A recent poll suggests that many women experience a symptom related to a vein disease, yet half don’t tell their doctor. A fifth of Canadians suffer from varicose veins and 60 percent of patients are women. Varicose veins are visibly blue lines that run along the leg. Symptoms may include heaviness of the legs, swelling, itchiness, or even pain.
The latest poll included 1,004 Canadian women and results showed that although experiencing symptoms, many of the women believed varicose veins to be a normal part of aging. Only one-third of respondents believed varicose veins to be a serious health condition.
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Vascular surgeon Dr. Beverley Chan explained, “I frequently encounter patients who believe varicose veins are a purely cosmetic condition, and who do not understand their potential underlying cause. It’s important that people recognize varicose veins are not simply a result of aging, but could be a sign of chronic venous disease, a condition that can result in disabling physical and psychological pain.”
The poll also revealed that 70 percent of women experienced at least one symptom and 80 percent of women with varicose veins have experienced more than one symptom. Half of the women who experience a symptom didn’t feel it was serious enough to talk to their doctor about it.
Dr. Chan continued, “All too often I see patients suffer from uncomfortable and painful symptoms associated with this condition, which can impact daily activities like taking a shower, walking or driving overall affecting quality of life. The good news is that there are treatment options, including over-the-counter medications that address the venous inflammation and loss of venous tone, which helps relieves the signs and symptoms of the mild-to-moderate chronic venous disease.”
By speaking to your doctor about your varicose veins, they can introduce you to the different treatment options available. Treatment for varicose veins has come a long way and often is an outpatient, non-invasive procedure. The only way to reduce symptoms is to be open with your doctor so you can be treated.
Also read:
- Exercises for varicose veins: Yoga poses and exercises for varicose veins treatment
- 16 best essential oils for varicose veins natural treatment
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
