Why Self-Diagnosis Often Goes Wrong
Many people try to diagnose varicose veins on their own by simply looking at their legs. According to insights shared by Avis Vascular Centre, this approach leads to serious and frequent mistakes that can delay proper treatment and allow the disease to worsen.
Varicose veins are a medical condition, not just a visual problem—and relying only on what you can see is risky.
Mistake #1: Assuming All Visible Veins Are Dangerous
One common misconception is:
“If I can see veins, I must have varicose veins.”
This is not always true.
- Many visible veins are normal
- Some are superficial veins without disease
- Cosmetic veins do not always indicate medical risk
Treating every visible vein as a disease can lead to unnecessary worry and incorrect assumptions.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Problem Because No Veins Are Visible
This mistake is even more dangerous.
Some patients believe:
“I don’t see bulging veins, so I don’t have varicose veins.”
In reality:
- Blood can pool inside deep or hidden veins
- Serious vein disease may exist without visible surface veins
- Internal venous reflux can silently progress
This hidden disease can eventually lead to:
- Severe skin discoloration
- Thickened, hardened skin
- Painful or non-healing ulcers
Why Visual Checks Are Not Enough
Varicose vein disease is about blood flow, not just appearance.
You cannot assess:
- Valve failure
- Blood reflux
- Deep vein involvement
just by looking at your legs.
That’s why relying on self-assessment alone often leads to late diagnosis.
The Right Approach: Medical Evaluation
To avoid complications, the speaker strongly recommends:
- Consulting a qualified vascular specialist
- Undergoing a medical scan (usually Doppler ultrasound)
This confirms:
- Whether varicose veins are present
- The severity of the condition
- Which veins are affected
Treatment Depends on Severity
Once properly diagnosed, treatment may range from:
- Compression stockings for mild cases
- Lifestyle and activity modifications
- Minimally invasive procedures for advanced disease
Early diagnosis allows for simpler, safer, and more effective treatment.