Vein Myths (Continued)

Varicose veins and venous insufficiency represent a very common patient presentation. The most serious symptoms are DVT, infections, ulcerations and bleeding. Fortunately, they tend to be rare. The most common reason for vein disease happens to be hereditary. In fact, if one parent has vein disease, there is a 50% chance for their children to also have vein problems. Despite this knowledge, we still hear plenty of exaggerated stories of “how varicose veins form.” In a previous blog, we addressed 3 dispelled notions on varicose veins and in this article, we focus on 3 more concerns patients with spider and varicose veins express.

Myth 1: Varicose veins are more common in runners
Anything that promotes circulation is good for your health and that includes your leg veins. Walking and moreso running promotes the calf muscle pump action and this reduces the amount of blood pooling in the lower extremities. That’s a good thing!
So it’s not the running that causes varicose veins in legs, however it’s clear that anyone spending a great deal of time on their legs with varicose veins should wear compression stockings.

Myth 2: Varicose Veins Are Always Visible
Varicose veins are insidious and so long before you see any protuberant veins, the underlying venous insufficiency can be progressing. Pay attention to symptoms including leg pain, heaviness or cramps. Nocturnal symptoms include restless legs or charlie horses. If you have any of these symptoms, then consider beginning your search for a varicose vein doctor near me.

Varicose veins are often the result of faulty pipes beneath the surface of the skin. Most commonly they involve the truncal veins (great saphenous or small saphenous veins) and perforators. As these feeder veins develop disease from incompetent valves, symptoms can start and with progression, visible varicose or spider veins may appear. It’s important to understand that the visual presentation of varicose veins is just the tip of the iceberg. Prevention complications down the line involves treating the underlying feeder veins.

Myth 3: Varicose Veins Can Be Cured
Unfortunately, varicose veins cannot be entirely cured. We are fighting some long odds with genetics and given the numerous amount of veins we all have, the better goal is to manage symptoms and prevent complications. This means starting treatment early and then maintaining ourselves with appropriate lifestyle choices including exercise!

Vein restoration centers in NJ and across the country are seeing more and more patients with varicose vein issues. There are probably several factors involved here including better patient and primary care awareness, insurance coverage and increased focus on wellness and aesthetics. Safe and effective varicose vein treatment requires proper evaluation by a leg vein doctor in NJ.