All about venous disease

Venous disease is a common condition that affects millions of people, yet many do not realise their symptoms are treatable. If you experience aching legs, swelling, heaviness in the legs, itching, or visible bulging veins, you may be dealing with varicose veins — a sign that blood is not flowing efficiently back to the heart.

Veins contain one-way valves that help move blood upward against gravity. When these valves weaken or fail, blood can pool in the legs, leading to enlarged, twisted veins known as varicose veins. Over time, untreated venous disease can progress, sometimes causing skin discoloration, thickening, or even slow-healing wounds.

The good news is that modern treatments are safe, effective, and far less invasive than traditional vein stripping surgery. Today, most procedures are performed as day-cases or in outpatients under local anaesthetic with minimal downtime.  

One common option is radiofrequency ablation, a treatment that uses heat delivered through a thin catheter to gently close the malfunctioning vein. The body then naturally reroutes blood flow to healthier veins. Patients typically walk out the same day and return to normal activities quickly.

Another popular treatment is sclerotherapy, where a specialised solution is injected into smaller varicose or spider veins, causing them to collapse and gradually fade. For visible surface veins, cosmetic results are often noticeable within weeks.

For some patients, medical-grade compression stockings and lifestyle changes — such as regular walking, leg elevation, and weight management — may help relieve symptoms and slow progression.

Early evaluation is important. A simple, painless ultrasound can map your veins and guide treatment decisions. Most insurance plans cover medically necessary vein procedures when symptoms are present.

If you are living with leg discomfort or visible veins, you do not have to ignore it. Modern vein treatments can restore comfort, improve appearance, and help you get back to feeling your best — on your feet and in your life.