Spider veins have been an issue for people for most of recorded history. As far back as 1550 B.C., the ancient Egyptians wrote about treating the problem.
In modern times, patients coming into Florida Lakes Vein Center for spider vein treatment in Sarasota sometimes bring with them common misconceptions about spider veins. These myths can span generations, and though usually harmless, these touches of “fake news” can make Floridian unaware of the true nature of spider veins and their treatments.
As the leaders in spider vein treatment, our team has picked out the 7 most common spider vein myths, adding modern medical science to dispel them. Read on, and be sure to contact us with any questions you may have.
MYTH #1: Spider Veins Are Harmless Cosmetic Issues
FACT: Spider veins may not cause you any discomfort, other than not liking how they branch out on your legs. However, spider veins can also sometimes indicate the presence of underlying venous issues.
In more severe cases that may or may not also exhibit varicose veins, spider veins can cause sensations of:
- Itching
- Aching
- Swelling
- Heaviness
The only way to help alleviate the pain and discover what could be causing the venous insufficiency, is to schedule a vein screening. Once we’ve got a full understanding of your health history and have examined your legs, we can recommend a proper spider vein treatment in Sarasota.
MYTH #2: Younger People Don’t get Spider Veins
FACT: Spider veins affect older people more often than younger people. However, younger people do get spider veins—just not as one of the effects of aging. Rather, younger people can begin to experience spiders veins for any number of reasons:
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged sitting/standing
- Injury
- Hormonal changes
With spider vein treatment in Sarasota, younger patients can erase the appearance of spider veins and learn how to adjust their lifestyle for improved venous health.
MYTH #3: Only Women Get Spider Veins
FACT: Anyone can develop spider veins. Women do have them more often than men, but guys also get them, and also suffer the issues that the spider veins can cause.
MYTH #4: Spider Veins and Varicose Veins are the Same Thing
FACT: These are separate conditions caused by the same issue: venous insufficiency. This health concern causes blood to back up in your leg veins, weakening their walls and damaging the valves. When the valves cease to function properly, what started as spider veins can become worse—creating varicose veins.
Related topic: Ways to improve circulation in Sarasota.
MYTH #5: Exercise Worsens Spider Veins
FACT: The thought behind this myth is that making your blood pump faster will only increase the appearance of the spider veins. However, the truth is that regular exercise improves blood flow throughout all your veins. It can also help alleviate causative factors such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
The caveat: the exercise should be low-impact, such as:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
MYTH #6: Spider Veins Worsen When You Cross Your Legs
FACT: Feel free to sit criss-cross applesauce. Crossing your legs does not cause spider veins. Restricting blood flow to your legs can exacerbate venous insufficiency, but as long as your sitting position doesn’t cause your legs to go numb, you’re fine.
MYTH #7: You Can’t Treat Spider Veins
FACT: This is the worst myth of them all. Florida Lakes Vein Center offers excellent, effective treatment for spider veins in Sarasota. We can reduce or eliminate the appearance of current spider veins, and help alleviate the symptoms.
Don’t “Myth Out” on Better Vein Health
We have treated over 10,000 patients, helping them reclaim mobility, quality of life, and the confidence to wear clothes that don’t hide their legs. Don’t let this myth stop you from getting the help you need. Request a screening, and let’s get you back to enjoying your days to their fullest.
Contact us or call us at 941.866.8989, You deserve the best spider vein treatment in Sarasota—and that’s a fact.
About Florida Lakes Vein Center
Florida Lakes Vein Center leads the way in spider vein treatment, and in addressing venous insufficiency with all of its symptoms. Let our team of compassionate specialists, led by TC Lackey II, D.O, Francesca Mertan, PA-C, Raeann Fultz, PA-C, Melissa Fleck, M.D., and Lauren Fazenbaker, PA-C, help you feel better.
Try our free online Vein Screening Tool