Run a Google Trends report on “varicose veins” and you’ll see that the popularity of the search term plots an unsurprising course – peaks in the summer months, dips in the winter.
Clearly, warm weather prompts people to look at their bare limbs through new eyes. But when searching for answers to questions about varicose veins, it’s deceptively easy to fall prey to myths, rumors, and old wives’ tales.
With that in mind, now is the perfect time to set the record straight on varicose veins and their causes and treatments.
Myth #1: Crossing your legs causes varicose veins.
The logic may seem sound (crossing your legs can put a “kink” in your veins), but that simply isn’t how the body works. “Veins in the leg are protected by a sheath of rigid muscle,” says Dr. Mark Adelman, professor and chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at NYU Langone. This protects the veins from being compressed or kinked by typical leg movement. As a general rule, though, standing up and moving throughout the day is highly recommended.
Myth #2: Wearing high heels will give me varicose veins.
While noting that high heels probably aren’t the best for your back or feet, Dr. Adelman says they don’t cause varicose veins. “People sometimes think that wearing heels puts strain on the calves, damaging circulation and causing veins to ‘pop out.’ While wearing very high heels for extended periods of time can impact blood flow, it’s actually not a primary cause of varicose veins. In fact, the exercise your calf muscles get when wearing heels improves blood flow.” But moderation is key: Consider saving those sky-high heels for special occasions.
“Fifteen years ago that was true,” says Dr. Kabnick. “It’s not true now.”
Myth #3: Treatment for varicose veins is painful and leaves scars.
“Fifteen years ago, that was true,” says Dr. Lowell Kabnick, director of NYU Langone’s Vein Center. “It’s not true now.” Modern, minimally invasive procedures are performed in the office using local anesthesia and 2-millimeter incisions. “Back in 1999, I had to chase people down to do their second procedure. The kind of treatments we have available today, now people ask when it can be done before they even finish the first leg.”
Myth #4: Veins should not be treated unless they are painful.
Aside from their unappealing physical appearance, varicose veins can produce symptoms including throbbing, soreness, heaviness and stiffness in the legs. But there is no need to wait for these symptoms to develop to have the veins treated. With treatments that require no hospital admission, general anesthesia or lengthy recuperation periods, being proactive is easier than ever.
Myth #5: Treatment by closing off veins will cause problems later in life.
Reading about treatments that collapse or close veins can raise a seemingly logical concern: But don’t I need all my veins? The deep veins (below the fascia) are the important ones. The truth is that the superficial veins, especially the damaged ones, are not necessary for normal circulation. “Removing damaged veins makes your blood flow more efficient,” according to Dr. Kabnick. The human leg has a very heavy network of veins, and cutting off bad passageways will simply allow other, healthy passageways to pick up the slack.
Myth #6: Pregnancy causes varicose veins.
“There is no one single cause for varicose veins.”
“There is no one single cause for varicose veins,” says Dr. Adelman. “A combination of risk factors contributes to whether or not a person will develop varicose veins.” While pregnancy is certainly one of those factors due to the heavy burden it places on the body’s circulatory system, other factors, such as obesity, genetics, and work that requires being on your feet a lot, play crucial roles as well. A full medical history should be taken into account when diagnosing and treating varicose and spider veins.
Myth #7: My insurance won’t pay for treatment because it’s cosmetic.
Make no mistake: Treating varicose veins isn’t just about cosmetics. Varicose veins can also cause pain and discomfort. “If you are experiencing painful symptoms,” says Dr. Adelman, “that is a real medical concern.” Of course, coverage is determined on a case-by-case basis, so patients should check with their doctor and insurance company prior to treatment.
Whether you’re looking for a cosmetic improvement or experiencing painful symptoms, the most important thing to do is find the best treatment option for your particular vein condition. The experts at the NYU Langone Vein Center are at the forefront of the field, providing advanced treatment that is easier, less painful and more convenient than ever. To make an appointment or for more information, call 877-834-6698.