Vein Stripping is the only solution for varicose veins.

This is no longer accurate, as advancements in medical treatments have introduced highly effective non-surgical options like Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy and Endovenous Laser Ablation. These minimally invasive procedures have largely replaced traditional vein stripping for varicose veins.

Spider veins turn into varicose veins.
This is a misconception. Varicose veins and spider veins have different underlying causes. Varicose veins develop due to problems in the deeper venous system, where faulty valves cause blood pooling and vein enlargement. In contrast, spider veins are often caused by superficial issues that do not typically involve the deeper venous system, meaning they don’t transform into varicose veins.

Crossing your legs leads to varicose veins.
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that crossing your legs causes varicose veins. Varicose veins are primarily caused by genetic predisposition, venous valve dysfunction, and other factors, not by physical habits like leg-crossing.

Varicose veins are due to an old injury.
Unless a past injury directly damaged a vein, which is quite rare, it is unlikely that the injury caused varicose veins. However, it’s possible that the injury occurred in an area already affected by a pre-existing venous condition, which may have become more noticeable after the trauma.

Sclerotherapy doesn’t last.
This is only true if the treatment is incomplete. When both the spider veins and the underlying reticular veins are treated with sclerotherapy long-lasting results can be achieved. If the underlying reticular veins are left untreated, however, the results may be temporary, which gives the false impression that the treatment doesn’t last.

Patients cause varicose veins.
While certain factors like pregnancy or prolonged standing can aggravate varicose veins, they do not directly cause the condition. Varicose veins are primarily due to genetic factors. Environmental factors, like standing or pregnancy, can exacerbate an existing predisposition but are not the root cause.

Compression stockings will prevent varicose veins.
There is no evidence to suggest that wearing compression stockings can prevent varicose veins from forming. However, compression stockings can help alleviate symptoms such as swelling and discomfort associated with varicose veins, offering symptomatic relief rather than prevention.

Varicose veins do not need treatment unless they are sore.
This is a dangerous myth because it can lead to people delaying necessary treatment. Varicose veins can cause serious complications, such as ulcers and blood clots, even if they aren’t painful. Waiting until pain occurs may allow the condition to progress to more severe stages, where treatment becomes more complex and riskier.

Vein treatments are painful.
While older vein treatments, such as vein stripping were indeed painful, modern treatments have improved significantly. Newer techniques, including better solutions and minimally invasive procedures performed under local anaesthesia, result in minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.

Children will get varicose veins if both parents have varicose veins.
Although having both parents with varicose veins increases the likelihood that their children will develop the condition, it is not guaranteed. Genetic predisposition plays a role, but environmental and lifestyle factors also influence whether varicose veins will develop.

To find out more on managing and treating your varicose veins please call our team on 1800 483 467 for an appointment.