Are you 1 of the 50% of all adults that are thought to have varicose veins? Also known as spider veins, these appear as purple and bulging and are most often in your legs and feet. When it comes to understanding the causes and issues surrounding varicose veins though, there are a lot of myths muddled in with the truth. To help you distinguish the fact from the fiction, here are some commonly asked questions and myths busted!
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You Get Varicose Veins When You’re Pregnant
You're not guaranteed to get varicose veins when you’re pregnant and it's not a cause. Pregnancy may, however, enhance the look of the veins and make them seem worse if they were already there.
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Crossing Your Legs Can Cause Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are caused by pressure inside the vein and so external pressure such as crossing your legs won’t be the cause of your bulging and uncomfortable varicose veins.
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Compression Socks Don’t Work For Varicose Veins
Compression socks are designed to steadily squeeze the legs to support circulation. As a result, they can’t get rid of varicose veins but can help with the symptoms such as discomfort and swelling.
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You Can Only Wear Loose Clothing With Varicose Veins
Whilst it is recommended to wear looser clothing compared to anything tight-fitting, this isn't always necessary as tight-fitting trousers or shoes are not a cause of varicose veins.
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You Can Cure Varicose Veins By Massaging Them
Massing varicose veins can help with some of the symptoms including swelling, soreness and discomfort, but won’t get rid of them completely.
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Varicose Veins Are Genetic
This myth is only partly true. For only about 50% of people with varicose veins, it runs in the family. However, this still means you can develop the condition without any previous family history.
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Being Overweight Can Cause Varicose Veins
Being both obese or overweight can put excess pressure on your veins and, as a result, can increase your risk of getting varicose veins or similar conditions.
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You Should Wait To Treat Varicose Veins After Having Children
You can take up treatments for varicose veins even before or while you're pregnant and you don’t have to wait until you've given birth. Just speak to your doctor first for a full examination.
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Tattoos Make Varicose Veins Worse
There's no proven or seen link between having a tattoo and it making varicose veins worse. If you do get a tattoo over a bulging varicose vein, this may cause pain and discomfort but it won’t necessarily affect the internal structure.
Overview
You should now know the common varicose veins myths and should be able to distinguish the fact from the fiction. If you’re wondering how to get rid of varicose veins, there are a number of natural remedies for varicose veins you can try before resorting to expensive or painful treatments including supplements and creams. You can also make lifestyle changes to promote better circulation and help with the symptoms of varicose veins.
