Varicose veins

Arteries bring blood from the heart to the extremities, veins take the blood back to the heart.

Veins contain one way valves to prevent the blood from flowing back When the valves become faulty the blood can travel back to the feet This causes the veins that are near to the surface of the skin to enlarge and result in what is commonly called varicose veins. These can range from small dilated veins to large bunch of grape-like structures in the calf.

Thread veins can often occur alongside varicose veins or can occur on their own.

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

Why do varicose veins occur?

Up to 25% of the adult population have varicose veins and heredity is a primary cause.

Environmental factors also play a large part, for example, prolonged standing in various occupations and our Western diet with high fat, refined sugar and low fibre content may also contribute.

Varicose veins become more frequent in advancing age but can appear at any time in life. Hormonal changes in puberty, pregnancy and the menopause may influence the course of the disease, though 60-70% of varicose veins during pregnancy will disappear within a few months of delivery.

What are the symptoms?

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. Thread veins can also produce the same symptoms

What can I do to prevent varicose veins?

Avoid standing still for long periods and take plenty of walking exercise. Eat a good diet. Wearing support stockings may help in relieving they symptoms.

No creams or drugs are available to prevent of treat varicose veins.

The earlier varicose veins and dermal flares are treated the better the long term and cosmetic outcome.

Which is the best treatment for my veins?

Vein Experts at The British Vein Institute