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Varicose Veins Treatment without Surgery

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Advice from the new BVI website on selecting the right treatment for varicose veins and thread veins 

The British Vein Institute is a nationwide organisation which offers expert advice and treatment on all types of veins.

If you have thread veins, varicose veins or other vein problems we shall be delighted to assist

Treatment is given by leading UK specialists, experts in their field

For an appointment or additional information call:

0800 7836106

Write to:

British Vein Institute
24-28 The Broadway, Amersham HP7 0HP

Send e-mail to:

enquiries@bvi.uk.com

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Arteries bring blood from the heart to the extremities. Veins contain one way valves and channel blood back to the heart. When there is obstruction of veins, or when prolonged pressure is placed on the veins, the valves stretch and no longer close properly. This allows blood to travel back down the veins towards the feet. The veins in the legs that are near to the surface of the skin enlarge and result in what is commonly called varicose veins. These can range from minor dilatations to large lumps in the calf. Very small purple or blue veins in the skin of the legs are called "thread veins" or "spider veins" or dermal flares and often occur alongside large varicose veins. Some people are only affected by dermal flares. Both types of varicose veins are probably caused by the same factors.

Varicose veins is a slowly progressive disease which if left untreated can lead to marked skin change damage or ulceration near the ankle.

Why do varicose veins arise? Heredity is important in the development of varicose veins, thread veins and spider veins. Up to 20% of the adult population have varicose veins and experience discomfort as a result. Many people know of other family members with the same problem. A recent study showed that where both parents had varicose veins there was an 80% chance of their children developing varices. Environmental factors also play a large part in the development of varicosities, for example, prolonged standing - especially for workers such as nurses, sales assistants, flight attendants, waitresses and teachers, for example. Diet may also be a factor, and our Western diet with high content of fat and refined sugar with low fiber content may contribute to the development of varicose veins, spider veins and thread veins. Varicose veins may also become more frequent with advancing age, but may appear at any time of life and small varices are sometimes seen in school children. Although all factors such as puberty, pregnancy and the menopause also influence the course of the disease. As many as 70 - 80% of pregnant women develop varicose veins during the first trimester. Pregnancy causes an increase in hormone levels and blood volume which in turn causes veins to enlarge. Later in pregnancy, the enlarge uterus causes increased pressure on the veins in the pelvis. Approximately 60 - 70% of varicose veins due to pregnancy will disappear within a few weeks of delivery.

Little research has been done to investigate the role of the pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the development of varicose veins. These probably have no influence on them.

VNUS Closure or RF ablation is a recently introduced method of treatment. This reduces the post-operative pain following treatment.

Varicose veins may cause feelings of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching and cramps in the legs. These symptoms are often accompanied by swelling of the ankle, which frequently appears after long hours of standing. Some people are very troubled by the aching that varicose veins produce. Even small dermal flares can result in severe aching which prevents standing for any length of time.

What can I do to prevent them? Many of the things that seem to cause varicose veins are difficult to avoid such as a family history or Western way of life. Where possible standing still for long periods should be avoided. Walking is much better for the veins and helps the blood return to the heart from the legs. In occupations that require extended periods of standing then a few steps should be taken at regular short intervals to help circulation. Wearing support stockings may also reduce the likelihood of varicose veins. No creams or drugs are available to prevent varicose veins. The earlier varicose veins and dermal flares are treated the better the long term and cosmetic outcome. We hope that this varicose vein information will help you understand the causes of thread veins.

Facial veins can be treated by IPL (PhotoDerm treatment). This is also useful for rosacea and broken veins on the face. One the legs thread vein removal or broken veins can be treated by sclerotherapy (also known as microsclerotherapy) by a vascular surgeon or a nurse specialist. These may cause aching legs or swollen legs in some patients. We have locations in London including Wimpole Street near Harley Street.