I'm Embarrassed About My Varicose Veins

Want to conquer the embarrassment of varicose veins and regain confidence? Here are tips for managing varicose veins and when to seek professional treatment.

At Houston Vein Specialists in Houston, Texas, David D. Shin, MD, RVT, RPVI, FACS, and the dedicated team know the emotional toll that varicose veins can take on your life. We understand that this common vascular condition can not only affect your physical health but also your self-esteem. Let’s address the embarrassment associated with varicose veins and provide you with valuable tips on what to do about them and when to seek professional treatment.

The emotional impact of varicose veins

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins often found in the legs that can cause physical discomfort, pain, and swelling. But it's important to acknowledge that they can also have a significant emotional impact. Your varicose veins may cause you to experience embarrassment, self-consciousness, and even shame. This can lead you to avoid wearing certain clothing and have a negative impact on your self-esteem.

It's important to remember that varicose veins are not your fault. Genetics, lifestyle factors, and hormonal changes all contribute to their development. Pregnancy, obesity, and extended periods of standing or sitting can increase your risk of developing varicose veins.

Tips for dealing with varicose veins

The first step in dealing with the emotional impact of varicose veins is acknowledging your feelings. Being embarrassed or self-conscious about this condition is perfectly normal, and you are not alone in your experience. Recognizing your emotions is the initial step toward self-acceptance and seeking help.

Here are some tips for dealing with varicose veins:

1. Healthy lifestyle choices

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent varicose veins or reduce their severity. Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and elevate your legs whenever possible, especially if your job involves prolonged sitting or standing.

2. Compression stockings

Wearing compression stockings can provide relief from discomfort and help prevent varicose veins from worsening. These stockings apply pressure to your legs, improving blood flow.

3. Leg elevation

Elevating your legs above heart level for 15-20 minutes several times a day can reduce swelling and discomfort.

4. Seek professional treatment

If your varicose veins are causing significant physical discomfort or negatively impacting your self-esteem, consider professional treatment.

When to seek varicose vein treatment

While lifestyle changes and home remedies can provide relief for some individuals, others may require more advanced treatment options. You should consider seeking professional treatment if you experience:

Pain and discomfort, including aching, or throbbing pain in your legs
Changes in the skin overlying your varicose veins, such as discoloration, inflammation, or sores
Persistent leg swelling
Bleeding from varicose veins or inflammation

Treatment for varicose veins

If you're embarrassed about your varicose veins, we want you to know that help is available. At Houston Vein Specialists, our team of experienced vein specialists is dedicated to providing personalized treatment options and support throughout your journey to healthier legs.

We offer minimally invasive treatments such as vein ablation with ClosureFast™, VenaSeal™, phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy, all of which are effective and require little downtime.