With the number of Americans suffering from varicose veins (over 30 percent), you may think that people would understand more about varicose veins. Unfortunately, there are still so many myths circulating about it.
The following are some of the most common varicose vein myths and the truth behind them:
Myth #1: You’ll get varicose veins from crossing your legs.
This is probably the most common myth surrounding varicose veins. This is so common that you’ve probably caught yourself thinking about varicose veins each time you cross your legs.
What’s the truth?
Varicose veins are caused by damaged or weakened valves. The valves are the ones that keep your blood flowing. If they are damaged, blood can pool, causing the veins to enlarge.
Crossing your legs, therefore, won’t cause varicose veins unless you already have damaged valves.
Myth #2: Only women can develop varicose veins.
Varicose veins may be common among women but this doesn’t mean that men can’t get it. In fact, statistics have it that about 56% of men have varicose veins.
Myth #3: Exercise will worsen varicose veins.
Exercise isn’t just good for overall health. It can also be good for your veins.
Physical activities such as walking or running cause your calves to pump more blood to your heart, which can make a difference in your blood circulation. However, when you just had a varicose vein treatment, it’s best to do moderate exercise at first and wear those compression garments to keep the blood from pooling into the legs.
Myth #4: Varicose veins are purely cosmetic.
There are still a lot of people who think that varicose veins are just a cosmetic problem. Sorry to burst your bubble but varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic issue.
They can cause a great deal of discomfort and in some cases, if left untreated, may even lead to more serious problems like a blood clot and leg ulcers.
Myth #5: Massage can cure varicose veins.
Massage may help reduce the swelling and discomfort, but it won’t make the varicose veins go away.
Premier Vein Clinic of Knoxville offers a number of treatments to make those varicose veins go away. We have the only board-certified team of Vascular Surgeons in East Tennessee. We are experts in diagnosing issues with veins and arteries. No physician referral is required. To request an appointment, call us today at (865) 588-8229.
References:
https://www.veinclinics.com/blog/7-varicose-veins-myths/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/varicose-veins-7-myths-you-shouldnt-believe/
http://soundvascular.com/blog/common-varicose-vein-myths-debunked.html