Since our exposure to celebrities is mostly when they’re primped, polished, photoshopped and perfect, we often forget they are human. But even those on Hollywood’s A list aren’t immune to health issues, as several celebs have found themselves among the more than 50 percent of women who suffer from leg health issues, including varicose veins.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are abnormal vein conditions that occur when the valves within the vein become weak or damaged. Veins are responsible for carrying blood from the body back to the heart. But when a valve becomes weakened, the vein is sometimes unable to perform this function properly. This can cause venous insufficiency, where the blood leaks back into the vein and pools up, resulting in swelling, bulging or a twisted vein that is either blue, red or flesh colored.

A spider vein is very similar to the varicose type, but smaller. Also, spider veins tend to develop closer to the skin’s surface and carry the appearance of a spider web or tree branch with shorter, more jagged lines. Varicose or spider veins can appear anywhere on the body, but are more common in lower areas like the abdomen and legs. This is because the veins in the lower part of the body flow uphill, necessitating healthy and well-functioning valves to make sure the blood gets pumped properly back into the heart.

Celebrities with Varicose Veins

Kristin Davis

Kristin Davis, known for her role as Charlotte on Sex and the City, is no stranger to leg health issues. She reportedly sought treatment to help reduce the problem and return her legs to their former glory. While this may have been done in response to aesthetics, varicose veins are not only a cosmetic issue.

Emma Thompson

In the early 2000s, Emma Thompson, known for her roles in Nanny McFee and Harry Potter, underwent treatment for the varicose veins in her legs.

Serena Williams

In 2011,  a pulmonary embolism, which is a deep vein blood clot that travels to the lungs, gave her a serious health scare. In Serena Williams’ case, an injury along with a long surgical recovery was the cause. She developed multiple blood clots that all traveled to her lungs.  A pulmonary embolism is life-threatening, and its precursor, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), was also found in television personality Regis Philbin. About 600,000 Americans are diagnosed annually with DVT.

Janice Dickinson

The self-appointed “original supermodel” is infamous for her plastic surgery lifestyle. Thankfully, she recognized the importance of seeking treatment for her varicose veins.

Britney Spears

Britney Spears, at 33 and the mother of two, underwent treatment to diminish the size of the varicose veins in her legs that she had as a result of her two pregnancies.

If you have varicose veins, and have more questions about your health and whether treating varicose veins should be pursued for your health or your condition is of a cosmetic nature, schedule an appointment with The Vein Institute of Jacksonville, or call 904-420-7576 to schedule your FREE vein screening!