Can varicose veins go away naturally?
Varicose veins are a common condition that affects up to 25% of adults in the United States. These veins are swollen and twisted and often appear blue or purple. They are most commonly found in the legs but can also occur in other parts of the body. While many people with varicose veins may look for a way to get rid of them naturally, it is important to understand that varicose veins do not typically go away on their own.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins caused by a malfunction in the valves within the veins. The valves in the veins are responsible for keeping blood flowing in one direction, back to the heart. When the valves become damaged or weakened, they can no longer effectively keep the blood flowing in the right direction, and blood begins to pool in the veins. This causes the veins to become swollen and twisted and can lead to the development of varicose veins.
Chronic venous insufficiency is the root cause of varicose veins
The root cause of varicose veins is a condition called chronic venous insufficiency. This condition occurs when the veins in the legs can no longer effectively pump blood back to the heart. This can be due to various factors, including genetics, age, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. People with chronic venous insufficiency are at a higher risk for varicose veins and may be more likely to experience leg swelling, pain, and fatigue.
Why varicose veins don’t go away naturally
While it’s possible to manage the symptoms of varicose veins and improve circulation through lifestyle changes, such as exercising and wearing compression stockings, varicose veins do not go away independently. Once the underlying vein valves are damaged, they can’t be fixed. You can prevent more blood from accumulating in the leg veins, but you can’t fix the underlying problem. As such, over time, your varicose veins will simply worsen and become bigger.
How to prevent varicose veins from worsening?
Varicose veins are a common condition that can be uncomfortable and unsightly. They are caused by a malfunction in the valves within the veins, which can lead to blood pooling and swelling. While there is no surefire way to prevent varicose veins from developing, you can take steps to prevent them from worsening.
Here are some tips for preventing varicose veins from worsening:
- Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help improve circulation and strengthen the veins. This can prevent varicose veins from worsening.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on the veins in your legs, which can lead to varicose veins. Maintaining a healthy weight can prevent varicose veins from worsening.
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods: Prolonged periods of standing or sitting can cause blood to pool in the veins, which can lead to varicose veins. To prevent this, take breaks and walk around every 30 minutes or so if you have a sedentary job.
- Wear compression stockings: Compression stockings can improve circulation and prevent varicose veins from worsening. They work by squeezing the legs to move blood back toward the heart.
- Elevate your legs: When you elevate your legs, you reduce the pressure on the veins in your legs and improve circulation. This can prevent varicose veins from worsening.
- Avoid high heels: High heels put extra strain on the veins in your legs, which can lead to varicose veins. Wearing low-heeled shoes or flats can prevent varicose veins from worsening.
- Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing can restrict blood flow and lead to varicose veins. To prevent this, wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t constrict your circulation.
While these tips can help prevent varicose veins from worsening, it is important to remember that varicose veins do not go away on their own. If you are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, please speak with your vein doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
What can get rid of varicose veins?
There are several minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins:
- Radiofrequency ablation: Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to seal the affected veins. A small needle is inserted into the vein, and a radiofrequency current is delivered to the vein, which causes it to collapse and seal shut.
- Laser ablation: Laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to seal the affected veins. A small fiber is inserted into the vein, and laser energy is delivered to the vein, which causes it to collapse and seal shut.
- Venaseal: Venaseal is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a medical glue to seal the affected veins. A small catheter is inserted into the vein, and the glue is delivered to the vein, which causes it to seal shut.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy: Ambulatory phlebectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the affected veins through small incisions in the skin. This is typically done for larger varicose veins unsuitable for other treatments.
What is the best clinic for varicose veins?
Maryland Vein Center is a state-of-the-art medical center specializing in the latest and safest treatments for varicose veins. Our vein center is led by board-certified vein doctors who examine your leg veins, discuss your symptoms, and curate personalized treatment plans. Our vein centers take a personalized approach to vein care, ensuring each minimally invasive treatment is targeted to your needs. We use the least invasive methods to remove your varicose veins and spider veins and address the root cause.
You can find our vein center at 10215 Fernwood Rd, Suite 301, Bethesda, Maryland. Please schedule an appointment at your nearest vein center in Maryland.