Noticing a bulging vein can set off all types of alarms in your head, especially if you don’t know much about the topic. And while the internet can be a great source for information, it can unfortunately also be a great source for misinformation.
That’s why we’ve put together this short article to tackle some of the myths about varicose veins, separating fact from fiction.
That’s why we’ve put together this short article to tackle some of the myths about varicose veins, separating fact from fiction.
Myth - Standing all day causes varicose veins
The cause of varicose veins is mainly genetic, so standing all day will not cause them, but will make all symptoms worse.
We say mainly because hormones do play a part, which is why pregnant women often develop varicose veins during and even after pregnancy.
The reason this myth is common is because those who have varicose veins and stand all day in their jobs, tend to notice the symptoms more, and confuse the symptoms with causation.
Getting varicose veins isn’t like catching a cold, it’s all in the genes - Myth Busted!
We say mainly because hormones do play a part, which is why pregnant women often develop varicose veins during and even after pregnancy.
The reason this myth is common is because those who have varicose veins and stand all day in their jobs, tend to notice the symptoms more, and confuse the symptoms with causation.
Getting varicose veins isn’t like catching a cold, it’s all in the genes - Myth Busted!
Myth - Running causes varicose veins
This myth is not only entirely false, but it’s the complete opposite which is true!
Exercise is always good for you, and getting those legs moving pumps blood from your calves up to your heart, helping to strengthen your circulation.
If you do a lot of running and are still nervous about varicose veins, compression stockings can help stop blood from pooling in your lower legs. After running, elevating your legs will help the blood to flow back to your heart easier.
Any exercise which gets the blood flowing will help fight varicose veins - Myth Busted!
Exercise is always good for you, and getting those legs moving pumps blood from your calves up to your heart, helping to strengthen your circulation.
If you do a lot of running and are still nervous about varicose veins, compression stockings can help stop blood from pooling in your lower legs. After running, elevating your legs will help the blood to flow back to your heart easier.
Any exercise which gets the blood flowing will help fight varicose veins - Myth Busted!
Myth - Removing the vein is the only treatment
This may have been the case before the turn of the millennium, but treatment of varicose veins has come a long way in the last couple of decades.
These modern, non-invasive treatments include Ultrasound Guided Therapy (UGS) and Endovenus Laser Ablation (EVLA). Both these treatments are simple day procedures, with have high success rates.
Usually treatment can be completed on one or both legs at the same session, with minimal discomfort, no scarring, and relatively low risk.
Treatment can be a simple day procedure with little risk - Myth Busted!
These modern, non-invasive treatments include Ultrasound Guided Therapy (UGS) and Endovenus Laser Ablation (EVLA). Both these treatments are simple day procedures, with have high success rates.
Usually treatment can be completed on one or both legs at the same session, with minimal discomfort, no scarring, and relatively low risk.
Treatment can be a simple day procedure with little risk - Myth Busted!
Myth - Varicose veins are a cosmetic issue
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Varicose veins are a medical condition, and are a type disease.
It’s a specific type of progressive vein disease, meaning it will only get worse over time if left untreated.
As time goes on, people suffering from varicose veins will almost certainly develop other symptoms, such as throbbing, swelling and aching. Advanced cases cause dermatitis, pain and tired legs, and the end stages of the condition can cause the skin below the affected veins to become thin, making it susceptible to bleeding and ulcers.
Varicose veins are a very real, very painful vein disease - Myth Busted!
It’s a specific type of progressive vein disease, meaning it will only get worse over time if left untreated.
As time goes on, people suffering from varicose veins will almost certainly develop other symptoms, such as throbbing, swelling and aching. Advanced cases cause dermatitis, pain and tired legs, and the end stages of the condition can cause the skin below the affected veins to become thin, making it susceptible to bleeding and ulcers.
Varicose veins are a very real, very painful vein disease - Myth Busted!
Myth - Only women suffer from varicose veins
This is one of the most common myths surrounding the condition.
It is true that women are more likely to develop varicose veins, an estimated 45% of people with the disease are men. The truth is, anyone can develop varicose veins, at any time in their life, and varicose veins affect around 30% of the population overall.
We treat many men here at the Vein and Skin Clinic, with a high rate of success - Myth Busted!
It is true that women are more likely to develop varicose veins, an estimated 45% of people with the disease are men. The truth is, anyone can develop varicose veins, at any time in their life, and varicose veins affect around 30% of the population overall.
We treat many men here at the Vein and Skin Clinic, with a high rate of success - Myth Busted!
Talk to us about varicose vein treatment
If you suffer from varicose veins, please don’t suffer in silence. Contact us today and let’s get the ball rolling on your treatment.
We are proud to be at the forefront of treatment in New Zealand, with our leading phlebologists (vein experts), Dr Henryk Poczwa, Dr Lorraine Smith and Dr Jerzy Nowacki, who recently were two of three phlebologists in Australasia to gain diplomas in ACP (Australian College of Phlebology).
Dr Poczwa first introduced the revolutionary laser treatment of varicose veins into New Zealand in 2002, and the three Phlebologists have successfully treated over 3,000 cases, including some of the largest varicose veins seen in this hemisphere.
Numerous Phlebologists and Vascular Surgeons in the country have adopted the practice because of its high success rate and low risk.
All staff at our clinic are continually being up-skilled, attending educational workshops and industry conferences both home and abroad, to ensure our patients receive the best and most-up-to-date treatments available.
If you would like to do something about your varicose veins, or would simply like to ask a few questions about your condition,book a consultation today or call us on 0800 639 968.
Our friendly, experienced and professional staff will be happy to help in any way they can.
We are proud to be at the forefront of treatment in New Zealand, with our leading phlebologists (vein experts), Dr Henryk Poczwa, Dr Lorraine Smith and Dr Jerzy Nowacki, who recently were two of three phlebologists in Australasia to gain diplomas in ACP (Australian College of Phlebology).
Dr Poczwa first introduced the revolutionary laser treatment of varicose veins into New Zealand in 2002, and the three Phlebologists have successfully treated over 3,000 cases, including some of the largest varicose veins seen in this hemisphere.
Numerous Phlebologists and Vascular Surgeons in the country have adopted the practice because of its high success rate and low risk.
All staff at our clinic are continually being up-skilled, attending educational workshops and industry conferences both home and abroad, to ensure our patients receive the best and most-up-to-date treatments available.
If you would like to do something about your varicose veins, or would simply like to ask a few questions about your condition,book a consultation today or call us on 0800 639 968.
Our friendly, experienced and professional staff will be happy to help in any way they can.
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