Varicose veins
Specialty of Vascular surgery
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged and swollen veins, usually forming in the legs and feet. Often they can appear as lumpy, blue or purple and bulging. Although varicose veins are frequently a cosmetic concern, for some people they can also cause pain and discomfort, and can sometimes lead to more serious problems.
There are different types of varicose veins, including:
- Reticular – red and grouped closely together.
- Trunk – close to the skin’s surface and very thick.
- Telangiectasia – also known as spider veins, they appear as small groups of blue or red veins that do not bulge.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
The main symptoms of varicose veins include:
- heavy, aching legs
- burning or throbbing in the legs
- dry, itchy skin on the affected veins
- cramps in the legs, especially at night
- swollen ankles and feet
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins occur when the valves inside the veins malfunction. Blood should flow smoothly to the heart, but if a valve is weakened or damaged, blood can flow backwards and collect in the veins. This eventually results in swollen, varicose veins.
There are certain risk factors associated with developing varicose veins, including:
- older age
- pregnancy
- being female
- being overweight
- having family members with varicose veins
- standing for long periods over time
How can varicose veins be prevented?
There is little evidence that indicates varicose veins can be prevented, however, techniques that improve circulation are thought to reduce the risk of developing them.
There are also measures that can help relieve the symptoms caused by varicose veins:
- Exercising regularly, to maintain a healthy weight and to improve circulation.
- Avoid standing for long periods, and to move around frequently.
- If there is pain, raise the legs on pillows throughout the day to relieve the discomfort.
What is the treatment for varicose veins?
Initially, treatment for varicose veins is usually the use of compression socks or stockings, exercising regularly and elevating the legs when in discomfort.
However, if they are still causing pain and discomfort or have caused complications, then there are other treatment options, including:
- Sclerotherapy – special foam is used to close the affected veins.
- Endothermal ablation – heat is used to seal the veins.
- Ligation and stripping – the affected veins are removed.
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Articles related to Varicose veins
Varicose veins: is treatment with sedation the best option for you?
By Mr David Greenstein
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Leading vascular and venous surgeon, Mr David Greenstein explains all about varicose veins, including the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, and whether you should consider sedation when having treatment. See more
FAQs: varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis
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Mr Harpual Flora is a leading vascular surgeon and expert in varicose veins and here he answers all of our questions on both varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. See more
Varicose veins treatment: a new surgical approach
By Mr Philip Coleridge Smith
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Expert consultant vascular surgeon, Mr Philip Coleridge Smith talks about the latest technological advances in vascular surgery. See more
Infrared Assisted Microsclerotherapy: What are the benefits?
By Mr David Greenstein
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Specialist vascular and venous surgeon Mr David Greenstein explains how infrared microsclerotherapy, otherwise known as 3D phlebotherapy, is used to treat hand, arm and foot veins, thread veins and spider veins. See more
Experts in Varicose veins
-
Mr Philip Coleridge Smith
Vascular surgeryExpert in:
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Venous ulcer
- Venous insufficiency
- Varicose veins
- Thrombosis
- Spider veins
-
Mr Ian Franklin
Vascular surgeryExpert in:
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Leg ulcers
- Spider veins
- Varicose veins
- Lymphoedema
- Pelvic congestion syndrome
-
Mr David Greenstein
Vascular surgeryExpert in:
- Varicose veins
- Spider veins
- Pelvic congestion syndrome
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Hand veins
- Swollen legs
Mr Philip Coleridge Smith
The British Vein Institute, 24-28 The Broadway, Amersham
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Mr Ian Franklin
5-10 Beaumont St, Marylebone, Central London
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Mr David Greenstein
60 Grove End Road, St John's Wood, London, Central London
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