Varicose veins are a medical condition that causes veins to bulge and become enlarged. They’re very common, affecting over 30% of people in Western countries. While varicose veins are rarely serious, they can be distressing and uncomfortable to live with.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk and improve symptoms, and there are various treatment options available, too.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at varicose veins, including symptoms, causes, and treatment.
If you’re suffering from varicose veins, Kent-based Benenden Hospital offer minimally invasive laser treatments that take under 30 minutes, with no overnight stay needed. Self-pay patients are free to spread the cost of treatment, with 0% finance options available. Varicose vein treatments are also available through private health insurance at Benenden Hospital.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are widened, twisted, swollen veins that appear under the skin – often bulging at the skin surface or appearing lumpy.
The condition is common and usually not serious, with most symptoms linked to cosmetic distress. However, some people also experience pain and discomfort. Varicose veins usually appear on the legs, but can affect any vein that’s close to the skin’s surface. There are treatment options available to address symptoms, or some people choose to have varicose veins removed.
Varicose veins are different from thread veins and spider veins, which appear as small red, blue, or purple veins.
Enjoy life with healthy, happy legs this summer
Tired, aching legs or visible veins slowing you down? Varicose veins can affect your lifestyle and comfort but relief is closer than you think. At Kent-based Benenden Hospital, their minimally invasive laser treatments take under 30 minutes, with no overnight stay needed.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Varicose veins are usually just a cosmetic issue. However, some people experience other symptoms, too. According to the NHS, this can include…
- Pain, aching, or feelings of heaviness
- Swollen legs or ankles
- Nighttime leg cramps
- Skin changes, such as colour changes, itching, and dry, scaly skin
- Fatigue
Many people find that standing or sitting down for long periods can exacerbate symptoms. Varicose veins can also get worse without treatment, but this usually happens gradually over several years.
What can cause varicose veins, and are there any risk factors?
In healthy veins, blood flows smoothly towards the heart and is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves. If these valves become damaged or weak, blood can begin to flow backwards and pool. This build-up of blood puts extra pressure on veins, causing them to swell and twist.
While anyone can develop varicose veins, several factors can increase your risk. Some of these are uncontrollable. For example, you’re more likely to develop varicose veins if…
- You’re a woman
- Are overweight
- Are older – research shows that people over the age of 45, particularly those over 60, have a higher risk
- Have other family members with varicose veins
- Are pregnant
- Have previously had deep vein thrombosis
Other research has linked certain health conditions affecting circulation with a greater risk of varicose veins, including diabetes and coeliac disease.
Experts have also identified several lifestyle factors that may accelerate the development of or worsen existing varicose veins. This includes smoking, being overweight, and sitting down or standing for long periods.
Can varicose veins lead to health complications?
According to the NHS, varicose veins don’t usually cause any serious problems. However, there are potential complications. This includes…
- Bleeding
- Flaky, itchy, dry skin over your varicose veins, known as varicose eczema
- Sores that take a long time to heal, called venous leg ulcers
- Blood clots under the skin that cause hard, painful veins, called superficial vein thrombosis
- Blood clots deeper inside your leg (deep vein thrombosis)
Enjoy life with healthy, happy legs this summer
Tired, aching legs or visible veins slowing you down? Varicose veins can affect your lifestyle and comfort but relief is closer than you think. At Kent-based Benenden Hospital, their minimally invasive laser treatments take under 30 minutes, with no overnight stay needed.
How are varicose veins treated?
Varicose veins don’t always need treatment. But if you have symptoms such as pain, heaviness, swollen legs, or skin changes, or develop any complications such as ulcers on your legs, your GP may refer you to a specialist for tests and treatment.
A specialist will usually carry out a test called duplex ultrasound to confirm whether you have varicose veins and plan your treatment. A duplex ultrasound is a type of scan that assesses your blood flow.
There are several treatment options available if you’re diagnosed with varicose veins. This includes compression stockings, surgery to remove varicose veins, and procedures that block blood flow in the veins. We’ll explore these below. You can also find more information about treatment for varicose veins on the NHS website.
Compression stockings
Compression stockings work by putting pressure on your lower legs – helping to improve blood flow and reduce pain and swelling.
Compression stockings are usually offered to those whose varicose veins are less severe, or who other procedures aren’t suitable for.
However, they won’t be for everyone, such as those who have issues with arterial blood flow. A specialist will be able to advise you on this.
Endothermal ablation
Endothermal ablation works by blocking blood flow in the veins, causing them to become less swollen. It’s usually the first treatment option for varicose veins.
During endothermal ablation, a catheter is passed up the vein through a small cut made at your ankle or knee. A device is threaded through the catheter, and then, using either radio waves (radiofrequency) or a laser (endovenous laser treatment), the vein causing your symptoms is heated up. This closes the vein off to prevent blood from flowing through it.
The procedure takes place in a hospital or clinic under local anaesthetic, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.
Foam sclerotherapy
Foam sclerotherapy is another treatment that works by blocking blood flow in the veins. It’s usually offered if endothermal ablation isn’t suitable for you.
During foam sclerotherapy, veins are injected with a chemical that blocks blood from flowing through them. An ultrasound scan is used to make sure the injections are in the right place. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.
