We’ve all wondered the same thing. We recognize the symptoms of a possible vein condition and promptly start hoping it will just go away on its own. Here are all the things I hear patients say in my clinic: “It’s not really that bad. It is just a sign of aging. I need to toughen up and grit through it. I don’t know if my insurance will cover treatments. Maybe if I take better care of myself it will go away on its own.” I did the same thing...suffered in silence and procrastinated on my own treatment. If you’ve had similar thoughts, here’s what you need to know.
Varicose Veins Don’t Go Away on Their Own
The fact is that varicose veins will not magically go away on their own. Unfortunately, those clusters of enlarged and broken veins will only worsen over time, getting bigger and increasingly more painful. They are the result of a condition in your veins called vein reflux that can only be improved with specific treatment. Things like leg elevation, supplements, lotions and oils, compression stockings, and a host of other holistic options will help lessen the severity of the symptoms - for a time. But they are ultimately not effective in treating the underlying condition. Only vein treatment can do that.
Pregnancy is the One Exception
The only exception is when they occur as a result of pregnancy. The nine months of hormonal changes and increased pressure on the abdomen and pelvis can result in pregnancy-related vein reflux. You may experience leg swelling, fatigue, sleeplessness, and discomfort in your lower legs after sitting or standing. You may also see the development of small spider veins or bulging varicose veins on your legs, ankles, and feet. Once the baby is born, the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels and the pressure on the abdomen and pelvis go away, veins typically reduce in size and most return to normal.
That being said, it’s important to note that once the valves in your veins weaken, they may never return to their original state. There is a high likelihood that, because it’s occurred once, it is more likely to return with subsequent pregnancies. There is also a chance that vein reflux will return as you age, even without additional pregnancies.
It used to be that vein treatments weren't recommended until after you are done having children. However, current treatments are well-tolerated and easy to go through. Plus, they really help relieve symptoms and get rid of unsightly veins. Therefore, the current recommendation is, if you're having vein symptoms, to go ahead and have treatment between pregnancies and not wait until you're done having children. During subsequent pregnancies, wearing compression stockings and elevating your legs in the evenings will help minimize the discomfort from symptoms, but will not make them go away completely.
What Can Be Done?
There are some home remedies you can try, but know that they will help bring relief from the symptoms and not treat the underlying condition - like putting a bandaid on the problem. It’s also not uncommon for insurance companies to require a period of time that you wear compression stockings prior to treatment for timeframes ranging from 30-90 days. Keep in mind that these solutions won’t make the vein condition go away, but could make them less painful to deal with.
The only solution that will address the underlying condition is vein treatment. If you think you may be struggling with a vein condition, don’t wait. I put off my own vein treatment when I was in my 20s, thinking I could ignore it, that I didn’t have time...and that I could have ended the misery from my own leg condition much sooner than I did. In fact, many patients tell me after treatment that they wished they’d sought help sooner. A free vein screening costs you nothing, is a quick, easy, and painless assessment that can be done online if you prefer...and will provide you with the answers you need.
