5 common myths about varicose veins

​​Everyone has heard of varicose veins, but there are numerous half-truths and myths about varicose veins that seem to permeate society. We’ve decided to set the record straight and tackle a few of these myths head-on. 

Only women suffer from varicose veins

​This is one of the most common myths surrounding the condition. While it’s true that women are more likely to develop varicose veins, an estimated 10-15% of men also suffer. The truth is, anyone can develop varicose veins, at any time in their life, and varicose veins affect around 30% of the population overall. 

Varicose veins are purely a cosmetic issue

​Varicose veins are a type of vein disease, and a vein disease is a progressive disease, meaning it will only get worse over time. Most people with varicose veins will tend to develop other symptoms, such as throbbing, swelling and aching. Advanced cases cause dermatitis, pain and tired legs. And while very rare, end stages of the condition can cause the skin below the affected veins to become thin, making it susceptible to bleeding and ulcers.

Running causes varicose veins

​This one is not only false, but the truth is the complete opposite. Exercise is always good for you, and running certainly does not give you varicose veins. Getting your legs moving pumps blood from your calves up to your heart, helping to strengthen your circulation. If you’re still not sure about this myth, then compression stockings can help stop blood from pooling in your lower legs during exercise, and after exercise, if you elevate your legs, this allows the blood to flow back to your heart easier.

Standing all day causes varicose veins

If you have a job where you are on your feet all day, such as a waitress, hairdresser or flight attendant, don’t worry, you won’t suddenly develop varicose veins. This myth is perpetuated because standing for hours on end might make those who already have varicose veins notice the symptoms more, but it’s not the reason they have them. The main cause of varicose veins is genetics, with hormone levels also playing a part.

Removing the vein is the only treatment

​This may have been the case 20 years ago, but modern medicine has come a long way, especially when it comes to the treatment of varicose veins. These modern, non-invasive treatments include Ultrasound Guided Therapy (UGS) and Endovenus Laser Abaltion (EVLA). Both these treatments are walk-in, walk-out day procedures, and both have high success rates.

How the Vein and Skin Clinic can help

The Vein and Skin Clinic is at the forefront of treatment of varicose veins, irrespective of how large they are. The Vein and Skin Clinic’s leading phlebologist (vein expert), Dr Henryk Poczwa, first introduced the revolutionary laser treatment of varicose veins into New Zealand in 2002, and he has successfully treated nearly 3000 cases, including some of the largest varicose veins seen in this hemisphere. Since Dr Poczwa introduced the procedure, numerous Phlebologists and Vascular Surgeons have adopted the practice because of its high success rate and low risk.

The Vein and Skin Clinic employs two other doctors with many years of experience in phlebology, as well as nursing staff equally experienced and skilled in their roles.

At the Vein and Skin Clinic, it is our policy to continually up-skill our staff, and the highly qualified doctors and cosmetic nurses who work here attend regular conferences both overseas and in New Zealand. When booking a consultation with us, you can be confident you are receiving the best, medically appropriate care.
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If you would like to do something about your varicose veins, or would simply like to know more, call us today on 0800 639 968 or click here and book a consultation.

Our friendly and professional staff will be only too happy to help in any way they can.