Some people experience pain and bruising after foam sclerotherapy, but you should be able to return to your usual activities immediately.
Surgery to remove varicose veins
If compression stockings or procedures to block blood flow aren’t suitable for you, you may be offered surgery. This is called ligation or stripping and involves removing varicose veins under general anaesthesia.
You may experience some pain or bruising for a few weeks, but most people can go home the same day.
Note: Treatment for varicose veins is not usually available on the NHS if they’re not causing any other problems or posing a risk to your health. In these cases, you may need to pay for treatment privately.
Kent-based Benenden Hospital offer minimally invasive laser treatments that take under 30 minutes, with no overnight stay needed. Self-pay patients are free to spread the cost of treatment with 0% finance options available. Varicose vein treatments are also available through private health insurance at Benenden Hospital.
8 things that can help with varicose veins
Alongside treatment, experts have identified several things that may help to reduce the risk of varicose veins and improve symptoms.
1. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight puts extra pressure on veins, particularly those in your legs. This can weaken vein valves and lead to blood pooling, increasing the risk of varicose veins. Excess pressure also makes it more difficult for veins to pump blood back to the heart.
Losing weight can not only reduce your risk of developing varicose veins, but is also likely to reduce symptom severity for those who already have the condition – including reduced pain and swelling.
If you’d like to lose weight, head over to our diet and nutrition and fitness and exercise sections for support and guidance.
2. Exercise regularly
Aside from helping you maintain a healthy weight, staying active is one of the best things you can do to reduce varicose vein risk and improve symptoms by improving circulation and strengthening leg muscles. There’s also evidence that regular exercise may benefit varicose veins by reducing overall inflammation in the body.
Exercise, particularly activities that engage leg muscles, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, helps to pump blood back towards the heart, helping to reduce the risk of blood pooling.
Studies also suggest that calf-strengthening exercises, such as calf raises and squats, may be particularly beneficial because calf muscles play a key role in pushing blood upwards from the legs.
3. Quit smoking
Quitting smoking can help treat and prevent varicose veins.
Among other things, smoking causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow, which increases the risk of blood pooling in veins. The chemicals in cigarettes can also cause inflammation in blood vessels, further damaging them and exacerbating existing varicose veins. As a result, stopping smoking has been found to help veins regain some of their elasticity and ability to effectively pump blood around the body.
According to experts, quitting smoking can also reduce the risk of varicose vein complications and may improve treatment outcomes. For example, it’s been linked with a higher success rate of procedures like foam sclerotherapy.
For help stopping smoking, you might like to read our article: 7 tips for quitting smoking.
4. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
Sitting or standing for prolonged periods can increase the risk of varicose veins because it places pressure on leg veins.
If your job or lifestyle makes it difficult to avoid sitting or standing for long periods, you might find this guide to workplace ergonomics for optimal leg vein health from Metro Vein Centers useful.
Enjoy life with healthy, happy legs this summer
Tired, aching legs or visible veins slowing you down? Varicose veins can affect your lifestyle and comfort but relief is closer than you think. At Kent-based Benenden Hospital, their minimally invasive laser treatments take under 30 minutes, with no overnight stay needed.
5. Elevate your legs where possible
Research has found that sitting or lying down with your legs elevated may relieve varicose vein symptoms and potentially slow the progression of the condition.
Among other things, elevating your legs can reduce swelling and improve blood flow back to the heart, resulting in less pressure on veins.
6. Invest in a good quality moisturiser
If you suffer from flaky, itchy, dry skin around varicose veins, investing in a good quality moisturiser can help.
The NHS has guidance on treatment for varicose eczema, including the best moisturising treatments.
7. Take steps to reduce your risk of injury
Injuries can increase the risk of complications like ulcers, bleeding, and blood clots, especially in areas affected by varicose veins. They can also lead to inflammation and slow down the healing process due to reduced circulation – potentially leading to more serious issues, like venous leg ulcers.
As a result, it’s important to do what you can to reduce your risk of injury – for example, by avoiding high-risk sports or fall-proofing your home.
8. Take steps to reduce stress
Research has identified a link between stress and vein health – and there are a few reasons why.
High stress levels can lead to high blood pressure, inflammation, and weight gain, all of which can impact vein health. Meanwhile, chronic stress is linked with several lifestyle factors that may worsen varicose veins. For example, an unhealthy diet, a lack of exercise, and poor sleep.
If you’d like to take steps to reduce your stress levels, check out our articles: 7 tips for coping with stress and anxiety and 9 simple stress relieving activities.
Final thoughts…
While varicose veins aren’t usually a danger to health, they can be distressing to live with. Luckily, there are things you can do to help reduce your risk – and most treatment options are very straightforward, allowing you to return home the same day.
Kent-based Benenden Hospital offer minimally invasive laser treatments that take under 30 minutes, with no overnight stay needed. Self-pay patients are free to spread the cost of treatment, with 0% finance options available. Varicose vein treatments are also available through private health insurance at Benenden Hospital.
For further reading, head over to our general health section. Here, you’ll find information on everything from bone, joint, and muscle health to important health checks for over 50s.
Do you have any tips for living with varicose veins that you’d like to share? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.
