Understanding Red Light Therapy for Varicose Veins

We aren't making any claims in this article; We are simply sharing research.

Is red light therapy an effective and non-invasive treatment for diminishing the appearance of varicose veins?  Investigate the scientific aspects of this subject.

Let's discuss red light therapy for varicose veins. Varicose veins are not merely a cosmetic concern but frequently indicate significant underlying health issues, including risk factors that elevate the likelihood of several serious medical illnesses.

This blog article will examine various subjects, including the specific targeting of spider veins by light treatment and the supporting evidence, the use of blue light therapy for spider veins, and the efficacy of red light therapy for varicose veins, among others.

LET'S START WITH THE FUNDAMENTALS.

THE CAUSE OF VARICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS:

Varicose veins, often known as spider veins, may indicate an increased risk of significant health issues. (1) The presence of varicose veins elevates the overall mortality risk by 37% compared to individuals without these veins. (1)

The issue is somewhat more pronounced in men and individuals over the age of 65.

Furthermore, varicose veins increase the chance of a cardiovascular attack double (1). Instances include a stroke or a heart attack. Consequently, the presence of these veins indicates not merely a cosmetic concern but also underlying circulation complications.

Varicose veins are distended veins commonly found in the lower extremities. Risk factors encompass a familial predisposition to circulatory disorders, feminine gender, obesity, complications arising from obesity, prolonged standing, gastrointestinal issues, among others. Several underlying risk factors for varicose veins are entirely controllable through lifestyle modifications, including obesity, prolonged standing, and gastrointestinal issues (2).

Additionally, there are further concerns associated with varicose veins. Researchers state: "Symptoms of varicose veins include a heavy, achy feeling and an itching or burning sensation; these symptoms worsen with prolonged standing. Potential complications include infection, leg ulcers, stasis changes, and thrombosis. " (2).

Fortunately, the therapeutic alternatives for varicose veins closely resemble those for individuals with cardiovascular and vascular disorders in general. Recommendations encompass regulating body fat percentage, engaging in physical exercise, adhering to a nutritious diet, avoiding prolonged standing, and refraining from wearing restricting clothing.

Additional research advocates for particular lifestyle modifications, including: "varicose vein disease can be averted through regular yoga or exercise and the intake of various fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, blackberries, avocados, ginger, and rosemary." (3)

IT'S THAT SIMPLE!

Surgical and laser interventions are also accessible for cases when the issue has significantly escalated (2).

Obesity and extended standing are the primary risk factors—two elements that are nearly entirely controllable via individual choices. (3) Reversing the disorders is significantly more challenging than avoiding them, just like with many health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.

In general, if you follow these six rules you'll see results.

1. Engage in physical exercise a couple times each week, using aerobic training on certain days and interval or strength training on others.

2. Consume a whole food diet using single ingredients that humans used to eat nearly 200 years ago.

3. Refrain from constant eating; you should eat all of your ideal calories within an 8 hour window and said window should end in the early evening.

4. Make sure to get up and move throughout the day; avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Your body is not designed to sit or stand for eight hours daily, and doing so can inflict significant harm.

5. Utilize saunas and sunlight to enhance blood circulation.

6. Avoid smoking and restrict alcohol consumption to one glass daily for women and two glasses for men.

This should prevent 95% of cases if followed regularly.

Varicose veins: Common Symptoms

Varicose veins are not always visible. Researchers state:

It is now a general term used to describe these bulging veins, and also underlying incompetent veins that reflux and cause the surface varicose veins.

Significantly, the term "varicose veins" is frequently applied to superficial venous reflux, even when prominent bulging veins are not evident. These may be referred to as "hidden varicose veins". Varicose veins typically worsen, leading to pain, edema in the ankles, skin damage, leg ulcers, superficial venous thrombosis, and venous bleeds (4).

Pain is a nearly ubiquitous sign of varicose veins. Edema and a sensation of heaviness in the legs are additional symptoms (6). Additionally, there is frequent discoloration around the veins, itching, and nightly cramps.

What are the fundamental causes of these symptoms?

Eventually, the valves of the blood vessels begin to malfunction. The blood will thereafter reflux and fail to circulate adequately, resulting in venous blood accumulation. At that point, there are frequently existing issues with blood pressure and venous function (7).

Tingling in the lower legs may occur as a symptom, even if the spider veins aren't yet visible. Even with a lack of additional symptoms, it may be wise to get testing if you possess numerous risk factors. A qualified medical expert can detect varicose veins with ultrasound, particularly in the early stages when the veins have not yet become visible.

Lower estimates suggest that just 2% of individuals are afflicted with varicose veins, however higher estimates, including those with underdeveloped veins, reach up to 70% (6). Other studies indicate upper limits of 15% for men and 30% for women (11).

If left untreated, the issue may become progressively worse. Initially, there may be no apparent issue at all.

Later, spider veins may emerge. Subsequently, the skin is impacted, and edema is present. Ultimately, dermatological issues may worsen, and the development of ulcers can occur.

IS LIGHT THERAPY EFFECTIVE FOR TREATING SPIDER AND VARICOSE VIENS?

Light therapy is capable of treating spider and varicose veins, albeit not in the manner one might expect (8).

