In case you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, it could be troublesome to distinguish facts and fiction about the condition. Most victims tend to feel that the entire society has an opinion and possible solutions for the situation. Let’s look at a few misconceptions about varicose veins and the reasons why we should not trust them.
Women are the Only People Affected by Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are prevalent among women, although men can also get affected by the medical condition. Some studies have revealed that both genders are equally affected by the disease. Based on a survey conducted by the American Society for Vascular Surgery, an excess of 15 million Americans are affected by the disease. Varicose veins run in the family; therefore, family history is a significant determinant in the development of varicosities and not gender. It is, however, unfortunate that a majority of men and women go untreated.
Surgery is Vital for the Removal of Varicose Veins
Back in the day, varicose veins symptoms were managed through weight reduction, leg elevation, dietary salt reduction, daily exercises, and using the compression hose. However, with the advancement in technology and the advancement of the disease, modern treatment involves the control of venous pressure by removing the affected veins. According to the experts at MyVivaa, the procedure could be performed in an outpatient facility using anesthesia. The surgical process could be a stringent procedure; therefore, it would be advisable for anyone seeking a procedure to pick a facility that doesn’t have financial, race, religion, or national origin bias. After a procedure, the patient can return to their routine life.
Besides, the other misconception running in society is that surgery is the only solution for varicose veins. Well, in case one of your relatives suffered from the disease and underwent surgery, probably that was the right treatment for them.
Currently, there are minimally invasive treatment options available for varicose veins patients. Surgery remains to be one of the treatment options, but there are other suitable options that you should enquire from your doctor. Micro phlebectomy is one of the procedures that involve making several incisions on the skin to remove the veins. Sclerotherapy is another solution for the superficial veins, and it consists of mixing a scarring agent with air, then it is injected in the affected veins.
The Condition is Only Cosmetic
There is a cosmetic aspect in varicose veins and most of the time; it can be viewed on the affected person’s legs, making it uncomfortable for them to wear skirts or shorts. Spider veins are a common phenomenon among varicose veins victims, and it is considered to be the smaller version of the condition and that it is purely cosmetic. Varicose veins could have a significant impact on how much you enjoy life and your health status. The condition could cause intense bleeding whenever a victim is injured, increase the chances of a blood clot, cause changes in skin color, or make the skin thicker, cause swellings or cause pain and discomfort.
Varicose Veins Have no Treatment
Lack of treatment is a great myth meant to demoralize varicose veins victims. The fact is that numerous treatment options include slightly invasive non-surgical options and revising someone’s eating habits.
There are other innumerable activities that you could indulge starting now to reduce the varicose veins symptoms such as regular physical activities that would result in muscular movement, thus improving blood flow. In case you are overweight, consider losing some weight that will significantly benefit your legs and your overall health. Besides, try elevating your legs to your heart level four times a day for at least 30 minutes that will reduce pressure on the veins.
Women Should Wait till They are Done with Having Children to Seek Treatment
This is not correct! Even for those women who are in their family planning stage, they can also seek treatment during pregnancy. But it’s also important to discuss with your physician to ensure prescribed drugs are not dangerous to your present or future pregnancy. Some of these drugs can also be excreted via breast milk.
Having debunked these varicose veins myths, you stand a better chance of dealing with the superficial veins at an early stage, given the numerous treatment options available in your local hospital. In case you suspect that you have varicose veins but haven’t spoken to your physician or you thought that some of these myths applied, its high time you made an appointment. For those who have been diagnosed with the condition and experience pain and they are interested in better means to relieve the pain, ensure you make an appointment with an interventional radiologist who will offer you great solutions for your problem.
