Though varicose veins are common, there are often misconceptions about how they form and who will get them. We set the record straight and dispel five common myths about varicose veins.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged and twisted veins that commonly appear in the legs and feet. They usually occur when damaged veins have difficulty returning blood from the legs back to the heart, causing the veins to enlarge, thicken and twist.
People who have varicose veins may experience leg heaviness, fatigue, aching, burning, swelling, discoloration or even ulceration.
Myth #1: Working on a hard surface all day will cause varicose veins.
Many people believe that working on hard surfaces like cement causes varicose veins, but this is a myth.
Working on hard surfaces often contributes to musculoskeletal pains, but has minimal direct influence on varicose veins. Leg venous pressure does increase with inactivity, such as sitting or standing for prolonged periods. Taking short walks or doing calf pump exercises throughout the day can help to relieve symptoms.
Myth #2: Only women get varicose veins.
Varicose veins are thought to be more common in women, but men can get them too, and in some studies, they were affected almost equally. The American Society for Vascular Surgery says more than 20 million Americans have varicose veins.
Varicose vein risk is inherited, so family history, not gender, is the largest determining factor in the development of varicosities.
Unfortunately, both women and men with symptoms often go untreated.
Myth #3: Exercise makes varicose veins worse.
This is a myth. Exercise typically decreases venous pressure in the legs, which should reduce varicose vein formation.
Leg pain with exercise can occur in some patients and is more often associated with arterial disease, but may be associated with vein obstruction resulting from blood clots or abnormalities. If you are experiencing leg pain, it's important to have it evaluated to receive the appropriate treatment.
Myth #4: Only older adults get varicose veins.
Though varicose veins are more common in adults over the age of 50, children, teens and young adults can also have them. According to the Framingham Study, women between the ages of 40 to 49 have the highest risk of developing varicose veins.
Myth #5: You must have surgery to remove varicose veins.
Initially, varicose vein symptoms can be managed conservatively with:
More advanced disease will generally require vein removal to control venous pressure. These procedures can be performed in an outpatient setting with minimal-to-no anesthesia, and patients should be able to return to normal activities rather quickly.
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