It is estimated that 50% of all adults over age 40 in the Unites States have varicose veins in their legs. Since this is a common problem, there’s a lot of ‘conventional wisdom’ or myths surrounding varicose veins. Many of these myths are widely believed but are simply not true. For instance, some people think that varicose veins are only a cosmetic issue, while others believe that varicose veins will go away on their own.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, Dr. Mathew Cheung and Dr. Peter Lin discuss some common myths about varicose veins. In this article, you will learn both myths and facts about varicose veins as these physicians experts discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment of this common condition. They share top 12 common myths about varicose veins.

People who have not experienced varicose veins may think they are purely a cosmetic eyesore, but they are in fact a sign of underlying vein disease, also known as venous insufficiency. Furthermore, sometimes varicose veins can be a sign of a more serious underlying circulation problem.

Vein disease occurs when tiny, one-way valves are placed under strain and begin to malfunction. This can lead to blood pooling, most often in the legs, ankles, and feet. Vein disease can place you at risk for a number of dangerous health conditions, including blood clots and venous ulcers. It can also lead to significant pain and discomfort.

Varicose veins are not the same as spider veins, which are small broken capillaries close to the surface of the skin. They are mostly cosmetic in nature and rarely cause pain. Conversely, varicose veins can cause leg swelling, leg pain and are larger (usually more than a quarter inch in diameter) and often distended, located deeper than spider veins and can be related to more serious vein disorders.

Some people with varicose veins ignore them, believing that they will eventually disappear without treatment. Unfortunately, this varicose vein myth can lead to unnecessary suffering as symptoms worsen and underlying vein disease progresses. While following a healthy lifestyle may help improve symptoms and prevent additional venous issues, only varicose vein treatment can make them go away.

One possible exception to this myth about varicose veins involves pregnancy: In some cases, varicose veins improve naturally after childbirth.

Varicose veins affect 22 million women and 11 million men between the ages of 40 and 80, despite being more prevalent in women and older persons. So while older women may be at greater risk for varicose veins, the reality is that anyone, at any age, can get them. Additional risk factors include genetics, obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, smoking, and inactivity.

If you are at risk for varicose veins, we recommend close monitoring by a vein specialist. Early treatment can prevent painful symptoms, along with leading to the best health outcomes.

Research published at the end of the 1990’s suggested that when patients were scanned first before and then after pregnancy, those women who had thought they had developed varicose veins during the pregnancy had actually already had hidden varicose veins which were visible on their pre-pregnancy scan.

Varicose leg veins are not actually caused by the pregnancy (although pre-existing varicose veins will worsen during pregnancy due to the increase in blood volume and changes in hormones). However, there is a specific varicose vein that is only found in women who have both been pregnant and had a normal delivery, and that is vaginal varicose vein or vulvar varicose vein. This important condition is covered elsewhere on this website under pelvic congestion syndrome, vaginal and vulvar varicose veins and pelvic vein embolization.

Another myth about varicose veins is that they do not cause symptoms. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Varicose veins may cause various venous symptoms, including leg swelling, cramping, heaviness, numbness, itching, and burning.

If you experience any of these issues, we encourage you to get the facts about varicose veins from an experienced vein specialist.

Some patients with vein disease experience varicose veins and spider veins. Visible veins on the skin’s surface can be easy to mix up. While both are examples of diseased blood vessels, they are not the same thing.

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that rise above the skin’s surface, most commonly affecting the legs, ankles, and feet. Symptoms include swelling, cramping, itching, and fatigue.

Spider veins are dilated capillaries located close to the skin’s surface. They tend to grow in a web-like pattern, appearing as red, purple, or blue. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are not typically raised or bulging above the skin’s surface. They are also less likely to cause symptoms.

There are many products on the market claiming to cure varicose veins, including creams, ointments, essential oils, and even apple cider vinegar. We classify these products as myths about varicose veins treatment. While some may hold healing properties for other ailments, there is no evidence that topical products for varicose veins cure or prevent them.

Instead, research the facts about varicose veins treatment by contacting an expert. You may be surprised to learn how easy and convenient vein treatment can be. At USA Vein Clinics, most treatments are performed in less than an hour, from start to finish. Afterward, our patients can leave immediately and return to most normal activities.

This dangerous myth about varicose veins could not be farther from the truth. The reality is that inactivity can make your varicose veins even worse. It can also contribute to additional venous issues.

Exercise, on the other hand, can boost circulation, improve symptoms, and prevent additional varicose veins. Although your doctor may recommend avoiding strenuous activities such as heavy weight lifting or running marathons, most patients can benefit from moderately exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five days per week. Before starting any new exercise program, be sure to consult your doctor.

Pregnancy is a known risk factor for varicose veins. However, that doesn’t mean women of child-bearing age should necessarily wait for vein treatment. While treatment is rarely performed during pregnancy, it can be performed before or between pregnancies.

If varicose veins do not resolve on their own after pregnancy, vein treatment may be recommended to alleviate painful symptoms. There is no need to wait until your family is complete to seek treatment for varicose veins.

Although you may have heard that massage therapy can cure varicose veins, this is another varicose veins myth. While getting massage therapy can help relieve leg pain and other venous symptoms, it is not an effective treatment for varicose veins.

Remember that varicose veins are caused by vein disease, which results from damaged vein valves. Massage therapy can not repair these damaged vein valves.

The effects of vein disease can occur beneath the skin’s surface, so you may not be able to see visible signs like varicose veins or spider veins. If you experience leg pain, swelling, and other symptoms, it is important to seek a medical diagnosis.

Your provider can review your medical history, perform a physical evaluation, and order diagnostic tests and imaging to determine what is going on. If vein disease is behind your symptoms, treatment options can be discussed.

Another varicose vein myth is that treatment is unnecessary. However, the varicose veins facts are abundantly clear: Patients with vein disease often experience painful symptoms that impact their quality of life. They are also at increased risk for developing dangerous health issues, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (a type of blood clot in the deep venous system). When left untreated, DVT can travel to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening medical emergency.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, we strive to provide the best service, care, and results possible. If you have circulation problem related to your arteries or veins and would like to seek consultation with a vascular surgeon, give us a call at 626-275-9566 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us at www.vcsla.com for more information.