varicose veins are mainly a cosmetic issue. However, quite often, they can be much more than that. A large number of patients with varicose veins will eventually develop symptoms. The most common symptoms include throbbing, cramping, dull achiness, and swelling of the legs. Other symptoms can include severe dryness and itchiness of the skin near the varicose veins. Other symptoms that are not very common include bleeding, skin discoloration, skin thickening, and ulcer formation. If you have varicose veins you may also be at risk to develop a dangerous blood clot in a condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
Myth #2: Varicose veins are a sign of aging
Reality Check: While varicose veins may occur in older adults, even children and adolescents as young as 13 years can develop varicose veins. With the cause of varicose veins being mainly hereditary, varicose veins may run in the family.
Myth #3: Varicose veins are mainly a women’s issue
Reality Check: While varicose veins are more common in women, men get them too. About 10 to 15 percent of men have visible varicose veins, which can be treated effectively.
Myth #4: Running can cause varicose veins
Reality Check: Exercise, especially running, is good for your veins. Walking or running can lead to more pumping of the calf muscle and results in more blood returning to the heart. While running does not cause varicose veins, you can wear compression stockings during exercise. This prevents blood from pooling in your lower legs. Also, if you are already suffering from varicose veins before you take up running and walking, you can definitely wear compression stockings. Also, when you are done running and are cooling off, you can elevate your legs.
Myth #5: Varicose veins are always visible
Reality Check: While the varicose veins that you notice are on the surface of the skin, you may also have varicose veins that occur deeper in the body, where you cannot see them. For example, if you have got a lot of fatty tissue between your muscles and the skin, you may not be able to see your varicose veins.
Myth #6: Standing while on the job causes varicose veins
Reality Check: While having a job where you stand a great deal of the time, such as that of a teacher or flight attendant, can cause varicose veins, there is no concrete evidence that prolonged standing causes varicose veins. It may be the case that you notice your varicose veins more when you are standing or sitting.
Myth #7: Making lifestyle changes will not help
Reality Check: Your lifestyle matters a very great deal. Obesity is one of the causes of varicose veins, and getting your body weight down to its optimal level can help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins. Also, you should exercise regularly, especially walking or running, which cannot just lessen the risk of varicose veins but can also reduce their symptoms. Calf-strengthening exercises and elevating your legs will also help.
Myth #8: Your only treatment option is surgery
Reality Check: Earlier the only treatment option for varicose veins was a surgical procedure called stripping, which involved surgically removing the vein from the body. However, this is no longer the case. Procedures that do not leave scars have become increasingly popular. One such treatment is Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), where a laser seals the faulty vein and redirects the blood flow to the healthy vein. Sclerotherapy can also be used to close the vein by irritation. You should consult your vascular surgeon for the different treatment options available to you.
Myth #9: Recovery after Varicose Veins is Difficult
Reality Check: Newer treatments have quicker recovery times. In fact, these procedures can be performed in an office in about 20 to 30 minutes without any recovery time. Patients can return to their normal routines and activities on the same day.
Myth #10: Women should wait for varicose veins treatment after having children
Reality Check: Women should get their varicose veins treatment as soon as possible. There is no need to wait till you have finished having children to treat your varicose veins. However, you should understand that the risk of developing varicose veins is higher during pregnancy.
These are some of the myths surrounding varicose veins. You should consult with your vascular surgeon to set your mind at rest about these and any other myths you may believe or concerns you may have.
At the Flow Vascular Clinic, Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala treats each patient as an individual and will patiently answer any and all queries you may have. He is extremely skilled at EVLT and other treatment procedures for varicose veins.
So, if you are considering treatment for varicose veins, look no further than Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala and the Flow Vascular Clinic. You can rest easy, knowing that he will work holistically with you and will recommend a treatment option that is right, just for you!
For more information about varicose veins, as well as the treatment for DVT, or other vascular conditions, contact Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala at (+91) 9989649498 or 9959033037, or at contact@drabhilash.com or visit our website at www.drabhilash.com