Varicose veins are veins that have been affected by a malfunctioning valve that interrupts the proper circulation of blood through that vein. You'll find that varicose veins are large, protruding, and sometimes painful. While most people are somewhat familiar with the occurrence of varicose veins, few truly understand the facts about this condition. Here's a look at a few of the things that you should understand about varicose veins and the treatments necessary to resolve the issue. 

Varicose Veins Can Affect Anyone

Historically, people often believed that varicose veins were a problem that only affected older women. Younger adults and most men wrongly assumed that they didn't have to worry about developing them. However, although varicose veins are more common as you age and do affect more women than men, people of all ages and genders can be affected. 

Varicose veins have many different risk factors, including genetic predisposition, prolonged sitting, obesity, hormone changes from pregnancy, and more. If you have any reason to believe that you have varicose veins, you should reach out to a doctor for treatment.

Varicose Veins Aren't A Cosmetic Issue

Some people with varicose veins avoid addressing the problem because they believe that it's just a cosmetic thing. Many even assume that insurance won't pay for treatment because it's cosmetic and considered elective. This isn't actually the case. In fact, many insurance companies do cover treatment for varicose veins, and for good reason.

Varicose veins can be a health concern over time. If you don't seek treatment, you could be at risk for pain and discomfort, as well as blood clot development, deep vein thrombosis, and more. These are serious concerns that need to be addressed by your doctor as soon as possible.

Varicose Vein Treatment Isn't Always Invasive

If you're familiar with varicose veins, you may also be familiar with the surgery that's traditionally been used to treat them. Many patients find that recovery from this invasive surgery can be difficult and time-consuming. As a result, you may be hesitant to seek treatment if you have varicose veins.

Actually, varicose vein treatment has come a long way in recent years. There are noninvasive options for treating your varicose veins, and those options have proven highly effective. Technology has provided for laser therapies and other methods of ablation that don't even require sedation, which means an outpatient procedure that has you back to your routine within a day or two.

Contact your health care provider to learn more about the noninvasive treatment of varicose veins.