Medically reviewed by Sanjiv Lakhanpal, MD, FACS, and Khanh Q. Nguyen, DO, RPVI, on October 7, 2025
Legs are complicated. They carry our weight, run marathons (in spirit only for most of us), and occasionally revolt by aching, swelling, or developing irritating spider veins or varicose veins. Many of those complaints are the result of chronicvenous insufficiency (CVI), a condition in which the valves in the leg veins don’t work correctly, causing blood to flow backward and pool in the legs instead of returning efficiently to the heart.
Although more than 25 million adults in the United States are affected by venous insufficiency (also known as vein disease), according to ScienceDirect, myths abound.
At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), we’ve compiled ten of the most persistent myths about vein disease to help people separate fact from fiction, recognize when symptoms may signal something serious, and feel empowered to seek timely care from a vein specialist.
For this blog, we consulted with Center for Vein Restoration Founder, President, and CEO, Dr. Sanjiv Lakhanpal, and CVR Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Khanh Q. Nguyen —two of the nation’s leading authorities in venous and lymphatic medicine. Drawing on decades of clinical expertise and innovation, they shed light on the most persistent myths about vein disease and reveal how modern, minimally invasive treatments are transforming patient outcomes.
CVR, America's largest physician-led vein center, offers comprehensive treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. With 120+ centers in 22 states and 80+ active physicians, CVR boasts a 98 percent patient satisfaction rating. Accepting various insurances, including Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Medicare, CVR provides accessible, compassionate, and effective vein care.
Reality: Often, they’re the visible tip of underlying vein disease.
Yes, varicose veins and spider veins can be unsightly, but dismissing them as purely cosmetic can be dangerous. In many people, the superficial patterns you see are a warning signal of underlying reflux (abnormal, backward flow of blood in the veins that leads to increased pressure, leg pain, swelling, skin changes, and, in advanced cases, ulcers).
The American Venous Forum addresses the layered nature of vein disease in its publication, Vein Handbook: The Layman’s Handbook of Venous Disorders, stating that superficial signs, such as varicose veins, spider veins, leg swelling, inflammation, tenderness, itching, and swelling, often correlate with deeper pathology.
Do you have any of the tell-tale signs of vein disease, such as leg pain, swelling, or bulging varicose veins?
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Trust Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), America’s leader in vein health, for compassionate, state-of-the-art treatments that fit your lifestyle. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable legs.
Reality: Men, younger adults, and pregnant women develop them, too.
Age and female sex indeed carry a higher risk, likely due to hormonal factors and cumulative wear on the vein valves. But men aren’t immune. The University of Rochester Medical Center reports that 40 percent of men develop varicose veins by the age of 60
According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine (NIH), the global population is affected by varicose veins, with rates ranging from two to 73 percent, depending on the geography and study methods. In developed countries, the prevalence is often higher, with some reports indicating that up to one-third of adults aged 18–64 years have varicose veins. In the U.S., an estimated 33 million people (11 million men and 22 million women) between the ages of 40 and 80 have varicose veins.
Reality: External pressure is minimal. It’s the underlying valve failure that matters more.
Crossing your legs or wearing tight jeans might exacerbate discomfort in someone with weak veins, but it doesn’t cause venous insufficiency. In contrast, standing or sitting for too long without moving makes it harder for your calf muscles to push blood back to the heart, leading to blood pooling in the legs and a more common cause of vein problems.
Reality: Regular movement is therapeutic, mainly walking, swimming, and cycling.
Some people fear that going for a run or doing leg workouts will worsen vein bulging. On the contrary! Gentle to moderate activity helps activate the calf pump, which assists in upward blood flow and reduces venous pressure.
In a study published by the NIH titled “Exercise and Vascular Function: How Much is Too Much?,” the authors conclude that while exercise is beneficial for your veins and heart, excessive exercise can strain blood vessels just as insufficient exercise does. The key to lasting vascular health is balance.
