On our site, we cover some of the many issues that arise from varicose veins. These issues can range from simple discomfort to burning, itching, and in some cases, bleeding.
However, these articles do not paint a full picture of what life with varicose veins looks like. For the average everyday American with varicose veins (over 20% of the population, per the American Heart Association), life with varicose veins is quite similar to life before varicose veins — with some glaring exceptions.
While they may present a cosmetic annoyance, varicose veins are often not dangerous. That said, people with varicose veins often exhibit a wide array of symptoms that can radically change their lives.
We’re a team of Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based vein professionals. Our expertise on this subject has introduced us to clients with a host of varicose vein issues. Because of this, we feel we can paint an honest picture of what life with varicose veins looks like.
In this article, we will cover which groups are most susceptible to varicose veins, the most common side effects, and importantly, how to get rid of your varicose veins once and for all.
Who Gets Varicose Veins?
While anyone can develop varicose veins, there are several traits that make one more likely to develop varicose veins.
In some cases, the issues that cause varicose veins are outside of one’s control. For example, you may have a genetic predisposition to varicose vein development. You may be a woman; women are statistically more likely to develop varicose veins than men. Pregnancy also increases the risk of varicose veins.
Additionally, you may be older. Varicose veins are more likely to develop as one ages, with people over 40 facing a significantly higher risk of developing varicose veins than their younger counterparts.
These things said, environmental factors can play a major factor in the body’s creation of varicose veins.
For example, a lack of exercise, or spending many hours a day sitting or remaining in one position, can cause your vein valves to malfunction and thus produce varicose veins.
Similarly, overweight people are statistically more likely to develop varicose veins than those within the BMI’s standard of “normal” weight.
What Does Life With Varicose Veins Look Like?
For some, varicose veins present merely a cosmetic bother.
This can still present issues. Many people are self-conscious about their varicose veins, resulting in them finding ways to disguise or obscure their varicose veins in public.
Issues can extend beyond cosmetics.
As we previously mentioned, many people with varicose veins report having unpleasant side effects. To give an example, one study found that “up to 19% of male patients and 25.3% of female patients suffer from itchy skin in the area affected by varicose veins.”
The National Library of Medicine’s page on the topic lists a broad list of side effects. These include simple things like red dots appearing on the skin, which we’ve previously covered, to open wounds on the skin.
The latter point reveals an unfortunate reality about life with varicose veins. If you have varicose veins, you have to be careful with them.
As varicose veins are nearer to the skin than other leg veins, they can easily be bumped against hard objects or accidentally be cut.
While these injuries may be minor for those without varicose veins, for those with varicose veins, they can present major issues. Even if one does not bleed, they may find that a bump on a place on the leg with varicose veins leads to a much larger bruise than if the bump had taken place on a part of the body without varicose veins.
How Do I Get Rid of My Varicose Veins?
Thankfully, if you develop varicose veins and want them gone, the answer is simple: vein treatment.
Vein treatment is a low-pain method of solving your varicose vein issues once and for all. At our Wisconsin clinic, we will assist you in finding the best way to resolve your varicose vein issues. The best part? Recovery is fast, with most patients able to return to their everyday lives on the very same day.
Get in touch with us to book a consultation.