Varicose veins are a common venous disease of the legs. Over 30 percent of women and 10 percent of men seek help for these enlarged, swollen veins. Despite this figure, many people still have a lot of misconceptions about varicose veins. These include:
Myth #1: Only elderly people get varicose veins
Fact: Although aging can increase one’s chance of getting varicose veins as a result of age-related changes (veins lose elasticity as we age), elderly people are not the only ones who can get varicose veins. In fact, you can start noticing symptoms of varicose veins as early as in your 20s.
There are also other factors that can cause them to appear sooner than expected. These include family history, obesity, pregnancy, and a sedentary lifestyle (prolonged sitting and standing can lead to varicose veins).
Myth #2: Varicose veins only affect women
Fact: Varicose veins are more common in women than in men due to the hormone progesterone. This doesn’t mean though that only women are affected by varicose veins, though. As many as 45 percent of men will experience varicose veins at some point of their lives. The number one cause of varicose veins for men (and for women) is family history.
Myth #3: Crossing your legs cause varicose veins
Fact: Crossing your legs doesn’t lead to varicose veins. The veins in the legs are protected by a sheath of rigid muscle, keeping it from being compressed or kinked by certain leg movements.
Varicose veins are caused by an intrinsic problem within the vein themselves. This can be a result of loss of vein elasticity or a result of circulatory change.
Myth #4: Varicose veins should not be treated unless painful
Fact: Varicose veins can leave an unappealing physical appearance. This is a common reason why people seek treatment for their enlarged veins. Aside from the cosmetic issue, people also seek treatment for the symptoms associated with the condition such as soreness, throbbing, and feeling of heaviness in the legs.
Myth #5: Treatment for varicose veins is painful and leaves scars
Fact: New technology and discoveries in medical science paved the way for minimally invasive procedures. Now, patients can have their varicose vein treated in the doctor’s office without pain and a scar.
Premier Vein Clinics in Knoxville have experienced vascular surgeons who are experts in diagnosing and treating varicose veins. Performing vein procedures since 2004, we are committed to helping you get your healthy legs back. Premier Vein Clinics is offering free varicose vein screenings. Request a free screening by calling 865-588-9952 or online at http://www.premierveinclinics.com/free-vein-screening/.