Will Varicose Veins Go Away on Their Own?
Varicose veins are unhealthy veins that form as a result of chronic venous insufficiency. They are large and blue, and may bulge and twist from below the skin. They can be associated with significant discomfort. Will these varicose veins go away on their own? Read more to learn about varicose vein disease and the treatment options available.
What causes varicose veins?
Veins carry blood from the ends of the body back to the heart. All veins have one-way doors called valves that prevent blood from falling back to the feet. Over time, valves become damaged and blood can leak back down. The pressure from increased blood in the veins causes them to swell and bulge and even leads to the formation of new, unhealthy spider and varicose veins. This condition is called venous insufficiency. If your varicose veins are due to venous insufficiency they may not go away on their own and a consultation with a varicose vein doctor is recommended.
Who is at risk for varicose veins?
Varicose veins and venous insufficiency are more common in women than in men, and become more common as you age. Pregnancy increases the risk of developing vein disease. A family history of vein disease in your mother or your father significantly increases your risk of vein disease. A job that requires lots of sitting or standing also increases your risk.
Will varicose veins go away on their own?
Varicose veins that develop during pregnancy or with weight gain may go away on their own if you lose weight or after you give birth. But most of the time varicose veins will not go away on their own and you should see a vein doctor.
Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?
Varicose veins that are due to underlying chronic venous insufficiency may lead to more serious problems. In some people, vein disease progresses over time and can lead to ulcers and poor wound healing due to bad circulation. Varicose Veins themselves are not usually dangerous but they may cause significant discomfort including leg heaviness, leg pain, restless legs and extreme fatigue. Some people notice these symptoms but do not realize they are due to vein disease and poor circulation.
Do I need treatment for my Varicose Veins?
If your varicose veins are causing significant symptoms such as leg pain or heaviness, you should consider treatment. The insurance covers most varicose vein treatment if you have significant leg discomfort from your veins.
Is Varicose Vein Treatment Dangerous?
Varicose vein treatment is not dangerous at all. In fact modern technology allows expert vein doctors to treat varicose vein disease using procedures that take just 15-30 minutes and allow you to return to work the same day.
How do you treat varicose veins?
Treatment for varicose veins usually consists of closing off the underlying unhealthy veins with leaky valves. This can be accomplished in several ways, including:
- Sclerotherapy: Injecting a medication into the vein that irritates the walls of the vein, causing the vein to seal shut.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Using a small wire inside the vein to deliver heat to the walls of the vein. This causes the vein to close down.
- Laser Ablation: Using a laser to close the vein.
- VENASEAL: Using a medical adhesive to seal the vein closed.
All of these treatment methods cause the blood to reroute to healthier veins deep within the leg improving circulation and causing significant relief of leg discomfort.
Doctors at the New York and New Jersey Vein Treatment Clinic are able to help you decide what treatment is best for you. All of our doctors is board-certified and have excellent bedside manner. Dr. Michael Nguyen is a pioneer in vein medicine who trained at Harvard and is a world-recognized teacher in the field. Dr. Juan Montoya specializes in recurrent vein disease after surgery. Dr. Caroline Novak is an award-winning physician who believes in personalized results. Dr. Sareh Rajaee is a vascular specialist who wants the best possible results for her patients. Dr. Juan Montoya is a cardiac surgeon and vein specialist with extensive experience. Our entire team is ready to work with you to help address your venous insufficiency.