• Varicose veins are a cosmetic issue and don’t need to be treated.

  • True
  • False

  False: Varicose veins, though often thought of as a cosmetic nuisance, can actually progress to a more serious form of vein (venous) disease called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

• Spider veins are the same thing as varicose veins.

  • True
  • False

  False: Spider veins, like varicose veins, are caused by dysfunctional vein valves. However, spider veins appear as a nest of blue or red veins just under the surface of the skin, and typically do not bulge above the skin’s surface like varicose veins.

• Genetics and age are common factors in the development of varicose veins and CVI.

  • True
  • False

  True: Genetics and age are large contributors to varicose veins and CVI development. In fact, women older than 50 are most likely to develop venous disease.⁸

• Men are not at risk for developing varicose veins and CVI.

  • True
  • False

  False: Men, though less likely than women to develop varicose veins, are at risk for experiencing varicose veins as well as more severe symptoms of CVI.

• Varicose veins and CVI treatments are just too expensive to consider.

  • True
  • False

  False: Because varicose veins and CVI are recognized as clinical conditions, most insurance plans will cover treatment.

• Compression stockings and elevation of the feet are cures for varicose veins.

  • True
  • False

  False: Although compression stockings provide graduated compression from the ankle up to the knee or thigh to help stop excess blood from flowing backward, they only help to manage symptoms and do not provide a cure.

• Varicose veins can be a result of prolonged standing.

  • True
  • False

  True: Those spending the entire day on their feet are at higher risk for developing varicose veins.¹⁰

• Which of the following factors can contribute to varicose veins and CVI?

  • Crossing legs
  • Weight
  • Exercise

  Weight: Being overweight often contributes to the formation of varicose veins, with the added pressure on the legs and ankles causing the veins to bulge and blood flow to be disrupted.

• Which of the following is not shown to contribute to varicose veins and CVI?

  • Prior trauma or injury
  • Insufficient hydration
  • Pregnancy

  Insufficient hydration: Trauma or injury to the lower limbs can contribute to symptoms leading to CVI, including varicose veins.⁶

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