If you’ve done any research about varicose veins, you’re probably already familiar with the concept of vein valves. You might be aware that numerous vein problems, such as varicose veins, spider veins, and a host of other issues, can emerge from having damage to vein valves. But you also might be wondering — if other parts of my body can heal themselves with time and proper care, can’t my vein valves do that as well?
We’ve previously covered why varicose veins can’t heal themselves, but if you’re holding out hope that the valves themselves can be repaired, we have some bad news. Unfortunately, once your vein valves are damaged, they cannot completely heal on their own. But that short answer does not tell the whole story. Minorly damaged valves can regain some function with help from compression treatment, while other solutions exist for valves damaged beyond the point of repair.
We’re practicing vein specialists in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, and over our many years of work in the industry, we’ve amassed considerable knowledge and experience around veins, vein valves, and what can happen when damaged vein valves go untreated. Here’s everything you need to know about vein valve healing, repair, and treatment.
Why do vein valves get damaged?
Vein valves can become damaged for a number of reasons. The primary cause of damage is simply time; as you grow older, your veins age just like the rest of your body. This means that they can lose function, and while this usually isn’t a major concern, it can still cause substantial discomfort.
However, other factors may speed up this process of decay. For example, if you don’t move around a lot in your everyday life, are currently carrying a child, or if you’re overweight, your veins can be more susceptible to damage.
What happens when my vein valves are damaged?
Once a vein valve is damaged or weakened, it loses its ability to properly regulate the flow of blood from one part of your body to another. This often results in blood pooling in the vein, and when that pooled blood accumulates, you can start to notice it — as you might have already guessed, this is one of the reasons why varicose and spider veins form.
There are other side effects beyond simple aesthetics. If vein valves are damaged, this decrease in blood flow can leave you feeling lethargic or weak, which can have a compounding effect on the damage already done to your veins.
People with damaged vein valves report itchiness, burning sensations, skin discoloration, numbness, and more.
What can I do to heal my vein valves?
As we previously mentioned, nothing can be done to fully repair vein valves. That said, improving your health will have a marked improvement on your blood flow. By exercising more, watching your diet, and making a few simple lifestyle changes — for example, incorporating more standing and walking into your workday — you can see an improvement in your vein health in a relatively short amount of time.
We know that these tips sound simple. Still, they’re often difficult to incorporate into everyday life. For that reason, we’ve put together some simple leg exercises you can do at home or in the workplace. Add these few minutes of extra leg movement into your day and you’re well on your way to improving your vein health dramatically.
Additionally, there is evidence that using properly fitted compression stockings can improve blood flow and vein health. Be sure to verify that they are the correct size, and make sure that you purchase new compression stockings after your current ones have gone past their recommended time of use.
What else can I do to stop vein damage?
Besides hiding your varicose and spider veins, the best way to take care of problematic veins and vein valves is with the help of a professional.
Vein procedures have changed a lot in recent years. Gone are the days when treating vein issues was a painful, time consuming process. Today, most vein issues can be resolved after a single day of treatment. At our clinic, most of our clients can even return to work the same day.
If you are interested in a vein procedure, or if you simply have some questions about the process, we are happy to help. Simply give us a call or reach out to us via email. One of our specialists will be available to help you work through the next steps and get your vein issues sorted out once and for all.