Written By: Emma Squillace
This is the time of year when we can worry a little less about the appearance of visible veins in our legs, because it’s cool enough for pants. However, if you have varicose veins, chances are it’s not just the appearance of the veins that is an issue. Many people with varicose veins find they have aching, heaviness, or itching in their legs. Their legs feel tired, and sitting or standing up can be uncomfortable. Winter is a great time to treat varicose veins, because as the weather starts to warm up, you can be confident and comfortable with your legs. If you’re thinking about having vein treatment, you may run across a lot of inaccuracies. Today, we’ll cover myths about varicose veins that we’re asked about often.
Myth 1: Spider veins are small varicose veins
Spider veins and varicose veins are actually two different types of visible veins. One major difference is that spider veins are flat, while varicose veins are often raised. Additionally, spider veins generally appear as small blue or purple web-like structures on the skin. Sometimes they are on the legs or face. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are larger bulging veins which are very often on the legs. Some people have symptoms with spider veins, but often they can be pain free. Many people with varicose veins either do suffer from side effects now – or will in the future.
Myth 2: only people who are overweight get varicose veins
While obesity and being overweight are linked to a higher incidence of varicose veins, we have many patients of a normal weight that we have treated for these visible veins too. Even though excess weight is related to varicose veins, there are many other factors that can affect your risk. For example, pregnancy, hormonal changes, genetics, or a job that involves a lot of sitting or standing, can all be factors in your visible vein risk. There is no single factor that can predict whether you will develop visible veins, and no single action that can prevent them.
Myth 3: compression stockings can cure varicose veins
Some people find the compression stockings give them temporary relief from varicose veins. However, these stockings cannot cure these veins. If the compression garments give you relief, it is a method worth trying. But if you are looking for an actual cure for your varicose veins, this can only be done with medical treatment.
Myth 4: vein treatment is painful
Vein treatment used to be painful. That is true – and your parents or grandparents may remember the more invasive and uncomfortable treatments offered. Decades ago, the treatment options where nowhere near as advanced as they are today. Today’s minimally invasive varicose vein treatments are very well tolerated by patients, and have little downtime. We have options from injections to laser treatment and more.
Myth 5: varicose vein treatments are costly
Because varicose veins are a medical condition for many people, insurance will often cover the cost of treatment. If your veins are interfering with your day to day life by causing pain, or making movement more difficult, you may be eligible to have your treatment covered by insurance. This is especially true because it is accepted that varicose veins do not get better on their own.
There is a lot of misinformation about varicose veins. If you are looking for accurate answers to your questions, give us a call at West Medical. We can educate you about your treatment options, and give you all the information needed to make decisions. You can reach our vein team at (855) 690-0565.