Many people think that varicose veins are merely an aesthetic problem, but they can result in non-healing ulcers, affecting your mobility. At Heart and Vascular Care, the team utilizes advanced technology to eliminate varicose veins with minimal scarring and no downtime.
What you should know about varicose veins
Varicose veins are twisted, bulging, purplish veins at the back of your legs. These unsightly veins can occur anywhere o your body, but they often occur near the small saphenous vein (SSV) and great saphenous vein (GSV), two superficial veins running along the surface of your buttocks, thighs, and legs. Varicose veins are usually due to venous reflux (venous reflux). This disorder damages your valves, which open ad close, allowing blood to flow to your heart.
If your vein valves are faulty and don’t close when they are supposed to, your blood flows backward and accumulates in your veins, causing them to bulge, twist, and gnarl. While most people with varicose veins rarely experience any symptoms, some may experience uncomfortable symptoms that affect their daily lives. Such symptoms include leg swelling, heaviness, spider veins, fatigue, discoloration, leg itching, and a burning sensation in the legs. These twisted veins may worsen if left untreated, resulting in excruciating pain, deep vein reflux, and immobility. If you also feel that varicose veins affect your physical appearance and self-esteem, you can discuss with you the available treatments.
Baseless myths associated with varicose veins
Many people think they know the reasons behind the development of varicose veins. While some may be right about some details, others are myths that should affect your resolve to seek treatment. The following are myths that you should not believe:
- Varicose veins are an inevitable part of aging
Not all people at a certain age are bound to develop varicose veins. While it is true that your risk of developing varicose veins increases with age, it is not an inevitable sign of aging.
- Crossing your legs increases your risk of varicose veins
Wearing tight pants or crossing your legs doesn’t interfere with blood flow in your blood vessels. External pressure on your blood veins is minimal and inadequate to damage your valves. However, crossing your legs for an extended period can exacerbate your varicose veins symptoms.
- Varicose veins are purely cosmetic.
Although varicose veins interfere with the aesthetic qualities of your skin, they are not simply an aesthetic issue. While many people may not experience any symptoms, some may experience aching, leg fatigue, and burning sensations that require medical intervention. In worse cases, untreated varicose veins can deteriorate and result in ulcers that can eventually lead to amputation. Medical experts recommend informing your doctor about your varicose veins to know the way forward.
- Varicose vein treatments are painful.
Many people avoid seeking treatment because of this myth. Some people also believe these treatments require a long recovery period and result in scarring. Technology has advanced, and there are currently minimally invasive treatments that eliminate varicose veins with no downtime.
Call the practice or book your spot online for more information about varicose veins.