Varicose veins are a problem for a third of the adult population, with that number rising to half for the over 50s.
Varicose veins are a serious medical condition, but unfortunately are still not thought of as such. Many people tend to think of them as cosmetic, when in fact they present a real danger to a person’s health.
Varicose veins are a serious medical condition, but unfortunately are still not thought of as such. Many people tend to think of them as cosmetic, when in fact they present a real danger to a person’s health.
The medical side of varicose veins
Varicose veins is both a chronic and progressive disease. Progressive meaning the condition will only get worse over time if left untreated, and chronic meaning it may affect a person their entire life, even after treatment.
The reason varicose veins are not simply cosmetic is because of the other symptoms they bring with them. Those suffering from the condition tend to feel throbbing, swelling, and aching in their legs.
Because it is a progressive disease, if left untreated advanced symptoms such as dermatitis, pain and tired legs are likely, and while rare, end stages of the condition can cause the skin below the affected veins to become thin, making it susceptible to bleeding and ulcers.
The reason varicose veins are not simply cosmetic is because of the other symptoms they bring with them. Those suffering from the condition tend to feel throbbing, swelling, and aching in their legs.
Because it is a progressive disease, if left untreated advanced symptoms such as dermatitis, pain and tired legs are likely, and while rare, end stages of the condition can cause the skin below the affected veins to become thin, making it susceptible to bleeding and ulcers.
The psychological side of varicose veins
With varicose veins having a knotty, twisted cord appearance in the legs, it can have devastating effects on the confidence of the sufferer.
Many people cannot deal with how they look, and this destroys their self-esteem, sometimes to the point of even changing their personality.
How people dress, especially in summer becomes dependant on hiding their legs. Paranoia can set in, with sufferers constantly worried people are looking at them. Activities such as swimming are now a nightmare, which, ironically, is a great exercise to help those with the condition.
Many people cannot deal with how they look, and this destroys their self-esteem, sometimes to the point of even changing their personality.
How people dress, especially in summer becomes dependant on hiding their legs. Paranoia can set in, with sufferers constantly worried people are looking at them. Activities such as swimming are now a nightmare, which, ironically, is a great exercise to help those with the condition.
What causes varicose veins?
At their heart, varicose veins are a circulatory problem, with blood not being pumped up through the legs effectively enough. As for the causes, it’s not 100% known, but there are many contributing factors we do know about.
Genetics play a large part, with statistics showing that if both parents have the disease, a person has an almost 90% chance of also suffering from it.
Hormones also play a large part in varicose veins, which is why many women first develop symptoms during pregnancy. With the increase of blood in the body and additional weight, those hormones cause the walls of the veins to relax, causing the valves to weaken and allow blood to flow downwards.
While women are more likely to suffer from varicose veins, it’s by no means a female only problem. An estimated 15% of men in their thirties suffer from the condition, with the number rising to 45% for the over fifties.
The truth is, anyone can develop varicose veins, at any time in their life, and the condition affects around 30% of the overall population.
Genetics play a large part, with statistics showing that if both parents have the disease, a person has an almost 90% chance of also suffering from it.
Hormones also play a large part in varicose veins, which is why many women first develop symptoms during pregnancy. With the increase of blood in the body and additional weight, those hormones cause the walls of the veins to relax, causing the valves to weaken and allow blood to flow downwards.
While women are more likely to suffer from varicose veins, it’s by no means a female only problem. An estimated 15% of men in their thirties suffer from the condition, with the number rising to 45% for the over fifties.
The truth is, anyone can develop varicose veins, at any time in their life, and the condition affects around 30% of the overall population.
Talk to us about varicose veins
If you suffer from this common condition, please don’t suffer in silence.
Contact us today here at the Vein and Skin Clinic and let’s talk about how we can help.
We are proud to be at the forefront of treatment in New Zealand, with Dr Henryk Poczwa, first introducing the revolutionary laser treatment of varicose veins into New Zealand in 2002.
Having successfully treated nearly 3000 cases, including some of the largest varicose veins seen in this hemisphere, Dr Poczwa is one of New Zealand’s leading phlebologists (vein experts).
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.
Contact us today here at the Vein and Skin Clinic and let’s talk about how we can help.
We are proud to be at the forefront of treatment in New Zealand, with Dr Henryk Poczwa, first introducing the revolutionary laser treatment of varicose veins into New Zealand in 2002.
Having successfully treated nearly 3000 cases, including some of the largest varicose veins seen in this hemisphere, Dr Poczwa is one of New Zealand’s leading phlebologists (vein experts).
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.
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