What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins develop when the one-way valves in your main surface leg veins stop functioning properly, causing blood to flow backward and pool down in the feet. This increased pressure causes the veins to enlarge, swell and often bulge outward, creating visible and sometimes painful varicose veins. Common symptoms include aching, throbbing, heaviness and discomfort, particularly after standing for long periods.
Inside the veins, these valves normally ensure blood flows upwards toward the heart, even when standing. When these valves fail, blood flows downward toward the feet, leading to pooling and increased vein pressure. Over time, this can worsen, potentially causing complications like skin changes, swelling and blood clots.
While varicose veins can be unsightly or uncomfortable, advanced and minimally invasive treatments are available to improve vein health, relieve symptoms and restore your confidence.
Veins that bulge outwards are varicose veins.
Varicose veins often run in families.
Who Gets Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins often run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition, but they can affect anyone. Other common risk factors include pregnancy, obesity and prolonged standing, especially in occupations like teaching, nursing or retail. Trauma or injury to the legs can also increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins.
Certain lifestyle factors, such as lack of exercise or prolonged sitting, can contribute to poor circulation, further increasing the risk. Understanding these risk factors can help with early detection, ensuring prompt treatment to help maintain healthy veins.
What Problems Can Varicose Veins Cause?
Varicose veins often do not cause symptoms in the early stages and may simply appear as visible, unsightly veins.
When symptoms do occur, they are typically related to the increased pressure caused by pooling blood in the legs. Common symptoms include aching, throbbing, itching, burning and cramping. It’s important to note that varicose veins do not cause restless legs syndrome.
As the condition progresses, increased vein pressure may start to affect the skin, leading to issues such as discoloration, thickening, eczema or cellulitis.
In some cases, blood clots can form within the veins, causing surface blood clots, resulting in superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), phlebitis or superficial thrombophlebitis. More serious complications, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can occur if clots develop in the deeper veins of the legs, which may lead to lung clots called pulmonary embolism (PE).
Bleeding from veins is another concern, particularly for older adults. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to maintaining vascular health.
Blood can clot within the veins, causing surface blood clots.
Sclerotherapy is injecting an irritant to close smaller veins.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
A wide range of treatment options is available for varicose veins, tailored to the severity of the condition and individual patient needs. These treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and improve both vein function and overall quality of life.
Modern advancements in minimally invasive techniques have made treatments more accessible and effective, reducing down time and ensuring faster recovery. Surgical treatment is uncommon. By addressing the root cause of varicose veins, these procedures offer long-term relief and improved vein health.
Investigations
A vascular ultrasound scan is the primary investigation for diagnosing varicose veins. This non-invasive procedure creates a detailed map of your vein structure, allowing us to identify problematic areas and plan the most effective treatment.
Following your procedure, we also offer a post-treatment ultrasound scan to monitor your recovery.
Compression Stockings and Socks
Compression stockings and socks provide effective relief for varicose vein symptoms and related skin issues. Worn daily, they promote healthy blood flow and reduce discomfort.
Vein Closure Treatments
Modern vein closure procedures involve minimally invasive techniques such as heat-based therapies like laser treatment and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or the use of medical adhesives like Venaseal.
Sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution to close smaller veins, is also a common and effective option.
Usually, these closure treatments and sclerotherapy are performed together during the same appointment, ensuring both immediate relief and lasting results.