Lasers may be used within the veins as a therapeutic approach. Researchers write the following:

For endovenous laser ablation, a fiber optic laser is inserted into the vein and, when activated, will transmit light energy to the laser tip that is distributed radially by a prism and will heat the surrounding tissue. Heat injury to the vein wall will cause disruption to collagen, leading to fibrosis and collapse of the vessel. Tumescent anesthesia, which plays a critical role in this procedure, is given prior to ablation to decrease intravenous blood volume through venous compression, create a barrier between laser and surrounding tissue, and provide local anesthesia. The procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting and does not require general anesthesia. Advantages of endo-ablation include rapid recovery with return to work on average in 1 day and 96.7% of vein obliteration maintained at 3 and 5 years after the procedure." (8)

That's an exceptionally favorable outcome. However, this laser treatment may only be administered by a qualified medical professional with expertise in laser application. The treatment is invasive as the vein must be entered to administer light therapy this way.

A multitude of research has been done to investigate this invasive laser therapy. The procedure mentioned can be utilized safely during pregnancy (9). The implementation of the therapy is challenging due to variations in vein structure and various underlying causes (10). Luckily, this procedure does not require an operating room or general anesthesia (11).

However, for ulcers that develop in the advanced stage of spider veins, light therapy may prove beneficial (12).

The overall pain and recovery associated with these ulcers may improve. But what about other types of light therapy that we should consider?

IS RED LIGHT THERAPY EFFECTIVE FOR TREATING VARICOSE VIENS?

At this moment there is no research for red light therapy used on varicose veins. Only laser therapies have demonstrated a significant effect.

Numerous online blogs assert that red light therapy is effective for spider veins, or that blue light therapy can be utilized. The issue is that these blogs fail to provide any citations or are able to even back up their claim.

If a blog claims that red light therapy or blue light therapy is effective for varicose veins without providing scientific references, it is at the very least misleading.

Still, red light therapy can assist in managing varicose veins by addressing the underlying risk factors. Let's look at these eight risk factors:

1. Blood pressure: red light therapy can lower blood pressure, particularly in the short term (13; 14; 15). Red light therapy facilitates the release of Nitric Oxide (NO), improving blood flow and helps to reduce blood pressure. We have observed significant reductions in blood pressure among certain hypertensive individuals; nevertheless, this is merely anecdotal data and calls for repetition of that experiment.

2. Reduced inflammation. Inflammation is a contributing factor to varicose veins, and red light therapy may assist in managing both localized and systemic (chronic) inflammation. (16; 17; 18; 19)

3. Excessive inflammation indicates a persistently active immune system. One of the significant advantages of red light treatment is its ability to prevent systemic chronic inflammation, which typically leads to increased energy generation. Increased energy production thus ensures enhanced cellular function.

4. End ot function, which influences the permeability of blood vessels, can also be positively impacted by red light therapy; however, the effect may not be considerably apparent after a single session (20).

5. Over time, red light therapy can enhance endothelial function, facilitate the formation of new blood vessels, and dilate existing blood vessels, promoting more efficient blood flow. (21) Numerous risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis, which are linked to spider veins, are influenced by red light therapy(22; 23).

6. Assists in fat reduction, a significant risk factor for the development of varicose veins (24; 25; 26; 27). Red light therapy can result in a reduction of up to a quarter inch in waist size per session and a weight loss of up to 3 pounds over a four-week duration. (24) This is without altering any other lifestyle factors and with insufficient treatment conditions, as only the waistline was addressed in these studies, rather than the entire body.

7. Red light therapy also enhances circulation. Improved circulation can also assist in combating spider veins.

8. Red light therapy significantly enhances workout recovery, which allows more frequent exercising and facilitates more fat loss and muscle gain.

Although direct trials on red light therapy for varicose veins are lacking, tons of circumstantial evidence suggests that red light therapy is highly beneficial.

CELLULAR HEALING ENHANCED BY RED LIGHT THERAPY

As previously stated, red light therapy has significant potential for cellular healing. Numerous pathways can be determined, including oxidative stress, gene expression, enhanced sleep quality that facilitates expedited recovery, among others.

Still, more direct studies need to be done for a favorable conclusion.

Nonetheless, evidence has been found indicating that exercise improves the condition of those with varicose veins (28; 29; 30; 31). That exercise should be combined with surgery on occasion.

High-quality studies on fat loss and varicose veins are almost non-existent. However, before applying any other cardiovascular or other treatment, weight loss is advised for the most obese individuals (32).

What seems to be evident is that further research is required, not only on red light therapy for varicose veins but also on effective exercise and dietary intervention.

WITH RED LIGHT THERAPY, HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL VARICOSE VIENS?

There is no easy answer available due to the lack of study. While you can assert that red light therapy addresses underlying risk factors, the length of time it would take to heal cannot be determined, if it's even possible.

Advancements in treatment for varicose veins are progressing; but it often includes medical intervention or even surgery. (33; 34; 35; 36)

Adhering to basic health recommendations to prevent the onset of varicose veins is additionally advisable. Avoid excess weight for long periods of time and ensure you engage in regular activity throughout the day.

IN CONSLUSION

Red Light Therapy should be used for Spider Veins only as a Supplementary Treatment!

Regrettably, there is no straightforward solution to this matter. It would be nice to say that red light therapy for spider veins entirely resolves the issue but that just isn't the case. Red light therapy may provide support, but may not be the answer in total.

The research does show benefits of red light therapy in alleviating the symptoms and underlying causes of spider veins.