Varicose Veins

Varicose veins (also known as varicosity or varicosis) are a abnormally swollen, enlarged & twisted veins (blood vessels). They are most commonly found in the legs & feet but can occur elsewhere.

Veins transport deoxygenated blood towards the heart for re-oxygenation. This blood flows via a series of superficial veins (close to the surface of the skin) & into the deeper veins found in the calves. These superficial veins contain valves. As blood passes through the vein, the valves close to  prevent blood flowing backwards (retrograde). If there is a malfunction of the valves, the blood flows in the backwards &  begins to pool, causing the vein to become swollen & distended.

Varicose veins symptoms:

• Aching & or heavy feeling in the legs.

• The appearance of dark blue, twisted & swollen veins.

• Skin rashes.

• Skin ulcers.

• Inflammation & blood clots forming within the veins (thrombophlebitis). Symptoms include pain, redness & swelling.

• Brown discolouration of the skin can occur over time as the blood leeches out of the veins & into surrounding tissues.

Varicose veins causes:

Common reasons why you would get varicose veins include;

• Genetic predisposition.

• Pregnancy.

• Obesity.

• Prolonged standing.

• Lack of exercise.

Varicose veins treatment:

Mild cases of varicose veins may require no treatment at all. Some treatments may include;

• Losing weight.

• Exercise.

• Support bandages. These can assist with swelling & relieve symptoms such as aching, heaviness, itching etc.

• Elevating the legs as much as possible.

• Injection treatment (Sclerotherapy). This method may be recommended for smaller varicose veins or spider veins (a mild form of varicose veins). A solution (called a sclerosant) is injected into the affected veins. This causes irritation to the vein which then collapses & eventually disappears.

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications such as iburofen or aspirin may be recommended for thrombophlebitis.

• Surgical removal: Larger veins may need to be stripped surgically. This is performed under general anesthesia. There are different methods to do but most involve tying off & removing the veins via a small incision in the leg.

Each method has it's pros & cons & there may be certain risks involved with the surgical options. Your doctor will be able to advise you on this.

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctor visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate medical advice for any problems.

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.