There are a lot of alleged “cures” for varicose veins out there. Perhaps you’ve tried home remedies, light therapy, or even medical grade compression stockings only to be disappointed with the results. No matter what, you just can’t seem to get rid of those bulging blood vessels. So, is there a permanent cure for varicose veins?
Are varicose veins curable?
The answer to whether or not varicose veins are curable depends on how you define “cure.”
Varicose veins develop due to malfunctioning valves inside your veins. These valves play a crucial role in maintaining proper blood flow by ensuring that blood moves upward towards your heart. When the valves break down due to age, genetics, or injury, blood can flow backward and pool inside your vein. This leads to the bulging and discomfort we know as varicose veins.
Unfortunately, science has yet to discover a way to repair the vein valves once they’ve been compromised. Therefore, a “cure” for varicose veins—in the sense of restoring the valves to their original state—isn’t possible.
However, when most patients ask “are varicose veins curable?” what they really mean is “can you make my legs look and feel better?” And the answer to that is yes! There are highly effective treatments that can significantly improve the appearance of your varicose veins and alleviate most, if not all, of your symptoms.
The best treatment for varicose veins
When it comes to varicose veins, the most effective treatment is a procedure called a venous closure (also known as vein surgery). This routine, minimally-invasive treatment can be done in your doctor’s office during your lunch hour. It causes minimal discomfort and has an uncomplicated recovery.
What venous closure does is permanently close the damaged vein so that blood no longer flows through it. Your doctor accomplishes this in one of three ways:
- Thermal ablation uses heat to scar the vein closed.
- Vein glue uses a medical grade adhesive to literally glue the vein shut.
- Foam sclerotherapy uses a solution to irritate the vein wall and cause it to collapse.
Once the malfunctioning vein has been closed, your body will reroute blood flow to other, healthy veins. This puts an end to the backflow and pooling of blood in your legs. It is the only effective, long-term solution for varicose veins.
Can I get rid of varicose veins without surgery?
Unfortunately, varicose veins are a complex condition that involves structural abnormalities in the veins. This means non-invasive treatments have relatively little effect.
Can varicose veins disappear with exercise?
While physical activity can provide some relief for people with varicose veins, it will not make them disappear completely. Exercise plays a vital role in improving circulation. When the muscles around your veins contract, it squeezes them, circulating blood and reducing pooling. This can alleviate symptoms such as swelling, discomfort, and heaviness in your legs.
Walking, swimming, cycling, and low-impact exercises are particularly beneficial and can play a supportive role in managing varicose veins. However, the underlying issue of damaged valves remains unchanged, and over time the condition is likely to get worse.
Do compression socks make varicose veins go away?
Compression socks work similarly to exercise in that they gently squeeze your veins, aiding in circulation. They also narrow stretched out blood vessels so the valves inside can work better. The result is less fluid buildup in your legs and a reduction in symptoms. They also reduce the risk of developing a blood clot.
Compression stockings come in various compression levels measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Generally, 20-30 mmHg is best for varicose veins. They are particularly beneficial for individuals who have to sit or stand for long periods at a time. However, the benefits diminish as soon as you take the stockings off. Therefore, they are not a permanent cure for varicose veins.
How effective is homeopathy for curing varicose veins?
There is a great deal of interest in natural, alternative, and homeopathic remedies for varicose veins. While there is nothing wrong with exploring innovative or non-traditional treatment options, it is essential to find those that can provide verifiable results.
While there are anecdotal reports of individuals experiencing relief from varicose veins through homeopathic treatments, the scientific evidence to support these claims is limited and inconclusive. Moreover, homeopathic remedies primarily focus on managing symptoms, rather than addressing the underlying cause. While you may find temporary relief from the ache and swelling that accompany varicose veins, the damage to your vein valves remains. As such these remedies do not represent a permanent cure for varicose veins.
Is there a permanent cure for varicose veins?
Unfortunately, even the best varicose vein treatment is not guaranteed to be permanent. There are age-related and genetic factors that may lead you to develop new varicosities even after you’ve had venous closure. However, working with a qualified vein specialist can help get you the results you’re looking for.
While there is no cure, per se, for varicose veins, compared to other treatment approaches, venous closure is the most effective at providing long-lasting results. And many patients see their varicose veins go away without ever coming back. If you’d like to learn more, you can make an appointment to speak with Dr. Ian Katz of the Dekalb Vein Center to discuss your individual concerns.
