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Can Varicose Vein Treatment Reduce Swelling Beyond Just Your Legs? New Research Suggests it Can

Jeffrey H. Miller, M.D.
Apr 7
2 min read

Updated: Aug 12

Varicose veins are a common condition where veins, usually in the legs, become enlarged and twisted. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and swelling, known as edema.

But did you know that treating varicose veins can have benefits beyond just the treated legs?

Recent research has shown that varicose vein treatment can reduce edema (swelling) not only in the treated legs but also throughout your entire body.

In this article, we dive into the research and explore the often unrecognized potential of treatment.

A middle-aged woman running down a country lane.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins that help blood flow back to the heart become weak or damaged. This causes blood to pool in the veins, making them swollen and twisted.

People with varicose veins often experience symptoms like aching, heaviness, and swelling in the legs.

The Study

A study conducted by researchers at the Gifu Heart Center in Japan explored the effects of varicose vein treatment on edema (aka swelling).

They used a method called bioelectrical impedance analysis, which measured the ratio of extracellular water to total body water (E/T ratio) in patients before and after varicose vein treatment.

Key Findings

The study included 120 patients who underwent varicose vein treatment.

The researchers found that:

Before treatment, patients had edema not only in their legs but also in their whole body.

After procedures, the E/T ratio decreased significantly in the treated leg, untreated leg, and whole body.

This means that the treatment helped reduce swelling throughout the entire body, not just in the legs.

Are you dealing with the effects of edema or swelling?

If so, it's time to see a vein specialist.

Schedule an appointment today to be certain about your vein health.

Why This is Important

This finding is significant because it suggests that varicose veins may contribute to generalized swelling, affecting more than just the legs.

By treating varicose veins, patients can experience relief from swelling and discomfort in other parts of their body as well.

Conclusion

If you or someone you know is suffering from varicose veins, it's important to consider treatment options.

Not only can it improve the appearance and comfort of your legs, but it can also have broader health benefits by reducing edema throughout your body.

Reference

Tomita S, Mizukami T, Koyama Y, Inagaki M, Ozoe S, Okawa Y. Varicose vein treatment reduces edema not only in the treated legs but also in the entire body. Phlebology. 2024;39(8):527-533. doi:10.1177/026835552412516471

Stop Letting Your Legs Hold You Back

If you have restlessness, heaviness, aching, swelling, throbbing, or itchiness in your legs—or you notice varicose veins or spider veins—it's time to see a vein specialist.

Schedule an appointment today!