Varicose veins are often quite symptomatic with aching, heaviness, cramp and itching. These problems may cause limitations to lifestyle choices and enjoyment of life. People in physical and standing work – builders, chefs, teachers and hairdressers are common sufferers.
The symptoms and appearance of veins will slowly get worse over time. As you age and become less active they can deteriorate leading to skin changes or even ulcers.
Even small veins can become painful and can undermine a person’s confidence and self esteem.
There are three main options:
Examination by our vein physician followed by an ultrasound scan will determine which treatment is required.
Because segments of varicose veins may not be visible on the skin surface, as they run in a deeper plane just under the skin, an ultrasound scan is carried out prior to treatment to create a “virtual map” of the lower leg veins. This map precisely displays all abnormal veins, and helps identify the underlying source/origin of the visible varicose veins.
The recommended treatment depends on the initial examination by our vein physician and the scan findings.
Yes they can, but figures suggest that reoccurrence is less common with modern treatments. It is beneficial to have regular checks after varicose vein treatment so that if new varicose veins do develop they can be treated early (often with injections/sclerotherapy).
Telangiectasias, also known as spider veins, are small dilated blood vessels that can occur near the surface of the skin. These dilated blood vessels can develop anywhere on the body (commonly on the face).
When they occur on the legs, they are often associated with underlying or “hidden varicose veins”. An assessment with our vein physician is recommended. The underlying varicose veins need to be treated before the spider vein can be attended to.
For spider veins on the legs, sclerotherapy is usually more effective than laser light treatment.
You should seek treatment if your veins are causing physical discomfort or affecting your skin. You will benefit from treatment if you experience heavy or tired legs, aches, cramps, swelling at the end of the day, or small dark veins that bleed easily. Seek medical advice immediately if the skin over your lower leg becomes pigmented, itchy, “woody,” or if the veins become tender, inflamed, or develop clots (thrombophlebitis).
Varicose veins are primarily hereditary, meaning you are more likely to get them if a parent or close relative has them. Pregnancy is often the time when women first notice them, and they typically worsen with successive pregnancies. Lifestyle factors like prolonged standing can also exacerbate the condition, increasing swelling and discomfort.
Varicose vein disease is progressive, meaning symptoms and appearance will worsen over time. The extra weight of blood in the enlarged veins exerts pressure on the surrounding skin. Eventually, this constant pressure can damage the skin, leading to venous eczema (rash), brown staining (pigmentation), and even severe skin ulcers that are difficult to heal.
The specific veins we treat successfully will not come back. However, because varicose veins are an ongoing condition, completely new varicose veins may develop over time. In a small percentage of cases, a treated vein may heal itself and reopen. With our good post-treatment follow-up, we can recognise and manage this quickly.
It is highly recommended to treat varicose veins before pregnancy. The increased blood volume and hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause existing varicose veins to become significantly more painful, enlarged, and troublesome.
Your circulation will actually improve. The veins on the surface of the legs only drain blood from the skin and fatty layers (about 10% of the total blood volume in the leg). The deep veins in your muscles handle the remaining 90%. When a faulty surface vein is closed, the blood is naturally rerouted to healthy, functioning veins deep in the leg.
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