Are Varicose Veins Permanently Curable?

Varicose veins are enlarged or twisted veins in your legs that appear blue or dark purple. More than 23% of adults in the United States…

woman with varicose veins on leg

Varicose veins are enlarged or twisted veins in your legs that appear blue or dark purple. More than 23% of adults in the United States have varicose veins. 

The veins in your legs have valves that pump blood to your heart. When these valves don’t work, the blood collects in the vein and affects your blood circulation. 

While some varicose veins can be treated for cosmetic reasons, varicose veins can also cause severe pain, swelling, and discomfort. Several treatments are available to cure varicose veins. If you don’t have pain or discomfort and are not bothered by the appearance of varicose veins, you may not require any treatment. 

What Causes Varicose Veins?

‌Varicose veins occur when your vein walls and valves become weak. This can happen due to the following:‌

  • Hormonal changes: An imbalance in hormones can impact the health of your veins, resulting in weakened valves. This can lead to varicose veins.
  • Aging: Aging can put wear and tear on the valves that help regulate your blood flow. As you age, the valves don’t function properly, causing a backflow of blood.
  • Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on your leg veins and prevent the valves from functioning well. 
  • Pregnancy: During pregnancy, varicose veins can develop as your womb expands and applies pressure on your large veins. Once your baby is born, the varicose veins often disappear. 
  • Family history:  The tendency to develop varicose veins is hereditary and can pass down to you genetically. 
  • Standing or sitting for long durations: Both can put pressure on your legs and cause your blood to pool in one place. 

Can Varicose Veins Be Cured Permanently?

‌Varicose veins can’t be permanently cured. The condition is irreversible because the valve is permanently damaged. Varicose vein treatment typically involves closing or collapsing the problematic vein rather than repairing it. 

Earlier, varicose vein removal was done using a surgical procedure called vein stripping. It involved the complete removal of the varicose vein under anesthesia. It took days in the hospital and had a lengthy, painful recovery period. 

Currently, vein specialists use laser heat energy, radiofrequency energy, or chemicals such as sclerosants to seal the varicose veins. Once the vein is closed, your blood flow is directed into healthy veins, restoring your blood circulation and relieving painful symptoms. The treated vein disappears over time and your body reabsorbs them. 

Once your doctor treats varicose veins, they won’t return. But new varicose veins can develop in the same area.

How to Get Rid of Varicose Veins?

‌The following treatments are available for varicose veins: 

1. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): EVLA is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure for treating varicose veins. EVLA involves closing an abnormal vein using laser thermal energy. The focused laser energy collapses the walls of the affected vein and closes it. The blood then flows through healthier veins. The body reabsorbs the treated vein, making it disappear over time. This simple treatment can be carried out in your doctor’s office and has a quick recovery time.

2. Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): RFA is a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser energy to heat and close the damaged vein. Your vein specialist will make a small incision in the affected area and insert a thin tube or catheter in the problematic vein. Your doctor will pass radiofrequency energy through the catheter and into the vein to seal it. Similar to EVLA, this treatment is a simple procedure with a short recovery period. 

3. Microfoam Injection: This procedure is also called foam sclerotherapy. It involves the injection of microfoam into the affected vein. Microfoam is a sclerosant or chemical detergent that burns, shrinks, and shuts the vein. This fast, non-surgical, and minimally invasive treatment helps treat varicose veins with a short recovery time.

4. Cyanoacrylate injection: Cyanoacrylate injection seals the damaged vein with glue or adhesive agent. Cyanoacrylate glues the insides of the vein and closes it. This reroutes the blood into healthy veins and restores circulation. The process is simple and doesn’t require anesthesia. It has a faster recovery time and causes less pain than thermal ablation procedures. 

5. Endovenous Mechanochemical Ablation (MOCA): MOCA involves inserting a special rotating catheter into the affected vein and injecting a liquid sclerosant to close the vein. The vein is closed without applying heat energy. Once the vein is sealed, your blood is rerouted into other veins to restore healthy circulation. This procedure doesn’t require anesthesia and causes low post-treatment pain. 

6. Phlebectomy: This minimally invasive procedure uses a small scalpel or needle to remove varicose veins under local anesthesia. It is an advanced version of more invasive vein stripping. This procedure can be painful and has a long recovery time.

How to Prevent Varicose Veins from Recurring?

You can prevent varicose veins from recurring through the following:‌

  • Exercise
  • Weight loss
  • Healthy diet
  • Elevate your legs
  • Avoid standing or sitting for long periods
  • Wear gradient compression stockings daily to improve your blood circulation. They help your veins and leg muscles pump blood more effectively. 

Treatment Outcomes 

‌Varicose vein treatments don’t actually remove varicose veins. However, they do close the abnormal veins and relieve painful symptoms. Varicose veins can return after treatment. They usually reappear during pregnancy because your baby’s weight puts pressure on your legs. They can also recur due to obesity or a sedentary lifestyle.

Typically, varicose veins are not harmful. They may not cause serious long-term complications. Simple lifestyle changes and exercise can relieve symptoms and prevent your varicose veins from getting worse. 

However, symptomatic varicose veins that cause pain and discomfort must be treated to avoid complications like ulcers, bleeding, or clotting. 

Consult a Vein Specialist Today

‌If you’re seeking varicose vein treatment, several options are available to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons or to alleviate your painful symptoms. Consult a vein specialist near you to explore suitable treatment options. My Vein Treatment’s vein specialist locator tool can help you find a local vein expert to guide you through your treatment procedure.