5 Myths About Varicose Veins You Shouldn’t Believe
Varicose veins are one of the most common, yet surprisingly misunderstood conditions. There are a lot of myths surrounding the condition and how it should be treated. Here, you’ll discover 5 myths about varicose veins you shouldn’t believe.
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Varicose veins are just cosmetic
This is potentially the most dangerous myth in circulation. Varicose veins have long been considered a cosmetic issue, but they can cause severe health problems too. When left untreated, they worsen over time potentially leading to blood clot development in the legs. They can also be really uncomfortable to deal with.
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Crossing your legs can cause them
Years ago, patients were advised to not cross their legs because doctors believed the pressure on the calf caused varicose veins to develop. However, experts now know this isn’t a cause, but the myth still remains. So, don’t worry, crossing your legs isn’t going to lead to varicose veins!
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Surgery is your only treatment option
Surgery did used to be the only treatment option, but these days you’ll find a wide range of varicose vein treatments available. Some are non-invasive and very fast to perform. You have injections, laser treatment and glue inserted into the vein for example. Surgery is used for severe cases only.
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Massage can eliminate them
As varicose veins are often thought to be caused by poor circulation, massage is often seen as a great way to eliminate them. However, the truth is that most varicose veins aren’t caused by poor circulation. This means attempting to treat them with massage isn’t going to work. In fact, in some cases it could lead to clotting. So, it’s best to seek proper treatment.
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Pregnancy can cause them
A lot of pregnant women appear to develop varicose veins. However, they aren’t caused by the pregnancy. Those who do experience varicose veins in pregnancy have generally had the problem for some time. However, it only becomes more noticeable during pregnancy, which is what leads to the confusion.
These are just a small handful of the myths surrounding varicose veins you should be aware of. If you do suspect you have them, it is important to book a consultation with an experienced varicose vein specialist. They will be able to advise you of the treatments available to eliminate them.
