Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs and feet. They may be blue or dark purple, and are often lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance.
Varicose veins are usually caused by weak vein walls and valves.
Inside your veins are tiny one-way valves that open to let the blood through, and then close to prevent it flowing backwards.
Sometimes the walls of the veins become stretched and lose their elasticity, causing the valves to weaken.
If the valves do not function properly, this can cause the blood to leak and flow backwards. If this happens, the blood collects in your veins, which become swollen and enlarged.
The reasons why the walls of the veins stretch and the valves in your veins weaken are not fully understood. Some people develop the condition for no obvious or apparent reason.
If you have varicose veins and they do not cause you any discomfort, you may not need to visit a GP.
Varicose veins are rarely a serious condition and they do not usually require treatment.
But speak to a GP if:
Varicose veins are diagnosed by their appearance. The GP will examine your legs while you’re standing to check for signs of swelling.
You may also be asked to describe any pain you have and whether there are situations that make your varicose veins worse.
For example, some women find their menstrual cycle (period) affects their varicose veins.
The GP will also want to know if you’re at an increased risk of developing varicose veins, such as:
If treatment is necessary, your doctor may first recommend self care at home.
This may involve:
One of the first treatments offered will usually be endothermal ablation.
This involves using energy either from high-frequency radio waves (radiofrequency ablation) or lasers (endovenous laser treatment) to seal the affected veins.
Radiofrequency ablation involves heating the wall of your varicose vein using radiofrequency energy.
The vein is accessed through a small cut made just above or below the knee.
A narrow tube called a catheter is guided into the vein using an ultrasound scan. A probe is inserted into the catheter that sends out radiofrequency energy.
This heats the vein until its walls collapse, closing it and sealing it shut. Once the vein has been sealed shut, your blood will naturally be redirected to one of your healthy veins.
A technique called ligation and stripping involves tying off the vein in the affected leg and then removing it.
2 small incisions are made. The first is made near your groin at the top of the varicose vein and is approximately 5cm in diameter.
The second, smaller cut is made further down your leg, usually around your knee. The top of the vein (near your groin) is tied up and sealed.
A thin, flexible wire is passed through the bottom of the vein and then carefully pulled out and removed through the lower cut in your leg.
The blood flow in your legs will not be affected by the surgery. This is because the veins deep within your legs will take over the role of the damaged veins.
Ligation and stripping can cause pain, bruising and bleeding. More serious complications are rare, but could include nerve damage or deep vein thrombosis, where a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of the body.
After the procedure, you may need up to 3 weeks to recover before returning to work, although this depends on your general health and the type of work you do.
You may need to wear compression stockings for up to a week after surgery.
Varicose veins can cause complications because they stop your blood flowing properly.
Most people who have varicose veins will not develop complications. If they do, it’s usually several years after varicose veins first appear.
Varicose veins near the surface of your skin can sometimes bleed if you cut or bump your leg. The bleeding may be difficult to stop.
You should lie down, raise your leg and apply direct pressure to the wound. Seek immediate medical advice if this does not stop the bleeding.
If blood clots form in veins located just under the surface of your skin (superficial veins), it could lead to conditions such as: