Varicose veins are the condition when your veins start to bulge out and turn purple.
This is a very common condition found in both men and women.
According to statistics, half of the adults are suffering from this condition. The chances of getting varicose veins also increases with your age.
The good thing is that varicose veins can be treated. There are various treatments available. So if you notice any of the symptoms of varicose veins, you should go to your doctor at once.
There is a lot of debate related to what causes it and how it can be treated. This has given rise to many popular myths. Today, we are here to burst some varicose myths for you.
Myths About Varicose Veins
There are so many things, we often get to hear about varicose veins. But most of them are nothing more than just myths. In the section below, Dr. Bhavesh Popat who provides varicose veins treatment in mumbai shares some of the popular myths about varicose veins.
Here you go with the details:
Myth 1: Crossing your legs causes varicose veins
Many of you believe that keeping your legs crossed for long can lead to varicose veins. But that is nothing more than just a myth.
Crossing legs or even wearing tight pants doesn’t cause varicose veins. However, they can worsen the problem, if you already have the condition.
Increased pressure can cause blood to clot inside your veins due to which the veins bulge out. This can be the result of weak vein walls or veins.
Myth 2: Pregnancy causes varicose veins
Another popular belief surrounding varicose veins is that it can be caused by pregnancy. This is again a lie. Pregnancy can exacerbate the situation but never cause them.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, varicose veins that become noticeable during pregnancy, often fade away after delivery. This means you have nothing to worry about.
Myth 3: Massage can cure varicose veins.
We get massages to relax our bodies and muscles. It also helps in reducing any discomfort or swelling. But massage is not a cure for varicose veins. If you think getting regular massage therapies will solve your problem, then you are just wrong about it. Also, you should know that massages can sometimes lead to clotting if you already have varicose veins. This results in reddish discoloration.
But the good news is that varicose veins can be treated using effective methods. As far as massage therapies are concerned, they can help you, if you have the following symptoms:
â- Swollen feet, ankles and legs
â- Cramps in muscles
â- Throbbing soreness
â- Leg aches
â- Heavy feeling in the legs
Treatment for varicose veins includes lasers and sclerotherapy i.e. injections. Both treatments are considered to be very effective for varicose veins. When done properly by an expert, it can make it disappear completely.
Myth 4: If you pursue advanced treatment for varicose veins, you won’t need to wear compression stockings
No, you don’t have to wear compression stockings, after getting advanced treatment for varicose veins. However, some patients may have to wear stockings during their recovery phase. The duration for which they have to wear it can differ from person to person. But it is usually recommended for six weeks or so.
Myth 5: Women should wait to treat varicose veins until they’re done having children
There are no hard and fast rules that you will have to wait until you get your child to treat your varicose veins. If you want, then you can get your treatment done even before getting pregnant. This can prove to be beneficial for many women.
Myth 6: Tattoos are bad for varicose veins
Tattoos have always been a controversial topic. Many say that tattoos are bad for varicose veins or it can worsen the problem. But according to experts, it is not true. They say that both things are not even related to each other. So you need not worry about your tattoos.
How to avoid getting varicose veins?
If you are curious to know how to avoid getting varicose veins, then we are here to help you.
The thing is that varicose veins cannot be avoided in most cases. No matter, what you do, you can still get the condition. However, you can delay the onset of the conditions or even make them less prominent.
Here are two important tips that can be helpful:
Maintain a healthy weight
Overweight people are prone to get varicose veins. Obesity increases the pressure in your veins and thus, increases the chances of varicose veins. If you already have it, then it can even exacerbate the situation. This is why you need to maintain a healthy weight.
Wear compression stockings
If you stand for long hours, then you should wear compression stockings. If not, then you should take short breaks from standing that long. You need to elevate your legs.
If you sit for too long, then stand up for some time and move around. With the help of regular exercise, you can maintain healthy veins.
Varicose veins can be painful. Instead of paying attention to myths, you should get it treated as soon as you get it.
(No Asian Age journalist was involved in creating this content. The group also takes no responsibility for the content)
