7 Vein Disease Myths You Shouldn’t Believe
Author: StrideCare Internal Team
More than 20 million Americans suffer from vein disease. That means it is incredibly common, so common that even if those unsightly varicose veins on your legs aren’t painful right now, they eventually could be and lead to serious complications later in life. We don’t say that to scare you. Vein disease is treatable, and many people can go on to lead a normal life after treatment. But vein disease myths being spread these days can keep patients from seeking the help they need sooner rather than later.
At StrideCare, we believe it’s important for our patients to know the difference between facts and misinformation. We empower more people to make informed decisions about their vascular health.
What is Vein Disease Exactly?
Before getting into vein disease myths, let’s discuss what vein disease is and some of the typical symptoms. Your veins typically work on a one-way system using a series of strong valves to ensure the traveling blood doesn’t flow back in the opposite direction. When we’re young, we don’t think about our veins because they’re usually working just fine. But as we age, so do our veins.
As a result, weak valves in veins can lead to blood pooling in areas it shouldn’t and create a variety of complications and discomfort. Symptoms of vein disease include:
- Painful varicose veins
- Skin changes and swelling
- Chronic pelvic pain
- A heavy feeling in the legs
- Itchy skin
- Leg ulcers
- Restless legs
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- Lost leg hair
Fact or Fiction: Debunking 7 Vein Disease Myths
Vein Disease Myth #1: Varicose veins are a cosmetic issue only
There is a myth about varicose veins that says they are only a problem if they are painful. This is not true. Varicose veins affect roughly 25% of men and women in the United States. Yes, these twisted, bulging veins on your legs and feet can be nothing more than a cosmetic annoyance with no underlying condition. But more often than not, they are a precursor to a more life-threatening health condition. People who have them complain of intense pain and discomfort—a telltale sign of vein disease.
Vein Disease Myth #2: Compression stockings cure vein disease
Compression stockings support your legs by applying gentle pressure. These are typically the first conservative approach doctors take with patients experiencing a variety of painful vein disease symptoms. Wearing them during long work shifts, plane flights, and even while exercising helps with circulation, swelling, and managing painful symptoms. While they may slow the progression of vein disease, they do not permanently solve or reverse underlying issues you are facing.
Vein Disease Myth #3: Vein disease is a woman’s disease
Varicose veins and vein disease are thought to be a female-only issue, mostly because of the constant talk about women wanting to cover up their spider veins and varicose veins. But men also get varicose veins. In fact, 11 million men between the ages of 40-80 years old are susceptible to varicose veins. Also, men are reportedly more likely to develop chronic vein disease because they typically don’t seek treatment right away.
Vein Disease Myth #4: Varicose vein treatment doesn’t matter because they’ll just come back
This vein disease myth may have been true many, many years ago. But technology has advanced considerably to the point where reoccurrences rates are incredibly low. Not to mention, treatments are considered to be “walk-in, walk-out procedures” in most cases. Just a few minimally invasive varicose vein treatments include:
- Radiofrequency ablation — A thin catheter is inserted into the diseased vein through a small puncture. Under ultrasound guidance, the catheter is guided up into the great saphenous vein in the thigh or the small saphenous vein in the calf. The radiofrequency energy is delivered to the inside of the vein, which cuts off blood flow and relieves symptoms caused by varicose veins.
- Microfoam ablation — With this procedure, your specialist injects a special microfoam into your affected veins to relieve symptoms without the use of heat or tumescent. The foam fills the desired section of the vein, and the diseased vein collapses. Blood flow then shifts to healthier veins nearby.
- Sclerotherapy — Specialists inject a small amount of a specially formulated chemical solution full of sclerosing agents into the affected veins to reduce pain and discomfort caused by the enlargement or swelling of the veins. This solution irritates the vein walls and causes the vein to collapse and disappear.
Vein Disease Myth #5: Vein disease only happens in older adults
Age is a considerable risk factor for vein disease, but it’s not the only one. Vein disease is also common among pregnant women and people whose relatives have or had vein disease. Although not as common, people in their 20s and 30s can develop vein disease.
Anyone can develop vein disease. Our veins can be affected by life choices such as diet, excess weight, smoking, heredity, excessive standing, pregnancy, hormones, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Vein Disease Myth #6: Insurance won’t cover vein disease treatment
Some patients decide on seeking medical help based on whether they think they can afford it and concerns over if their insurance will consider it medically necessary or just a cosmetic enhancement. Because varicose veins and vein disease go beyond being just a cosmetic issue, most major medical insurances can and have shown to cover the cost of treatment. With that said, the cost of your treatment will vary depending on the type of treatment, the extent of treatment needed to achieve your desired results, and your health insurance coverage.
Vein Disease Myth #7: Ulcers only need wound care
Ulcer treatment does involve wound care professionals, whose goals are to treat the wound itself. But what many people don’t realize about this myth is that treating the underlying vein disease is very important. Advanced vascular procedures can increase ulcer healing rates and decrease the reoccurrence of new ulcers in the future.
Get Expert Vein Disease Care at StrideCare
Vein disease does not cure itself, and there’s no way to prevent it completely. But it’s important to recognize vein disease in its earliest stages and seek help from a medical professional who can guide you on your next steps. If you aren’t sure if what you are experiencing is venous-related, give us a call.
StrideCare has long been a leader in performing leading-edge procedures to treat vein disease. This includes varicose veins, as well as spider vein treatment, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), restless leg syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic congestion syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome and more—all the while providing compassionate patient care.
StrideCare physicians are board certified diagnostic radiologists with additional fellowship training in vascular and interventional radiology. If your veins need treatment—or you have questions on how to avoid the onset of venous disease—the experts at StrideCare will recommend an individualized plan to help you get the best results. Request an appointment for a vein disease evaluation to discuss your options.
Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
StrideCare serves the South Texas area including Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Brushy Creek, Cedar Park, Converse, Georgetown, Hutto, Kyle, Leander, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Pearland, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Schertz, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Bay City, Clear Lake, Lake Jackson, The Woodlands, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, and more.
