Helping Seniors Live Healthier Lives

4 Common Lies You Should Not Believe About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are seen before they are felt I nearly all situations. In fact, you may not feel them at all. Nevertheless, it can be unpleasant to see the enlarged veins, and others may comment on them. Having varicose veins is no walk on the beach, and don't believe the myth that walking on the beach can cause them, either! Here are four other common lies that you should not believe about this unpleasant medical condition.

#1: Varicose Veins Can Be Cured with Frequent Massages

Varicose veins can be a big problem for anyone who gets them, and getting frequent massages can help you de-stress and unwind from the pressure of having varicose veins. However, massages themselves cannot get rid of the problem of varicose veins. It won't cure the problem at hand. Massages are still a good idea, though, because they can relieve some symptoms like swelling and muscle cramps. Just don't rely on them as the treatment and cure for the condition.

#2: Varicose Veins Can Pop Up from Wearing Tight Pants

Wearing right pants can cause some medical issues if done for long periods of time, but varicose veins can't result from merely wearing tight pants. Since Olivia Newton-John danced onto the screen in the tightest pants imaginable during the last number of "Grease", tight pants have been in style, and they are likely not going away any time soon. Luckily, they don't cause varicose veins, so that is one less worry you have with this condition.

#3: Being Pregnant Was the Root Cause of Your Varicose Veins

Having varicose veins can be a common complaint among pregnant women, but pregnancy itself cannot be the root cause of the condition. This lie abounds because pregnancy can worsen varicose veins, and some women may not even realize they have them until they are pregnant. Since the pressure on legs can increase, the condition can easily be exacerbated when one is expecting a child.

#4: Trying Alternate Methods Replaces the Need for Compression Stockings

In the search for relief from varicose veins, you may want to try to a variety of treatments. Your doctor may have several he recommends, and you may also try natural remedies to complement the medical ones. (Just make sure they are safe and doctor-approved first.) You should not skip the step of wearing compression stockings. Many doctors recommend trying compression stockings as a first step for prevention and treatment, and some insurance companies require that.

Finally, keep in mind that having varicose veins is not necessarily a life sentence to having them forever. There are a wide variety of treatment options currently available, including compression stockings, laser surgery, and foam sclerotherapy. Talk to you doctor about your treatment options and rest assured that there is a solution to the problem you're facing. Don't believe myths when you can ask your health care professional any questions you have about varicose veins and the impact they may have on your life.


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