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1. What are Varicose Veins?
Veins are the blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. Varicose veins are abnormally swollen (dilated) veins that are visible just below the surface of the skin. Smaller veins in the skin itself are sometimes called "thread veins", "spider veins" "broken veins" or "flare veins". Although these may be unsightly they are not the same as varicose veins.
Treatment for varicose veins Recurrent varicose veins
2. What causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are due to a fault in the one-way valves inside the veins. These valves normally only allow the blood to flow up the leg towards the heart. If the valves leak, then blood can flow back the wrong way on standing. This reverse flow causes increased pressure on the veins which swell and become varicose.
Varicose veins often run in the family and as you get older they are more likely to occur. They may also be caused by pregnancy or weight gain that increases pressure on the leg veins.
3. What trouble do they cause?
Varicose veins are very common and often give no symptoms at all, although they may look unsightly. However, aching in the leg is common, especially after a day of standing, and ankle swelling (oedema) may occur.
Occasionally, severe varicose veins can damage the skin of the leg above the ankle causing itchiness and discolouration (eczema). Without treatment these skin changes can progress and a varicose leg ulcer may eventually occur. Sometimes one of the varicose veins can become red and tender. This inflammation is called "phlebitis".
4. What tests are required?
In many cases a simple examination plus a painless test with an ultrasound machine (Doppler) is all that is needed to enable your specialist to decide what needs to be done. However, most vascular specialists will obtain a more detailed ultrasound scan (Duplex Scan) to confirm the findings before deciding upon the best treatment. This is especially likely if your varicose veins have recurred following previous treatment (recurrent varicose veins).
5. Do I need treatment?
Treatment for varicose veins is rarely essential since serious complications occur infrequently. Usually the choice is yours. If your specialist thinks you should have treatment, you will be informed of this at your consultation. Many patients have varicose veins for the whole of their adult life and never suffer any problems with them.
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VARICOSE VEINS |
