Varicose veins often appear as twisted, enlarged dark purple or red veins. They affect both genders but are more common in women. Varicose veins can form in many body parts but are more common in the lower legs. In men, they can develop in the testicles and may lead to infertility. Sebring varicose veins can cause pain, swelling, heaviness, and achiness over the bulged veins. Being overweight, pregnant, aging, menopause, standing for long periods, obese, and having a family history of varicose veins can increase your chances of developing varicose veins. People associate varicose with many myths and misconceptions, and below are some.
Varicose veins only affect old people
Even though varicose veins are common in older adults, they can happen at any age. Aging is one of the risk factors for varicose veins. About one out of two individuals with varicose veins are over fifty years old. Varicose veins can develop at any age due to genetic factors, standing or sitting in one position for a prolonged time, being overweight, and pregnancy. You can manage your weight and stay active to minimize the chances of developing varicose veins.
Varicose veins are just a cosmetic issue
Most people seek medical treatment to improve leg appearance, but they also cause symptoms like pain, swelling, and itchiness. Sometimes varicose veins symptoms can be extreme, preventing you from doing daily duties. In some people, varicose veins are not noticeable because they are located deep in the skin but may cause discomfort. Varicose veins can also lead to severe complications like blood clots, requiring immediate medical care.
Varicose veins only affect women
Although varicose veins are more common in women, they also affect men. Women undergo many body changes, like during pregnancy or menopause, increasing their chances of developing varicose veins. In men, varicose veins can be caused by a family history of varicose veins, sitting for prolonged periods, aging, being overweight, or tobacco use. Men have fewer factors that can increase the chance of having varicose veins than women.
Surgery is the only treatment for varicose veins
Surgery is not the only treatment for varicose veins. There are many treatments for varicose veins, including compression stockings, endovenous laser therapy, ligation and stripping, sclerotherapy, and radiofrequency. Doctors mostly recommend surgery if you have larger veins or other treatment techniques are ineffective. Lifestyle changes like foot elevation, reducing weight, and exercising can also help reduce varicose veins symptoms.
Varicose veins always recur after treatment
With the advanced technology in the medical field, there are many treatment options that can help eliminate your varicose veins permanently. For example, laser treatments address your varicose veins symptoms and eliminate the veins permanently. If a certain treatment method does not improve your varicose veins, your doctor will use a different one to achieve the best results. In other treatments like sclerotherapy, your doctor may recommend two or more sessions to eliminate your varicose veins.
Varicose veins often appear as twisted, enlarged dark purple or red veins. They may or not cause symptoms. If they do, you may experience pain, swelling, and itchiness. Schedule an appointment at Florida Lakes Vein Center for varicose veins treatment to relieve your leg pain and swelling.