3 Celebrities With Varicose Veins

A Widespread Issue

While it’s a medical issue that rarely makes front page news, varicose veins are very common. It’s estimated that one in five American adults has them [1], and while not all cases are symptomatic, it’s certainly a health issue worthy of attention. Not only can these be unsightly, they can cause pain, discomfort, tiredness, and cramping in the legs.

While there are some risk factors for developing varicose veins, most anybody can develop them. In fact, you may not be aware that a number of very prominent names have dealt with this condition. These issues don’t care if you’re on the A-list or competing for office clown. In fact, you’ll be surprised to learn that some of our most beloved athletes and celebrities have had to get treatment for this issue.

What big names have had to deal with varicose veins? Let’s take a look:

Britney Spears

Today’s age of the consummate pop star—a climate in which Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and a host of others reign supreme in the hearts and minds of many—owes a great deal to Britney Spears. A fixture in the tabloids for many years following her 1999 breakout hit “Hit Me Baby One More Time,” her showmanship and ability to command large audiences are undeniable. Many grew up with her, but, as Spears started her own family, an unwelcome addition hopped on for the ride: varicose veins. [2]

It’s well-established that pregnancy can lead to varicose vein formation in women, and this is exactly what the pop star had to deal with. Luckily, she was able to successfully treat these and is currently successful in juggling performing and motherhood.

Serena Williams

Perhaps the greatest tennis player to ever take the court, Williams has consistently dominated the international circuit with her ferocious play, brilliant strategy, and relentless drive. It’s a marvel to watch. However, even this storied-athlete has had to deal with vein disorders. Following foot surgery in 2011, she was hospitalized when blood clots formed and travelled to her lungs, a potentially lethal condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). [2]

Varicose veins are a common precursor to this condition, and since being on your feet is a common cause of them, there’s good reason to assume she had them. Luckily, Williams survived everything unscathed and has taken her game to new heights since then.

Emma Thompson

Few Hollywood stars exemplify sophistication, class, and devotion to craft more than Emma Thompson, who’s been making her mark on the silver screen for decades. No doubt she turned many heads as Karen in Love Actually, while garnering generations of fans for her work in the Harry Potter series of movies. However, in the early aughts she found herself hiding her legs in public, while also feeling tiredness and heaviness there due to varicose veins. [2]

Emma eventually took control of the condition and had treatment. Following that, she was spotted no longer hiding her limbs on the red-carpet in 2006. She’s always been matter-of-fact about these things, and as she told The Daily Mail, “The dress is short and the legs are out on show. I had the varicose veins out this year and the scars are nearly healed, so the legs go out.” [3] There’s a lot to be said for being honest and practical when it comes to health.

Beyond The Red Carpet

Even if your job doesn’t rely on the appearance of your legs, even if media scrutiny is not something you face regularly, there are plenty of reasons to take on varicose veins. This is especially the case if the associated discomfort, cramping, or tiredness starts impacting your quality-of-life. Not only that, there’s a lot to be said for the renewed confidence boost of feeling positive in your own skin. You owe it to yourself to consider one of the many highly-effective treatments for this condition. Get your legs ready for their close-up!

 

If you’re suffering with varicose veins or any other venous disorder, the team at Hamilton Vein Center is ready to help. The experts at these Texas-based outpatient clinics have helped countless people find relief from this condition. Learn more about what they do by calling their Houston office at (281) 565-0033, the Austin clinic at (512) 551-1403, or San Antonio at (210) 504-4304 any time!

 

References

1. “Varicose Veins: Overview”. 2016. Institute For Quality And Efficiency In Health Care (Iqwig). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PM
2. “6 Famous People Who’Ve Suffered From Varicose Veins – Varicoseveins.Org”. 2016. Org. Accessed August 4 2018. https://varicoseveins.org/blog/2016/10/6-famous-people-suffered-varicose-veins.
3. Why Emma Thompson Can Wear Skirts Again”. 2006. Daily Mail Online. Accessed August 4 2018. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-406523/Why-Emma-Thompson-wear-skirts-again.html.