7 Myths about Venous Disease

It seems that with every new medical study released these days, there are conflicting reports about what’s good for us and what isn’t, what treatments work or don’t work. It’s difficult to know what choices to make when making decisions about your general health. The same challenges apply when seeking advice about your vascular health. Our vein clinic in Orlando is here to help you unravel the myths about venous disease. Here are the most common myths about venous disease that you may not know:

 

• You can always see varicose veins. While varicose veins in the legs and arms can appear to be very obvious because they seem to bulge from the surface of the skin, they can occur deeper within the body and in places that you don’t often see.

• Varicose veins are strictly a cosmetic problem. Without sounding like the harbinger of doom, it is important to remember that your veins shouldn’t bulge, appear bluish, or cause pain. If this is occurring, it is much more than just unsightly. Varicose veins result from the malfunction of valves in your veins. This malfunction can cause more serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

• Spending all day on your feet may cause varicose veins. While individuals who have careers that require them to spend copious amounts of time on their feet have been known to experience more severe symptoms of varicose veins, no one can state for certain that standing for extended periods of time actually causes them. The same holds true for people who spend the majority of their day sitting.

• The only way to treat varicose veins is by having surgery. Once upon a time, vein stripping was indeed the only option for patients suffering from varicose veins. The surgery consisted of having the vein removed from the affected area. Advancements in technology have expanded the options available for the treatment of varicose veins. Click here to learn more about today’s options.

• Only women get varicose veins. Varicose veins may occur more frequently in women, but men get them, too. Family history, obesity, and other contributing factors result in 25% of the male population being diagnosed with varicose veins.

• Aging is responsible for the appearance of varicose veins. While varicosities certainly seem to become more problematic with age, the truth is that young people can be diagnosed with varicose veins as well. Family history is a large component in the development of varicose veins as are hormone levels. As a result, young people, young women, and pregnant women can be bothered by varicose veins.

• There is nothing I can do to prevent me from getting varicose veins. Genetics can take the rap for a portion of the development of varicose veins, but your own lifestyle can be a contributing factor. Maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and not smoking are just a few ways that can help to prevent developing varicose veins.

 

Our vein clinic in Orlando, Florida Vein Care, is here to help you learn everything you need to know about varicose veins. Dr. Bragg and his staff are here to accurately assess and diagnose the status of your vein health. They offer a variety of treatment options and they will help you find the one that is right for you. Get on the path to a healthy vascular system. Call 407-805-8989 to schedule your consultation.

The difference between spider veins and varicose veins

A very common question that is often asked of the staff at our Orlando vein center is whether or not spider veins are different from varicose veins and if they should be considered a serious problem. The answer is really not as complicated as you might think.

The cause of spider veins occurs when the normal circulation of blood in the small veins that lie closest to the skin’s surface is interrupted or becomes less efficient as a result of injury, hormonal changes, exposure to the sun, or weight gain. Most often, patients report the appearance of tiny lines that are blue or purple (sometimes red) lying smoothly in the skin. Some report that these lines are itchy or that they cause a burning sensation. Others report no pain but are concerned about their unsightly appearance. Spider veins are usually pencil thin (less than three millimeters in diameter), but a large web can make the skin actually look bruised. Spider veins are frequently the first sign of the potential for more serious vein health issues headed your way.

Varicose veins may appear to be rope-like, raised, and twisted. Some describe them as bulges in the skin. Discoloration is not as obvious as they are with spider veins because they occur in veins that are not close to the skin. When the valves within the veins are not facilitating the flow of blood to the heart efficiently, blood flow is drastically reduced. Backward seepage of this blood collects and pools. As the pooling of blood enlarges, swelling of the vein then manifests as that crooked or web-like pattern across the affected area of skin. The symptoms of varicose veins can include swelling of the ankles and feet, itchiness, achiness, a heavy feeling, and deep pain.

It is important to note that varicose veins can occur so deep within the legs that there are no visible symptoms on the skin’s surface. Trust your instincts. If your legs aren’t looking or feeling quite right, it’s time to see a vein specialist. The staff at our Orlando vein center will guide you through evaluation, diagnosis, and developing a treatment plan that’s just right for you. Remember that evaluation and diagnosis of spider and/or varicose veins are non-invasive and causes no discomfort. You have nothing to lose and better venous health to gain. Call now to schedule an appointment 407-805-8989 at Florida Vein Care, or to visit us online, click here.