Veins are blood vessels which carry blood from legs towards the heart. These veins have one-way valves, so that when we stand, blood does not flow down due to gravity. Once the blood is pushed up, these valves will stay closed Varicose veins occurs due to damage to these one way valves. Due to this, blood starts flowing towards the ankles and out into superficial veins when the patient stands. So large tortuous vessels are seen in both legs in varicose veins
There are multiple myths around varicose veins which are prevalent in society. Let us know what are facts.
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MYTH 1. VARICOSE VEINS AFFECTS ONLY WOMEN, IT DOES NOT OCCUR IN MEN
It is true that varicose veins are more common in women, but men are also not immune to it. About 1/3rd of patients with varicose veins are male. It especially occurs in males whose job requires them to stand for prolong periods of time like supervisors, shopkeepers, watchman, teacher etc. So men with enlarged tortuous veins in legs should not ignore the symptoms and should consult the doctor for treatment.
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MYTH 2. VARICOSE VEINS OCCUR IN OLD AGE ONLY
Its true that varicose veins usually occur after age of 40, but now it is increasingly seen in younger patients also. In females its usually post pregnancy and in males its due to strenuous activity performed by youngsters.
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MYTH 3. VARICOSE VEINS IS JUST A COSMETIC ISSUE
No, its not just cosmetic issue, but it is a medical condition and if not treated on time it can lead to serious consequences like swelling in leg, discoloration of legs, ulcers and and even bleeding from legs. It is very important to consult an interventional radiologist to decide what precautions and treatment needs to be taken.
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MYTH 4. YOU NOT NEED TO WORRY ABOUT VARICOSE VEINS UNLESS IT CAUSE
PAIN OR DISCOMFORT
When we see large varicose veins in legs, it indicates that your valves are already damaged. So if not treated, it can lead to serious issues like swelling in legs, skin pigmentation or skin ulcers and bleeding. So if you have visible bluish-greenish veins consult an interventional radiologist at the earliest
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MYTH 5. YOU NEED SURGERY TO TREAT VARICOSE VEINS
Today surgical treatment of varicose veins has become obsolete. Now a days varicose veins is mostly treated non surgically by either laser therapy, Venaseal glue injection or by sclerotherapy. With these advanced technology varicose veins can be treated without any cuts or stitches. These procedures are painless and also patient can go home same day.
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MYTH 6. VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT IS PAINFUL
In old times varicose veins was treated by surgery. It was done under General anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. It involved multiple cuts and stitches. So it was painful and recovery was slow. Now with advanced nonsurgical treatment like laser therapy, varicose veins can be treated under Local anesthesia. It is not painful and you go home walking the same day. You can resume all routine activities from the next day.
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MYTH 7. WOMEN SHOULD WAIT UNTIL CHILD BIRTH, IF THEY HAVE VARICOSE VEINS
DURING PREGNANCY.
No, there is no need to wait for treatment if a woman is suļ¬ering from varicose veins during pregnancy. During pregnancy symptoms usually worsen as enlarged uterus in abdomen compresses veins and so pressure in leg veins increases. If not managed it can lead to serious consequences. So consult the doctor if you are pregnant and having varicose veins.
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MYTH 8. MY JOB DOES NOT AFFECT MY CHANCES OF HAVING OR WORSENING
VARICOSE VEINS
If your job requires you to stand for long hours; like teacher, flight Attendent, shopkeeper, watchman; blood will start pooling in legs and pressure in leg veins will increase. If vein valves are weak, it will start leaking and you will develop varicose veins. Similarly if your job requires you to sit for prolonged periods of time; like working on computer, clerk; it will lead to pooling of blood in legs and varicose veins. So it is good to have short breaks and walk for 5 mins every hour , so that your calf muscles will pump blood up towards heart and prevent pooling of blood in legs.
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MYTH 9. VARICOSE VEINS ALWAYS COME BACK AFTER TREATMENT
While varicose veins can recur after treatment, its likelihood is very low with new advanced treatment like laser treatment, venaseal embolization and sclerotherapy. You need to do some life style changes and take some precautions to keep your veins healthy for a long long time.
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MYTH 10. ONE CANNOT GO BACK TO NORMAL LIFE, EVEN AFTER VARICOSE VEIN
TREATMENT
Varicose veins can restrict many activities due to pain and swelling in legs. After treatment these symptoms go away and you can do all the activities which you were not able to do due to varicose veins. You can do almost all gym activities like running, cycling, swimming and can also go for trekking. In conclusion, there are many myths surrounding varicose veins and it is very important to know what are actual facts. If you are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, not ignore it and hesitate to consult doctor. With right treatment you can get rid of your varicose veins and its symptoms.
