Did you know varicose veins are one of the most common ailments in the western world?  23% of the United States adult population has been diagnosed with varicose veins.

Facts about varicose veins:

  • Who is most likely to get them?
    • Varicose veins are far more common in women than men.
    • 22 million American women, ages 40 – 80, suffer from varicose veins.
  • How did I get varicose veins?
    • In over 80 percent of cases, genetics are the primary cause.
  • Will I will get more in the future?
    • Yes! If you have them, they tend to get worse as you age.
  • Will my children be at risk for developing them?
    • You are more likely to get varicose veins if members of your family have them.

Exercise Doesn’t Necessarily Prevent Vein Problems

It may be a common misconception that being in shape and getting regular exercise will prevent varicose veins, but sadly, this is not true. If you have varicose veins, regular exercise will help ease the symptoms, but it will not actually prevent them. Genetics determine if you are predisposed to vein disease.

For example, Olympic Gold medal winner (now TV host) Summer Sanders can attest to this truth. Like her mother, Summer and millions of others have varicose veins despite being in excellent shape.

Risk factors for varicose veins are categorized as environmental or inherited. Environmental factors include pregnancy, age, sex, obesity, and occupations that involve long periods of standing. The main inherited factor is family history.  If you’re predisposed genetically to varicose veins, there are things you can do to minimize or delay them.

Pregnancy and Vein Disease

It is extremely common for women to notice varicose veins appear, or become more severe after they become pregnant. With each additional pregnancy, they can get larger and more painful.

The reason for this is because as the baby and uterus become larger, it increases the amount of pressure placed on the inferior vena cava.  This large vein is located on the right side of your body, which places a lot of pressure on every vein in your body, including your legs. Furthermore, when you are pregnant the amount of blood in your entire body soars, which places more pressure on your veins.

The good news is there are various safe and successful treatment methods that can help manage the pain and eliminate varicose veins. Practicing a healthy lifestyle will not prevent them from popping up, but it will help them from getting worse and to manage the pain that can accompany them.

Treatment at The Vein Centre in Franklin, TN

It is important to seek a qualified specialist for this treatment.  The surgeons at The Vein Centre are all board certified vascular surgeons and have 100 years of combined vein expertise. The Vein Centre has three convenient locations throughout Middle Tennessee.

If you’re closer to Nashville, come visit our offices in Mt. Juliet or Belle Meade. We can’t wait to help you get rid of vein problems. Give us a call today!