If you believe that the swollen and dark veins on your legs are an uncommon condition, you are mistaken. Varicose veins are relatively common among people across the globe. You would find it in about 30% of the adult population.
Several myths exist regarding varicose veins, particularly about the causes and treatment. These myths often lead individuals to leave their varicose veins untreated. This can lead to severe complications in the future. This is why we have busted the common myths about varicose veins that you shouldn’t believe. Read on to know what varicose veins are and the myths associated with them.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are particularly noticeable on the back of the legs. The veins that lie just under the skin start to swell and twist. As a result, these veins become visible and can pose a problem in the summers as you wouldn’t be able to wear shorts without exposing the veins. However, these purple veins are more than just an eyesore. They can lead to severe skin infections, thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombophlebitis, ulcers, and other problems.
The most common myths
Many individuals lack an understanding of varicose veins and what causes them. This is what led to the spread of myths, which, in turn, misinforms people. Staying aware of the myths would help you follow the right treatment procedure to get your varicose veins cured. The most common myths regarding this condition are:
Varicose veins are simply cosmetic
Believing this common myth can leave you with untreated varicose veins and cause severe problems in the future. For sure, varicose veins do have a cosmetic aspect as they can affect the looks of your legs. However, the impacts go beyond affecting your dressing habits. Varicose veins can also cause:
- High risk of blood clots
- Excessive bleeding following an injury
- Thicker skin
- A change in skin color
- Swelling
- Pain and discomfort
Therefore, you are advised not to ignore the potential problems that varicose veins can cause.
Massage is an effective cure
Many individuals opt for massage therapies to cure their varicose veins. Although massage is undoubtedly effective against pain and swelling, it cannot cure you of varicose veins. To get rid of the condition, you would have to undergo treatment procedures specifically tailored for it. For instance, Vein Center offers varicose veins treatment through various procedures and is proven to be very effective. It is highly advisable to opt for proper treatment when you start experiencing the following symptoms:
- Heavy legs
- Muscle cramps
- Soreness, aching, and throbbing in the legs
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs
There is no harm in getting your legs massaged to get rid of the pain. However, if you are looking for a permanent solution, you would have to go for the treatment procedures meant to cure varicose veins.
Surgery is your only solution
People often believe that the only way to cure varicose veins completely is to undergo surgery. This was indeed true at one point in time. However, that was long ago, before more sophisticated treatment procedures came up. Certain reputed medical institutions offer treatment procedures that you may opt for. Among them, the most effective and popular ones are:
- Sclerotherapy
- EVLT
- RFA
- Venaseal
- Compression therapy
A professional can guide you in choosing the right way to treat your condition, depending on the symptoms and the severity.
Varicose veins return
People often avoid getting their varicose veins treated because of this myth. It is a common belief that even after treating varicose veins, they would eventually come back. While this is sometimes true in surgical treatment, modern procedures can ensure you a permanent solution. The risk of varicose veins returning is quite low in the case of sophisticated minimally invasive techniques.
Compression stockings aren’t always necessary
Generally, compression therapy is used in sync with the other procedures to treat varicose veins effectively. Wearing compression stockings enhances the healing process significantly. However, many individuals believe that these stockings aren’t necessary if a person is already pursuing advanced treatment procedures. In many cases, patients have to wear these for up to six weeks during recovery. Your insurance company may also require you to try getting the varicose veins treated using compression stockings first.
Women need to wait till they have had all their children
Varicose veins are more common in women than in men. However, many women delay their treatment by believing that they should wait until they have children. However, it is perfectly safe to undergo varicose vein treatment in between pregnancies. It is beneficial to get the condition treated early.
Other myths
Besides these, there are also several other myths regarding varicose veins. One of the popular beliefs is that crossing your legs would result in varicose veins. Although sitting with your legs crossed can worsen the situation if you have varicose veins already, it cannot cause you to develop the condition. Similarly, many believe that pregnancy is a reason behind varicose veins, while it can only exacerbate the existing ones.
Conclusion
Now that you are aware that these are just myths, you are less likely to make the wrong decisions. You may go ahead with a safe treatment procedure and get your varicose veins cured. You can also delay varicose veins from developing or decrease their severity through preventive measures. These include staying on a healthy diet and refraining from standing for too long.