Varicose veins

Varicose veins are primarily caused by weakened or damaged valves within the veins, which allow blood to flow backward and pool, leading to vein enlargement. Other contributing factors include genetics, hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or the menopause, obesity, and prolonged periods of standing. Age-related wear and tear on the veins also plays a significant role. While some risk factors like genetics cannot be prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and managing weight can help reduce the risk. Early intervention and proper care may also prevent minor vein issues from progressing into more severe varicose veins.

Varicose veins can be hereditary, meaning they commonly run in families. We often see people in the clinic who say, “My legs look just like my mum or my dad’s.” If a close relative, like a parent or grandparent, has varicose veins, you are more likely to develop them as well. While heredity is one significant risk factor, other factors such as age, gender, obesity, and prolonged standing or sitting can also contribute.

Certain groups of people are more prone to developing varicose veins than others. The first risk factor is genetics. Individuals with a family history of varicose veins are at higher risk due to this genetic predisposition. The next risk factor is age. As people age, vein elasticity decreases, increasing the likelihood of varicose veins. The next risk factor is gender. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins due to the hormonal changes occurring in pregnancy, menstruation, or the menopause. These can weaken vein walls, although men do commonly suffer as well. The last big risk factor is obesity. Excess weight puts additional pressure on veins, increasing the risk of varicose veins.

Varicose veins are generally not dangerous, but they can lead to discomfort and lead to complications if left untreated. These veins result from weakened valves and poor circulation, often appearing as twisted, enlarged veins, usually in the legs. While many people experience mild symptoms like aching, swelling, or itching, severe cases can lead to more serious issues such as blood clots, ulcers, or bleeding. In rare cases, varicose veins may confer a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis, DVT, a potentially life-threatening condition. It is to prevent these complications that we normally treat varicose veins.

Varicose veins can potentially worsen over time if left untreated. Factors such as prolonged standing, sitting, obesity, hormone changes, and ageing can contribute to their progression. Symptoms may intensify, leading to increased pain, swelling, and discomfort. In severe cases, complications like skin ulcers or blood clots can develop. However, early intervention and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, weight management, and elevating the legs can help manage symptoms and prevent further worsening.

The best treatment for varicose veins depends on each patient’s individual condition, venous anatomy, and overall health. For the large majority of patients, we will recommend a minimally invasive option, like Venaseal or Radiofrequency Ablation. These treatments are effective in reducing the appearance of varicose veins and alleviating symptoms like pain and swelling. Only a very small proportion of patients require invasive open surgery. The choice of treatment is determined after a thorough consultation and assessment using ultrasound scanning to assess the structure and function of your lower limb veins. Ultimately, the best treatment is one that is tailored to your specific needs and performed by an experienced vascular surgeon.

It is important to understand that most people with varicose veins will not go on to have major issues with their legs. Uncommonly, untreated varicose veins may lead to significant complications such as permanent skin damage, scarring, or ulceration. While the veins will not simply disappear on their own, proactive treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. It’s important to consult with a specialist vascular surgeon to understand your options and decide on the best course of action to maintain healthy circulation.

The best type of doctor to see about varicose veins is an expert consultant vascular surgeon. There are some other types of general doctors who also offer varicose vein treatments, but a specialist vascular surgeon will have more thorough training in veins and a more in-depth understanding of the best way to treat your condition.

Varicose veins can potentially return after treatment, though the likelihood depends on the type of treatment. Endovenous treatments, radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, and venous seal all have a similar rate of recurrence, which is around 5%, or 1 in 20. The rate of recurrence is much higher if you treat the main vein, usually the long saphenous vein, using only foam injections, which is why we only use foam in our practice for treating smaller, more superficial veins. If your veins come back, then you can, of course, choose to have them treated once again.

Varicose veins affect the body primarily by impairing blood flow in the affected veins, often in the legs. This impairment can cause blood to pool, leading to swollen, twisted veins that may be visible under the skin. Symptoms include aching, heaviness, and discomfort in the legs, along with itching and cramping. Over time, varicose veins can lead to complications such as skin ulcers, chronic inflammation, and blood clots. Poor circulation can also impact overall vein health, making the affected areas more susceptible to injury and infection. Addressing varicose veins early can help prevent these complications and improve quality of life.

