Reasons for Recurrence of Varicose Veins

There are chances of varicose veins to return after treatment, even if the veins have been removed or closed through procedures such as sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or surgery. This recurrence can happen for several reasons, and while treatment can reduce or eliminate the appearance of varicose veins in specific areas, it does not necessarily prevent new veins from becoming varicose in the future. Here's why varicose veins can return:

Underlying Vein Disease:
Varicose veins are often a symptom of an underlying condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), where the valves in the veins don’t function properly. Even if treated veins are successfully closed or removed, the overall issue with venous insufficiency may persist, leading to new varicose veins developing in other areas.

Incomplete Treatment:
In some cases, not all problematic veins are identified during treatment, especially if deeper veins are involved. If some veins continue to have weak valves or poor circulation, the condition may recur or new varicose veins may form over time.

Genetic Predisposition:
Varicose veins often run in families, meaning that if you have a genetic predisposition to them, new varicose veins may form after treatment. Genetics can influence how your veins function and whether new valves fail after treatment.

Hormonal Changes:
Women are especially prone to developing varicose veins due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or from using birth control or hormone replacement therapy. Even after treatment, future hormonal changes could lead to the formation of new varicose veins.

Lifestyle Factors:
Prolonged standing or sitting, lack of physical activity, obesity, and aging can all contribute to poor circulation in the legs, increasing the risk of new varicose veins forming. If these lifestyle factors persist after treatment, the likelihood of recurrence increases. Which is why, it is necessary to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Aging Process:
As you age, the elasticity in your veins decreases, and the valves inside them may weaken over time. Even if treatment is initially successful, the natural aging process can cause additional veins to fail, leading to recurrence.

Inadequate Use of Compression Stockings:
After treatment, wearing compression stockings is often recommended to help promote healthy circulation. If they are not worn consistently or as directed, the risk of new varicose veins forming increases.

 

Reducing the Risk of Recurrence
While it's not always possible to prevent varicose veins from coming back, you can reduce the risk of recurrence by following these guidelines:
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra weight puts pressure on your veins, increasing the risk of new varicose veins forming.
Exercise Regularly: Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling improve circulation and reduce pressure in your veins.
Avoid Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Take frequent breaks to move around and stretch your legs, especially if your job requires you to sit or stand for long periods.
Wear Compression Stockings: Compression stockings can help support healthy blood flow, particularly after treatment.
Elevate Your Legs: Elevating your legs while resting helps reduce the pressure on your veins and improves circulation.

While varicose veins can return after treatment, their recurrence is not guaranteed, and the likelihood depends on a variety of factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and the underlying health of your veins. Ongoing management, lifestyle adjustments, and follow-up care can help minimize the risk of new varicose veins developing after treatment. If varicose veins do recur, further treatment options are available to manage them effectively.

Related Topics:
Caues of Varicose Veins.
Treatments for Varicose Veins.