You've Got Spiders On Your Legs!

It’s a big secret most people don’t want exposed. Spider veins or varicose veins are generally considered an unsightly sign of getting older that only women get. Though these generalities are not necessarily true, what is a fact is that sufferers go to many lengths to disguise these self-described embarrassing discolored veins; anything from wearing clothing to cover them or using cosmetic concealing products. These veins may be embarrassing to some due to their unappealing appearance, to others they become an unbearable physical manifestation of their root cause; venous disease.

In a recent article from Everyday Health, they state “Varicose veins are tortuous, swollen veins that appear just below the surface of the skin, usually on the legs. Since most people keep them concealed, the general population is unaware just how common they really are. Varicose veins occur in one out of every two people over the age of 50 — affecting more than 30 million Americans.  Here are some surprising stats about varicose veins:

• 30 million: The number of Americans with varicose veins.
• 90 percent: Your risk of developing varicose veins if both parents had them.
• 62 percent: Your risk if one parent had them.
• 20 percent: Your risk if neither parent had varicose veins.
• 25 percent of all women have varicose veins.
• 15 percent of all men have varicose veins.

“While varicose veins are often misunderstood as simply a cosmetic problem, in truth, many are symptomatic, with throbbing, aching, fatigue, and burning… “A lot of people believe that varicose veins are not dangerous, which is not always true,” said Sunil Rayan, MD, a vascular surgeon at Scripps Encinitas. If left untreated for years, venous disease can progress and cause ankle swelling, skin discoloration, ulcerations, bleeding, and blood clots.”

Venous disease is one of the most under-diagnosed conditions in both men and women. Early stages of venous disease are usually not problematic for individuals other than maybe some cosmetic concerns, but as venous disease worsens, it can become very painful and severely affect an individual's quality of life.

At Ciao Bella Vein Clinic, we truly believe you are in the best hands for the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. Our patients can be confident they are being treated by the most experienced vein specialists around. Visit our website to learn more about our Vein Clinic, the services we provide such as laser thread vein treatment, current specials and to make an appointment for a free consultation.

Image source: http://www.health-first.org/vein/shared/images/Spider_Veins_LG.jpg