Will varicose veins go away on their own?
Varicose veins are a common problem, affecting nearly one quarter of the population. If you’re suffering from varicose veins, you may forgo treatment for a time, hoping the problem will just resolve itself naturally. But do varicose veins go away on their own?
The short answer is no. Sometimes, when a woman develops varicose veins while pregnant, they’ll go away in the months following childbirth. Also, some people find that exercising or losing weight can alleviate the symptoms of venous insufficiency. So, can varicose veins go away? Sometimes. However, in most cases, varicose vein treatment is necessary to effectively eliminate them.
Why is this? Varicose veins are the result of venous insufficiency, caused by faulty valves in the blood vessels. The valves in your veins are meant to keep blood moving in one direction, and when they malfunction, the blood can flow the wrong way. This blood often pools in the veins in the legs, causing them to swell and become problematic.
Without treatment, varicose veins will not resolve themselves, but will continue to have a negative impact on your quality of life. Worse, they can actually raise your risk of some serious health complications. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one condition that is a complication of venous insufficiency, and it can cause serious blood clots. Should one of those blood clots enter the bloodstream, it can result in a pulmonary embolism, which is sometimes fatal. Even if you don’t develop DVT from your varicose veins, your symptoms are likely to get worse over time. You may find that your legs become more painful, sometimes to the point at which it’s difficult to walk or stand comfortably. Some people with varicose veins experience severe swelling or skin discoloration, and some develop restless legs syndrome. Untreated varicose veins can rupture or can develop venous ulcers, which are sores on the legs or ankles.
IF you have varicose veins, it’s important to consult with a specialist who knows how to treat varicose veins. Your specialist may recommend certain lifestyle changes, like losing weight or exercising more, and may recommend compression socks, to help with circulation. Ultimately, though, there is a wealth of varicose veins treatments that are minimally invasive and highly effective, and there’s no reason not to ask your doctor about them. The focus of these treatments is to close off the afflicted vein and redirect the blood into a new, healthy vessel.
If you’re seeking varicose veins treatment or help with other vein issues, trust the board-certified physicians at the Arizona Vein & Laser Institute. Using the most advanced technology, the vascular and cardiovascular surgeons at the Arizona Vein & Laser Institute provide care for all types of venous diseases. With over 40 years of experience, our team of experienced physicians can devise the right treatment plan to address your venous disease problems. For more information contact us through our website.