Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that usually appear in the legs. They are among the most common vascular problems, especially in people whose work involves long hours of standing or sitting, and in women after pregnancy.
Why do varicose veins happen?
Leg veins contain small valves that let blood travel up towards the heart and stop it flowing back. When these valves weaken, blood flows backwards and pools in the surface veins, which widen. Key risk factors include:
- Genetics and a family history of varicose veins.
- Long hours of standing or sitting.
- Pregnancy and excess weight.
- Age.
When are they a medical problem?
Some varicose veins are purely cosmetic, but many cause symptoms worth treating:
- Heavy, aching legs, worse at the end of the day.
- Ankle swelling.
- Night cramps and itching around the veins.
- Skin discolouration or hardening near the ankle.
- Ulcers that will not heal on the lower leg.
How is it diagnosed?
The cornerstone is a colour Doppler ultrasound of the veins. It shows exactly which veins leak and where, and the treatment plan is built on that result.
Modern treatment: most cases without open surgery
- Endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation: a thin fibre or catheter is passed into the faulty vein through a needle puncture under local anaesthetic and seals it from inside; most patients return to activity within days.
- Foam or liquid sclerotherapy: suitable for smaller veins and thread veins.
- Compression stockings: relieve symptoms and are used with or after treatment, but do not remove existing veins.
The right method depends on vein size, where the reflux is and the symptoms, so every patient needs an individual assessment.
Everyday tips that ease symptoms
- Raise your legs when resting.
- Walk regularly and avoid long periods of standing still.
- Keep a healthy weight.
Content on this website is for awareness only and does not replace a specialist medical examination.