Varicose veins can burst, although it’s uncommon. When varicose veins become severely swollen and weakened, the pressure inside them can increase, making the veins more prone to breaking or rupturing, especially after an injury or trauma. A burst varicose vein can cause significant bleeding, either internally or externally, depending on whether the vein is close to the skin surface. If bleeding is external, then it can usually be stopped with compression. Internal bleeding typically results in bruising and swelling.

Varicose veins themselves do not cause high blood pressure, but they themselves are caused by venous hypertension, which is high pressure within the veins. When the valves in the veins fail, blood pools and increases pressure in the affected veins, leading to varicose veins. While this venous hypertension does not directly elevate arterial blood pressure, the two conditions can, of course, coexist. If left untreated, varicose veins can cause symptoms like swelling and discomfort, which may impact overall leg health.

Varicose veins themselves do not directly cause deep vein thrombosis or DVT, but both conditions do share risk factors such as obesity and immobility. Occasionally, a large varicose vein can spontaneously clot, a condition we refer to as superficial thrombophlebitis. When this happens, the affected vein becomes firm, red, and painful. If the thrombophlebitis is extensive, it can lead to a DVT.

Having varicose veins on only one leg is common and can occur due to several factors. It may be related to localised issues such as an injury, chronic venous insufficiency, or a specific anatomical abnormality affecting one leg more than the other. Conditions like deep vein thrombosis can also contribute to varicose veins in one leg, causing damage to the veins and affecting blood flow. Sometimes, asymmetric varicose veins can result from factors like prolonged standing or sitting, which may have affected one leg more than the other.

Varicose veins and thread veins, which are sometimes also known as spider veins, are both types of vein conditions, but they have distinct appearances and symptoms. Varicose veins are larger, swollen, and twisted veins that often bulge underneath the skin surface. They can cause discomfort, pain, itching, or a heavy feeling in the legs, and are typically found on the legs themselves or the feet. Thread veins, on the other hand, are smaller, thin, and web-like veins that appear in the skin itself. They are usually red, blue, or purple and are painless. Thread veins can occur on the legs, the face, or other areas of the body.

Spider veins or thread veins are caused by the dilation of small blood vessels near the skin surface. Factors contributing to their development include genetic predisposition, hormone changes such as during pregnancy or the menopause, and prolonged exposure to sun or extreme temperatures. Other risk factors include prolonged standing or sitting, obesity, and aging, which weaken the vessel walls and valves. Spider veins are often seen on the legs and the face and are generally harmless, but can be a cosmetic concern. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, and protecting your skin from sun damage can help reduce the risk of developing spider veins.

Elevating your legs after varicose vein treatment is recommended. This practice helps reduce swelling and improves blood circulation, which aids in the healing process. Typically, patients are advised to elevate their legs above heart level for about 15 to 20 minutes several times a day for the first few days after treatment. Elevation can help reduce discomfort and speed up recovery by reducing venous pressure. It’s a simple yet effective measure that complements other post-procedure care instructions. Although elevation is good for swelling and discomfort, remember that you should also walk around as much as possible to reduce the chances of blood clots.

Varicose veins can cause significant itching due to the stagnation of blood within the affected veins, which leads to inflammation and skin irritation. The increased pressure in the veins can cause the surrounding skin to become dry and flaky. Additionally, the buildup of toxins and fluid can further irritate nerve endings, resulting in an itchy sensation. Effective treatment of varicose veins, such as VenaSeal® or radiofrequency ablation, not only improves the appearance of the veins but also alleviates associated symptoms like itching. Proper skin care and hydration may also help reduce discomfort until the underlying issue is addressed.

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do yourself to make varicose veins go away. While important lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy weight, taking regular exercise, leg elevation, and the use of compression stockings can help manage symptoms, they do not address the underlying dysfunction of the veins. Professional treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation or VenaSeal, are necessary to effectively reduce or eliminate varicose veins. It’s important to consult with a specialist who can evaluate your situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. Seeking professional advice ensures you receive safe and effective care.

Varicose veins typically do not resolve on their own. While mild cases may be managed with lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight management, and compression stockings, the underlying vein damage usually remains. Without treatment, varicose veins can worsen over time, leading to increased discomfort, swelling, and occasionally, advanced complications like thrombophlebitis or permanent skin damage. If you’re concerned about the appearance or symptoms of varicose veins, it’s important to consult a vascular specialist who can advise you and recommend appropriate treatment options. Professional intervention is usually necessary for lasting improvement.