The many misconceptions of vein disease

Question: I have very severe bulging veins in both of my legs. My doctor told me to just wear support stockings because there is no treatment, and no reason to try treating this condition. Is this correct?

Answer: There are many misconceptions about vein disease, and unfortunately many of these bad ideas are coming from physicians. Many think varicose vein disease is a normal aspect of aging. Or that varicose vein disease is only of cosmetic concern.

I think that aching, heaviness, tiredness, itching, burning swelling, skin disruption and ulcers – that is, all the symptoms that accompany varicose veins – are not cosmetic. These are dangerous signs that constitute a medical condition that should be corrected.

Others will advise the use of support stockings. This is also incorrect. Support stockings and TED anti-embolic stockings are useless in the care of varicose vein disease. The stockings must be properly fit to order, and be gradient compression. This requires a written prescription.

Some doctors think that because vein disease is “cosmetic,” insurance will not cover treatment. Treatments are medically necessary and are covered by most plans. Another misconception passed on by some doctors is that no treatment really works. We have performed more than 4,000 in-office procedures with excellent results that have withstood the test of time.