Varicose veins are swollen and twisted vessels visible just beneath the skin, often prompting people to seek treatment. The primary question is whether addressing these damaged veins translates into better blood flow throughout the leg. Removing or closing off these faulty veins does improve circulation within the affected limb, leading to symptom relief and a healthier vascular system. This improvement occurs because the body efficiently reroutes blood away from the faulty vessels and into healthy ones.
Understanding Varicose Veins and Venous Insufficiency
Varicose veins are a physical manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Veins in the legs rely on tiny one-way valves to return deoxygenated blood to the heart against gravity. When these valves become weak or damaged, they fail to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward and pool (venous reflux). This pooling increases pressure inside the vein, causing it to stretch, enlarge, and become a varicose vein.
The varicose vein is a symptom of localized poor circulation, not a cause of systemic circulatory failure. This localized congestion leads to common symptoms like aching, heaviness, cramping, and swelling in the legs. While CVI is influenced by factors like genetics and prolonged standing, addressing the faulty vein eliminates the point of reflux and high pressure.
How Removing Varicose Veins Redirects Blood Flow
Treating a varicose vein restores efficient circulation by eliminating the broken segment of the vascular network. The body has an extensive venous system, including both superficial and deep veins. Superficial veins, where varicose veins form, are responsible for only a small percentage of the leg’s blood return, while the deep veins handle the majority of the blood flow.
When a non-functioning varicose vein is removed or sealed shut, the circulatory system instantly adapts and reroutes the blood flow. Blood that was previously pooling or flowing backward is directed into the numerous healthy, deeper veins that are fully capable of taking over the load. Removing the source of high pressure and reflux significantly improves the overall speed and efficiency of blood return from the limb.
Primary Treatment Methods for Vein Removal
Modern medicine offers several minimally invasive techniques to close or remove the faulty veins responsible for venous insufficiency. Endovenous Thermal Ablation (ETA) is a common method, using either laser energy (EVLA) or radiofrequency (RFA). The energy is delivered via a thin catheter inserted into the vein. The heat causes the vein wall to collapse and seal shut, eventually turning into scar tissue that the body absorbs.
Sclerotherapy is often used for smaller varicose or spider veins, where a chemical solution is injected into the vein. This solution irritates the vessel lining, causing it to swell, collapse, and seal itself off. For veins close to the skin’s surface, an ambulatory phlebectomy may be performed. This involves making tiny incisions to physically remove the problematic segments of the vein using a specialized hook.
Maintaining Improved Circulation After Treatment
Achieving improved circulation through treatment requires long-term maintenance based on lifestyle choices. Compression stockings are often prescribed after the procedure to apply gentle pressure to the legs. This supports the veins, encourages efficient blood flow back to the heart, reduces swelling, and minimizes the risk of new varicose veins forming.
Regular physical movement is important because the calf muscles act as a pump to push blood upward against gravity. Simple activities like walking are encouraged long-term to strengthen this muscle pump and sustain healthy circulation. Additionally, elevating the legs above the level of the heart for short periods throughout the day helps decrease pressure in the veins, supporting circulatory improvement.