While you might think vein issues are only for older people, there are other factors that come into play. It’s not just the elderly who are at risk for varicose veins or other vein issues. In fact, just about any of us could find ourselves with vein issues. I guess you could say our veins are equal opportunity offenders! Since factors like gender, heredity, activity levels and weight all affect vascular health, we could all be at risk just because of our DNA.
Age is not always a factor for vein disorders
In many ways, you’re only as old as you feel, and vein issues can cause you to feel older! But unsightly veins and vascular issues can happen even when you’re quite young, like the 18-year-old student who was treated recently at The Vein Institute. The good news is, you don’t have to accept them as your new normal. There is no need to feel older simply because of vein issues when treatment is available!
How Activity Level Affects Vein Health
Whether you are active or sedentary, your risk of having vein issues can be just as high. If you exercise regularly or not, with higher impact or not, you can still develop issues with your veins.
Even those of us who are out doing higher-impact activity on a regular basis can still experience vein insufficiencies as a result of the stress of the impact restricting our circulation. So if you’re out trail running every weekend training for the Upchuck and start to develop varicose veins, let us know [1]! We can help.
But in keeping with a generous spirit, vein issues can also happen to those of us who have a more sedentary life or work setting. So if you have to sit at a desk all day every day, do keep an eye out for any vein issues.
So, Why Do I Have Varicose Veins? Is It Simply Unsightly Veins or is there a Medical Issue?
Some of our vein issues cause no medical issues and are simply unsightly or embarrassing, while some vein issues cause concerning medical issues [2].
The good news about vein issues is that time is on our side! If addressed sooner rather than later, you may be spared more serious medical issues [3]. Unsightly veins can develop into more serious vascular issues and medical conditions. So even though it may seem small to you or like it’s “just” cosmetic, it’s better to go ahead and get your veins checked rather than to wait!
Some Medical Issues that often develop from varicose veins…
Often, varicose veins will develop into other medical issues if left untreated. These medical issues range from annoying to possibly fatal. If you’re concerned about your varicose veins or possible other medical issues, we recommend you come in for a free consultation. Most insurance will cover procedures to treat a medical disorder and you will love feeling (and looking) like your younger self. Some medical issues that often develop from varicose veins are:
- Spontaneous Bleeding: Once varicose veins rupture, the risk of repeat bleeding is very high
- Thrombophlebitis: Just having varicose veins puts you at risk for developing thrombophlebitis. Inflammation due to blot clots in veins which may result in tissue death and infection
- Lymphedema: about 1/3 of patients with secondary lymphedema (chronic swelling in the lower legs) have it because of an untreated vein problem.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: Blood clots in deeper veins that can travel through the heart and cause a blockage in the lungs [4]
Veins play no favorites so there’s no place for shame!
No matter your age, your activity level, or whether or not you think your vein issues are simply unsightly or a medical issue, there is no shame in seeking treatment. Let us help you decide what is best for your health, to feel young for years to come. We offer a free consultation and would love to help!
Sources
[1] https://wildtrails.org/events-fundraisers/wild-trails-race-series/upchuck-50k/
[3] http://columbiasurgery.org/vein/faqs
[4] http://columbiasurgery.org/conditions-and-treatments/deep-venous-thrombosis-dvt