Can Varicose Veins Come Back After Treatment?
Vein disease is something that nobody wants to deal with, but if you suffer from varicose veins or other venous insufficiencies, treatment can get rid of them. This is great, but is there a possibility those diseased veins can come back and if so what are the options available? In this article, we will explore why things like varicose veins might reoccur, the different types of treatment available, and what people can do if vein disease returns after treatment.
What is vein disease and what are the symptoms?
Vein disease is a condition that affects the veins in the body. It is caused by the valves in the legs becoming too weak to push the blood back to the heart. As a result, the blood pools, and the veins often become visible through the skin. Vein disease can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area. This can also lead to other complications, such as blood clots and even pulmonary embolisms.
How vein disease is diagnosed
Vein disease is diagnosed through a variety of methods. It can often be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. One common method of diagnosis is a duplex ultrasound. This machine uses a transducer that makes sound waves to produce onscreen images that help vein specialists define each patient's specific venous anatomy prior to recommending treatment. This can help doctors to see if there are any blockages or problems by measuring the size, speed and direction of blood flow in the veins.
The different types of treatment available for vein disease
Vein disease treatment options are typically conservative in nature. These include both the methods to prevent vein disease as well as the physical treatments done by a vein specialist at their offices.
Common prevention methods may include:
Exercising- being active and mobile not only helps the blood circulate, it also strengthens the veins that pump the blood
Maintaining a healthy weight- keep pressure off your veins and prevent other serious illnesses by eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight
Wearing compression stockings- help move the blood from the legs back to the heart
Elevating the legs- help the blood flow in the right direction by assisting gravity
Not standing or sitting for long periods of time- periodically switch between the two throughout the day to avoid unnecessary pressure
Common treatment options include:
Sclerotherapy- an irritating (sclerosing) solution is injected directly into the vein through a tiny micro-needle causing the vein to close
Endovenous Laser Therapy- a fine laser fiber is introduced into the vein, then laser energy is used to generate heat which seals the vein closed
Microsurgery- utilizes special instruments to remove veins through a few, very tiny, "micro" incisions
Why vein disease might reoccur after treatment
Vein disease might reoccur after treatment for a variety of reasons including:
1. The underlying cause of vein disease wasn't treated:
For example, vein disease might be caused by things like obesity or pregnancy. If the patient does not lose weight or if they become pregnant again, varicose veins or other vein diseases can come back.
2. The treatment was not enough:
There is a possibility that a single treatment is not enough to get rid of your vein disease. In that case, you may need multiple appointments and procedures to fully get rid of the affected veins.
3. Vein disease can be genetic:
While a procedure might be successful at removing the unsightly or painful veins, you may be predisposed to getting vein disease based on your family history. If this is the case and you repeatedly get vein disease, there may not be a sufficient cure.
4. New veins were created:
Oddly enough, the same can happen when new veins are created during the body's healing process. Both Neovascularization, the creation of new blood vessels, and recanalization, the reopening of a closed vein, can lead to repeated vein disease
What to do if vein disease returns after treatment
If this occurs, there are several things that can be done to help manage the condition. Some people may need to see a vein specialist for additional treatment, while others may be able to manage the disease with lifestyle changes. Staying active, wearing compression stockings and elevating the legs when possible as well as the other prevention methods listed above can all help keep vein disease under control. Most importantly though, do not hesitate to get help if they do reoccur. It may be frustrating, but waiting or doing nothing will only make things worse. It can also easily lead to more serious diseases that can end up being life-threatening.
Vein disease can reoccur after treatment for a number of reasons. If that does happen, it can be quite discouraging, but there are things you can do to help prevent vein disease from returning. The most important thing is to not lose hope. Seeing a vein specialist as soon as possible will help to determine what new steps you should undergo and how to mitigate things moving forward. You may be in for a long battle with vein disease, but your vein specialist will be there guiding you along the way.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.