Confused about varicose vein treatments or by common myths? Many myths surround varicose veins, from thinking they are just cosmetic issues to only women can get them.
In this article we tried to explain the top 10 varicose vein myths and clarify what causes varicose veins (faulty blood vessels and weak vein walls).
With input from board-certified vein doctors, learn how modern methods can improve circulation, relieve restless legs, and prevent problem veins from getting worse.
It’s time to separate fact from fiction and seek effective treatment for healthier legs.
Myth #1: Varicose Veins are Only a Cosmetic Problem
Fact: One of the biggest myths about varicose veins is that they are just a cosmetic issue.
- While it’s true that varicose veins can look ugly on the skin’s surface as twisted, bulging veins, they are often a sign of underlying venous insufficiency, which can lead to more serious health problems.
- Varicose veins develop when the valves fail to work properly, and blood flows back and pools in the veins. This excess pressure makes the veins enlarged and visible.
- If left untreated, this can progress to chronic venous insufficiency, which can cause leg swelling and pain, restless leg symptoms, and even create a blood clot.
Varicose veins are not only about look. They are a sign of a deeper vein disease that needs medical attention. Varicose veins is not just about looks, it’s about overall vein health.
Consultation at Beso Vein Clinic and early minimally invasive treatments can prevent skin ulcers and further damage to your veins.
Myth #2: Only Women Get Varicose Veins
Fact: While women are more prone to developing varicose veins due to hormone fluctuations, pregnancy, and hormone replacement therapy, men are not immune to this vein condition. Research shows 15% of men will develop varicose veins as they age.
- The risk factors for men and women are the same and include:
- Family history;
- Chronic venous insufficiency;
- Lifestyle factors such as:
- standing for long periods;
- excess pressure on the veins;
- obesity;
- Men with varicose veins experience the same uncomfortable symptoms as women:
- Swelling;
- Pain in legs;
- Increased risk of blood clots;
Men and women should recognize the early signs of vein disease and seek vein treatment to prevent varicose vein complications.
Vein health is not gender-specific, and everyone needs to take care of it.
Myth #3: Crossing Your Legs Causes Varicose Veins
Fact: Crossing your legs does not cause varicose veins.
- Varicose vein formation is due to weakened or damaged valves in the veins, which cause blood to pool and increase pressure in the veins.
- Sitting for long periods or standing in one place for a long time can worsen symptoms in people who already have venous deficiency, but crossing your legs is not the direct cause.
- Crossing your legs for a long time may surely worsen symptoms like leg pain and swelling if you already have varicose veins.
- To maintain vein health, take breaks, move around during the day, and elevate your legs when resting.
Physical exercise can help reduce the risk of worsening varicose veins.
Myth #4: Exercise Makes Varicose Veins Worse
Fact: Exercise is good for preventing and managing varicose veins, not making it worse.
- Physical activity promotes healthy blood flow and strengthens the muscles that support the veins, which reduces the pressure on the vein walls.
- Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling are effective in improving circulation and preventing varicose veins from worsening.
- These activities promote healthy blood flow, prevent blood from pooling, and strengthen the muscles in the legs.
- But high impact activities or heavy lifting can add extra pressure on the veins and worsen symptoms in people with varicose veins.
- If you’re unsure how to exercise properly with varicose veins, consult one of our vein specialists to create an exercise plan to prevent varicose veins, not just to heal the symptoms.
Myth #5: Surgery is the Only Treatment Option
Fact: Surgery (vein stripping) used to be the go-to treatment for varicose veins, but it is now the last alternative.
- Advances in vein technology have brought minimally invasive options that are more effective, with less pain and downtime.
- Procedures like endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy have replaced invasive procedures with quick recovery and little to no discomfort.
- These treatments:
- Close off the damaged veins;
- Redirect blood flow to healthier veins;
- Reduce symptoms like pain in the leg and its swelling;
- Most treatments are done in an outpatient setting, and most of our patients return to their daily activities the same day.
Consulting with a vein specialist from Beso Vein Clinic will help you choose the right treatment plan for your situation and, in most cases, eliminate the need for surgery.
Myth #6: Varicose Veins Always Recur After Treatment
Fact: One of the most common myths about treating varicose veins, is that they always come back after treatment. This is not true.
