7 Myths about Varicose Veins You Shouldn’t Believe

1. 7 Myths about Varicose Veins You Shouldn’t Believe To some, those bulging, unsightly veins on your legs are nothing more than a cosmetic issue that doesn’t cause any symptoms. For others, they are a sign of something more dangerous. But which one is true? When suffering from varicose veins, it is important to separate the facts from the myths to eliminate some misconceptions about the condition and get the proper treatment. We finally set the record straight on some of these myths so you know what to believe. Here are 7 myths about varicose veins that you should never believe. Myth 1: Only women have varicose veins. Varicose veins are more likely to occur in women than in men. Among adult women, about 25% will have varicose veins. Several factors can lead to women’s predisposition to varicose veins, which include changes in hormonal levels, use of birth control pills, and menopause. But that doesn’t mean men won’t be afflicted with varicose veins. About 10-15% of men will have varicose veins some time in their lives. Other risk factors for varicose veins that could affect men include obesity, leg injury, repeated strain from heavy lifting, and prolonged inactivity. Myth 2: It’s not a health issue. Many consider varicose veins to only be a cosmetic issue and never a health issue. In reality, even the most harmless cases can start to develop various symptoms, such as dull pain, heaviness, throbbing, and swelling of the legs. In some cases, it could even progress further where skin discoloration, skin thickening, ulcer formation, and bleeding can occur.

2. Myth 3: Crossing your legs can cause varicose veins. While it is true that crossing your legs can create increased pressure on your legs, it does not cause varicose veins. Crossing your legs can only exert minimal pressure on your legs, which isn’t enough to make veins bulge nor weaken vein walls. Myth 4: Pregnancy can cause varicose veins. Pregnancy doesn’t cause varicose veins, but can exacerbate symptoms that are already there. Varicose veins that do appear or become more visible during pregnancy are also not permanent. They usually disappear within three to six months. Myth 5: Varicose veins are inevitable as part of aging. Aging can actually exacerbate symptoms of varicose veins. This doesn’t mean, however, that aging causes symptoms to appear. In fact, even teenagers can get varicose veins, as well. But ageing doesn’t guarantee everyone will get varicose veins at the latter point in their lives. Many risk factors come into play, which include heredity, level of physical activity, and changes in hormone levels. Myth 6: A simple massage can cure varicose veins. Gently massaging the affected area can definitely help relieve some of the symptoms of varicose veins, such as cramping, soreness, or swelling. However, a simple massage cannot make it entirely go away, especially when such symptoms as heaviness, severe swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, and throbbing pain. But treatment options such as Sclerotherapy and laser vein treatment can make varicose veins disappear. Myth 7: Tattoos can make your varicose veins worse. Having a tattoo over affected areas cannot worsen the symptoms of varicose veins. But while it doesn’t really affect your varicose veins, it’s best to stay on the safe side and avoid getting a tattoo directly over the area to eliminate the risk of an infection or a distorted tattoo.