Reality: They relieve symptoms but do not correct the root problem.
Center for Vein Restoration vein specialists commonly prescribe compression stockings to help control symptoms such as leg swelling, achy, or heavy legs (and they are a great companion for long trips!). Compression socks can reduce swelling, fatigue, and discomfort in the legs and are a first-line conservative therapy.
That said, compression stockings do not reverse reflux, close faulty veins, or heal ulcers. For definitive results, minimally invasive treatments are generally required.
Do you need personalized advice about compression stockings? Center for Vein Restoration can help!
📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
Reality: Early evaluation can help prevent pain and the worsening of symptoms.
Many people are told to “wait until after you have your children,” but that’s not ideal. Pregnancy places extra strain on leg veins (increased blood volume, hormonal changes, uterine pressure on pelvic veins), often precipitating varicose changes. The earlier you identify and manage underlying vein problems, the better.
Speak to your OB/GYN about a referral to Center for Vein Restoration if your pregnancy-related leg pain has become disruptive to daily life. With over 120 vein clinics nationwide, chances are that there is a Center for Vein Restoration vein clinic near you.
Reality: Without treating underlying vein disease, ulcers often return.
Venous ulcers (open sores typically near the ankles) result from prolonged high pressure, capillary damage, and skin breakdown. Wound care is essential for healing; however, if the underlying reflux or venous obstruction is left unaddressed, recurrence rates are high.
According to the results of an Early Venous Reflux Ablation (EVRA), an extensive, randomized clinical study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, treating varicose veins early with a simple, minimally invasive procedure plus compression therapy helps venous leg ulcers heal faster and stay healed longer. This approach addresses the root cause of the problem, rather than just its symptoms, providing patients with better long-term outcomes.
Are you suffering from a recurrent venous ulcer? Center for Vein Restoration can help you address the root cause and finally get the long-term relief you’ve longed for.
Reality: Modern treatments are minimally invasive, outpatient, with minimal downtime.
In the past, vein stripping (surgically removing a vein under general anesthesia) was a standard procedure and required a lengthy recovery period. This procedure, which traumatized many of our mothers and grandmothers, has now been replaced by gentle, minimally invasive treatments that are safer, faster, and allow you to return to normal activities almost immediately.
Reality: Many plans cover symptomatic disease, but not purely cosmetic cases.
Insurance providers often draw the line between cosmetic and medically necessary treatment. If your varicose veins or venous insufficiency cause significant symptoms such as pain, swelling, skin changes, or ulceration, insurers will cover treatment.
Why do insurance companies cover such treatment? Because untreated vein disease may lead to more costly complications down the road, treating it early is often more cost-effective.
Our dedicated staff has helped countless people navigate the insurance process—and we can help you, too! Call CVR for more information: 877-425-2608.
Reality: With modern methods and a qualified vein doctor like those at Center for Vein Restoration, recurrence in the treated vein is rare.
Once varicose veins are treated, the same veins usually don’t come back. That said, new varicose veins can develop either in the treated area or in other parts of the leg.
Common reasons include:
Research from the National Library of Medicine (NIH) shows that recurrence rates due to new veins developing insufficiency vary widely, from 20 to 60 percent within five years, depending on the treatment. Modern techniques, such as laser or radiofrequency ablation, tend to have lower recurrence rates compared to older surgical vein stripping methods.
You don’t have to live with pain, swelling, or worry about recurrence. Schedule an appointment with Center for Vein Restoration and take charge of your vein health today!
Myths surrounding varicose veins, spider veins, and chronic venous insufficiency persist. But the good news is that vein disease is no longer the intractable malady it once was. With properly timed evaluation and care from a trusted Center for Vein Restoration vein expert, people just like you find relief and long-lasting results.
If you or someone you know is struggling with leg pain, swelling, or visible veins, use these myth checks as permission to dig deeper and learn more about your treatment options. Your legs will thank you!
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