Why do varicose veins appear?
In healthy veins, valves direct blood upwards towards the heart. When they weaken, some blood flows backwards and pools. The vein stretches, its wall thins and bulging varicose veins appear. Common risk factors include family history, prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, excess weight and age.
How to recognize in time
Heaviness and fatigue
Legs may ache or feel heavy by the end of the day, especially after prolonged standing.
Swelling
By the evening, the shins and ankles swell, and marks remain from the socks.
Bulging veins
Twisted varicose veins become visible and can be felt beneath the skin.
Night cramps
Calf cramps may occur at night, with itching over affected veins.
Risks of untreated varicose veins
Without treatment, the condition can progress: skin may darken and harden, and thrombophlebitis or venous leg ulcers may develop. Earlier treatment is usually less extensive.
How we treat varicose veins
The treatment is selected after an ultrasound assessment of the vein. Current options are minimally invasive, using local rather than general anaesthesia, and patients usually go home the same day.
Questions about varicose veins
Can varicose veins be cured without surgery?
Do varicose veins go away by themselves?
Will varicose veins return after treatment?
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