Busting the Myths of Vein Disease
There are a lot of myths about vein, or venous, disease, and how to treat it. Rather than add to the confusion by repeating them here, I will list 15 facts to consider.
- Vein problems are among the most common chronic conditions in North America.
- Approximately half of the U.S. population has venous disease.
- In this country, 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men have venous disease— of these, 20 to 25 percent of the women and 10 to 15 percent of men will have visible varicose veins.
- Varicose veins affect one out of two people age 50 and older, and 15 to 25 percent of all adults.
- Every year an estimated 4.6 million U.S. work days are lost due to venous disease.
- Gender and age are two primary risk factors in the development of venous insufficiency.
- Individuals who have been pregnant more than once, have a family history, or spend a great deal of time standing increase their risk of the disease.
- If varicose veins are not treated, they will not go away on their own; in fact, they usually get worse over time.
- Without treatment, early symptoms of venous disease can lead to lipodermosclerosis, a disease of the skin and connective tissue; an increased chance of superficial venous thrombophlebitis, clotting in the superficial veins that causes severe pain; or ulceration, wounds on the leg that will not heal.
- Venous disease can be a factor in chronic leg cramping or restless leg syndrome.
- Symptoms and progression can usually be controlled with compression.
- Some people with venous disease present with no symptoms.
- Treatment can stop the progression of the disease; it can restore health and quality of life for those with early stage symptoms and for those struggling with late-stage symptoms.
- For most people, even debilitating symptoms are treatable.
- It’s critical that an evaluation involve close attention to the entire venous system, so that poorly functioning veins can be treated at the source.
Education is an important first step toward better health – and that includes your vein health! To learn more about the prevention and treatment of venous disease, visit a phlebologist (vein specialist) certified by the American Board of Phlebology (ABPh). While many practitioners may practice vein care, a board certified phlebologist meets the ABPh’s high standard and has the knowledge, skills and experience to provide quality patient care related to the treatment of all aspects of venous disease.
Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen is the founder of the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Maine. Certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, she cares for all levels of venous disease, including spider veins, varicose veins and venous ulcers. She is the only vein specialist in Maine to be named a Fellow by the American College of Phlebology. You can contact Dr. Asbjornsen at 207-221-7799 or: [email protected].
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