Varicose veins
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.


The important thing to know about varicose veins
By Professor Mark Whiteley
2022-06-29
The important thing to understand is that to treat varicose veins, we need to treat the underlying veins and not just the ones that can be seen bulging at the surface. Prof Mark Whiteley talks about the different types of varicose veins and the importance of treating the ones that cannot be seen on the surface. See more


What’s new in varicose veins?
By Mr Philip Coleridge Smith
2022-06-29
In the last 20 years, vascular surgery has undergone a revolution. Traditional surgical methods have been joined by new minimally invasive techniques. How do heat, foam, and even lasers treat varicose veins? And how effective are they compared to surgery? Expert vascular surgeon Mr Philip Coleridge Smith is here to explain: See more


Infrared Assisted Microsclerotherapy: What are the benefits?
By Mr David Greenstein
2022-06-29
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


Is HIFU the best treatment for varicose veins?
By Professor Mark Whiteley
2022-06-29
HIFU (“High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound”) is a new non-invasive way to treat varicose veins using ultrasound. There are huge advantages to HIFU over every other treatment for varicose veins, in the cases where HIFU can be used. Professor Mark Whiteley walks us through why HIFU is one of the best ways to treat varicose veins. See more
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Professor Alun Davies
Vascular surgeryExpert in:
- Varicose veins
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Aortic aneurysms
- Hyperhidrosis
- Venous ulcer
- Carotid endarterectomy
-
Mr Philip Coleridge Smith
Vascular surgeryExpert in:
- Varicose veins
- Venous insufficiency
- Venous ulcer
- Thrombosis
- Spider veins (thread veins)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
-
Ms Sophie Renton
Vascular surgeryExpert in:
- Carotid endarterectomy
- Varicose veins
- Varicose veins surgery
- Venous ulcer
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Diabetic foot
-
Mr Sudip Ray
Vascular surgeryExpert in:
- Varicose veins
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Minimally invasive artery surgery
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Varicose veins surgery
- Foam sclerotherapy
-
Mr Ian Franklin
Vascular surgeryExpert in:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Leg ulcers
- Spider veins (thread veins)
- Varicose veins
- Lymphoedema
- Pelvic congestion syndrome
- See all

Premier Veins
Premier Veins
81 Harborne Road
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Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare
Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT
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108 Harley Street Medical
108 Harley Street Medical
108 Harley Street, W1G 7ET, UK
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
Premier Veins
81 Harborne Road, EdgbastonExpert in:
- Endovenous laser treatment (EVLA)
- Foam sclerotherapy
- Microsclerotherapy
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
- Thread veins
- Varicose veins
-
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Private Healthcare
Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT, SE1 South Bank LondonExpert in:
- Adult and paediatric services
- Adult Diabetes
- Allergy
- Cardiology
- Child Diabetes
- Clinical Dermatology
-
108 Harley Street Medical
108 Harley Street, W1G 7ET, UK, W1G Marylebone LondonExpert in:
- Vascular Surgery
- Dermatology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Women’s health
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation
- See all