Debunking Common Myths About Varicose Veins

Debunking Common Myths About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are common but sometimes painful, condition that most often affects the lower legs but can be found elsewhere in the body as well. Varicose veins occur when veins enlarge and even twist as a result of a lack of adequate and consistent blood flow. To some, these are simply an eyesore, but for others, these veins result in painful burning or stinging at the site of the varicose vein.

 

We have a basic understanding of the varied causes of varicose veins, as well as effective treatments, but there is also a lot of misinformation out there. This can make it hard to know what is or is not really true. Here, we take on some of the most common myths that are associated with varicose veins.

 

Crossing Your Legs Causes Varicose Veins

 

This is an old myth that has stood the test of time. People have thought, for many decades, that it was crossing the legs that caused one to develop varicose veins. Problem is, this isn’t actually true. There are a variety of causes of varicose veins (hereditary, lifestyle, pregnancy), but too much time spent with one’s legs crossed is not one of them.

 

There’s No Difference Between Spider and Varicose Veins

 

These are actually two quite different things. A varicose vein is an enlarged, twisted vein that lacks adequate blood flow. Conversely, a spider vein is a dilated vein that is close to the surface of the skin. It should be noted that varicose veins can put pressure on other veins in the immediate vicinity, which can cause spider veins to appear. They are not, however, the same thing.

 

Exercise Will Only Make Varicose Veins Worse

 

Not only is this patently false, it is almost dangerously so. We all know how important physical activity is to our overall health and wellness and having varicose veins does not change this. Exercising will not make varicose veins worse or increase the likelihood of you developing varicose veins. In fact, walking has been shown to actually help promote better blood flow. Restricted blood flow is one of the underlying causes of varicose veins to begin with.

 

Whether they are painful or they make you too self-conscious to wear shorts or dresses, varicose veins are a common and often treatable problem. The advancements in our medical understanding has made a huge difference in our ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of problems and has allowed us to dispel many common myths. Myths, however, have a way of sticking with us, hence the need for modern literature debunking some of the still-prevalent myths about varicose veins.

 

If you have further questions or are experiencing symptoms that you would like to have addressed, we invite you to give us a call today at 727-712-3233 and let West Florida Vein Centers Vein Specialists help. www.westfloridaveincenter.com