Revealing the Truths Behind Common Myths Concerning Varicose Veins
Do you have purple veins protruding from your skin? Worst, do you have swelling in your legs? You could suffer from varicose veins if you answer yes to those questions. This condition occurs when one-way valves within veins are damaged. Consequently, you will have a backflow of oxygen-poor blood in your veins. The buildup of blood in the vein will make these vessels bulge through your skin. With much information circulating about varicose veins, it can be difficult to separate reality and fiction. As such, a Coconut Creek, FL nurse practitioner has come through to reveal the truth behind myths concerning varicose veins.
This Condition Is Just a Cosmetic Issue
Some patients are reluctant to pursue vein treatment claiming that varicose veins are not dangerous. Twisting veins usually interfere with your skin texture, reducing your attractiveness. However, the effects of varicose veins go beyond aesthetic concerns. For example, you can experience restless leg syndrome, which obstructs your capacity to conduct daily activities. Also, when left untreated, accumulated blood can clot within the vein causing deep vein thrombosis.
Varicose Veins Are Not Preventable
While genetic factors are responsible for this condition, lifestyle modifications can help prevent varicose veins. For example, maintaining a healthy weight is necessary to avoid excessive pressure damaging veins. Wearing a support hose will also aid your veins in pumping poor oxygen back to the heart. However, for individuals predisposed to varicose veins, these strategies will only slow the onset of this condition.
This Condition Only Affects Women
Perhaps you have heard some people claiming that varicose veins are a women’s condition. This idea sparks from the fact that women undergo many hormonal changes exposing them to this condition. For example, hormonal imbalances during menopause relax the vein walls, increasing blood pooling likelihood. However, the reality is that men are not immune to this condition. If your parents have had varicose veins, you risk developing this concern irrespective of gender.
Varicose Vein Treatments Are Agonizing
Previously, the treatment for this condition included tripping the damaged vein. This exercise hindered some people from seeking treatment since it was painful. Fortunately, with technological advancements, you can lean on different, less invasive techniques to treat varicose veins. For instance, radiofrequency procedures use heat energy to damage the inner parts of the affected vein. Consequently, the damaged vein will collapse and diminish, thus restoring your look.
Crossing Your Legs Will Always Cause Varicose Vein
Some argue that crossing the legs when sitting will ultimately trigger vein concerns. The reality is that external pressure from this posture is minimal and cannot damage vein walls. However, depending on the pressure duration, crossing your legs can aggravate symptoms of varicose veins. Remaining in the same position for a long time can cause poor blood circulation within your legs. Therefore, you should alternate standing and sitting sessions to boost blood flow.
A varicose vein is one of the common vein concerns. It occurs when blood pools in your vein due to valve damage. Despite the prevalence of varicose veins, many people continue to misinterpret this condition. Therefore, when seeking vein treatment, you should distinguish between the truth and fiction of varicose veins. The above-busted myths will give you deeper insight into this condition as you anticipate your appointment. For example, you will learn that severe varicose veins can ignite other complications like deep vein thrombosis.