When it comes to varicose veins, there are many myths that are floating around, but buried under these false assumptions are also a lot of facts that many may not know. Varicose veins are most often caused by a condition known as venous insufficiency, which is a name for vein disease that occurs when the veins in our legs no longer work properly in returning the blood from our legs back to our heart. This form of vein disease leads to pooling of blood in our legs.
When blood pools in our legs, we may experience many uncomfortable symptoms, including leg swelling, fatigue, achiness, heaviness, skin discoloration, and varicose and spider veins, which usually leads many to seek out treatment. Vein disease can be caused by several factors, and it is usually a combination of them that results in symptoms. Age, genetics, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and leg injury or trauma can all contribute.
Myth #1: Varicose veins are caused by crossing your legs or standing for a long time.
Varicose veins result from an internal problem with the veins themselves, so crossing your legs and standing for long periods will not cause them to occur. Though excessive standing can worsen existing issues with veins, they have been shown to most likely not be the cause.
Myth #2: Varicose veins are merely a cosmetic inconvenience.
Not true! While many sufferers will have cosmetic concerns, many others seek out treatment because of the discomfort they’re feeling as a result of the veins. The swelling, achiness, and heaviness that varicose veins can cause leave many unable to enjoy life as they once did, and so they come to Vital Heart & Vein looking for a way to be active and feel good again.
Myth #3: Varicose veins are always visible.
Varicose veins don’t just occur on the surface of the skin, where we can see them. They can also occur much deeper, depending on how much tissue patients have between their muscle and their skin. This is why it’s important to come see us if you are experience pain or achiness, so we can help you get to the root of the problem. No matter what symptoms you’re experiencing or what your particular concerns are regarding varicose veins, Vital Heart & Vein can help. Our vein treatments provide Houston patients with relief so that they can get back to doing the things they love. We have four vein centers in Houston, so look us up to see which location is closest to you.