- With modern treatments like endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy, the recurrence rate is extremely low.
- When a board-certified vein specialist treats your veins, these procedures target the problematic veins, collapse them, and redirect the flow of your blood to healthier veins.
- If new varicose veins form after treatment, they usually come from new vein issues, not the recurrence of previously treated veins.
- New varicose veins are often influenced by risk factors such as genetics, lifestyle, or other underlying conditions.
Following a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active can prevent varicose veins from coming back.
Regular follow-ups with a vein specialist are key to ensuring ongoing vein health and addressing any future problems.
Myth #7: Vein Therapy is Painful and Requires Long Recovery
Fact: Thanks to medical advancements, treatment options are no longer painful or require long recovery downtime.
- Modern, minimally invasive varicose vein treatments like sclerotherapy and EVLA are only slightly uncomfortable, and patients can quickly return to normal activities after treating varicose veins.
- These are done in an outpatient setting, so you won’t need to take time off from work or your daily responsibilities.
- Unlike old-school vascular surgery methods like vein stripping, which was more invasive and required longer recovery time, modern varicose vein and spider vein treatment options are much more patient-friendly.
- Today’s treatments target the damaged veins with heat or injections, which close the spider or varicose veins without needing big incisions.
- Patients often feel relief from symptoms like pain and swelling within days.
- So, varicose vein treatment is now accessible and pain-free, and there is no fear of long recovery.
Myth #8: Compression Stockings Can Cure Varicose Veins
Fact: Compression stockings are recommended to manage the symptoms of varicose veins but not to cure the condition.
- These stockings work by applying gentle pressure to the legs, which helps improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.
- However, they don’t address the root cause of varicose veins, which are usually chronic venous diseases and damaged valves in the veins.
- While compression stockings can relieve discomfort and prevent varicose veins from getting worse, it’s a temporary solution.
- To effectively treat varicose veins or spider veins, minimally invasive procedures like sclerotherapy or laser ablation are usually needed to close the damaged veins permanently.
- A vein specialist at Beso Vein Clinic can assess your condition and help you explore options beyond temporary relief.
Myth #9: Spider Veins and Varicose Veins Are the Same
Fact: Spider veins and varicose veins are often confused because of their appearance, but they are not the same.
- Spider veins are small blood vessels just beneath the skin, appearing as thin lines in red, blue, or purple. They are considered a cosmetic concern because they don’t usually hurt.
- Varicose veins are larger, twisted veins that can cause a lot of discomfort and health problems.
- Varicose veins develop because of faulty valves in the veins, which causes poor blood circulation and bulging veins.
- These veins are more likely to cause pain and swelling in your legs and, in severe cases, develop blood clots.
- While spider veins are a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can be a sign of venous insufficiency and need medical attention to prevent further problems.
These vein diseases develop from the same factors, such as:
- Prolonged standing;
- Family history and genetics;
- External pressure on the legs;
However, the severity and treatment options differ:
- For spider veins:
- Sclerotherapy can be used to close off the small visible veins;
- For varicose veins:
- ELVA (endovenous ablation) or radiofrequency therapy is often needed to address the larger twisted veins;
Myth #10: Varicose Veins Treatment Are Not Covered by Insurance Coverage
Fact: If varicose veins are causing pain in your legs, swelling, or venous insufficiency, many insurance companies will cover the treatment.
For example, if poor blood circulation or damaged veins are causing complications like blood clots or ulcers, treatment is medically necessary and not cosmetic.
Spider veins are considered cosmetic and may not be covered unless they cause symptoms or are related to underlying vein disease.
To see if your varicose vein therapy will be covered, you should consult with one of our board-certified vein specialists, who can assess your condition and provide documentation if needed for insurance approval.
Check with your insurance provider first to see what’s covered.
Don’t Let Vein Myths Stop You From the Care You Need
Time to separate fact from fiction when it comes to varicose vein treatment. The myths surrounding varicose vein, from being just cosmetic to believing treatments are painful, can stop people from getting the care they need.
Thanks to modern, minimally invasive treatments, varicose and spider veins are more accessible, quicker and better than ever.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or concerned about your vein health, see a board certified vein specialist first. Don’t let these myths stop you.