Varicose veins: get the facts

Woman with varicose veins - Varicose veins: get the facts - Diet&wellbeing - allaboutyou.com

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged and swollen veins that may also be lumpy or twisted in appearance. They're usually blue or dark purple in colour. They mainly occur in the legs, particularly the calves. So yes, they're pretty unsightly. But the problem isn't simply a cosmetic one. Symptoms may also include: heavy and aching legs, swollen feet and ankles, burning or throbbing in the legs, muscle cramps (especially at night) and dry, itchy skin across the affected area.

Who does it affect?

It's a very common condition - more so among women than men. Vascular specialist Professor Mark Whiteley (www.thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk) explains: 'Forty per cent of adults will be affected by varicose veins. And contrary to popular belief, the condition can strike at any time of life. As with the majority of medical conditions, it becomes more common with age, but that doesn't stop young people getting varicose veins if their genes determine it.'

What are the causes?

Varicose veins are usually the result of weakened vein walls and valves. The blood is unable to travel upwards through the veins to return to the heart as easily as it should, so it starts to collect and causes swelling.

Who's most at risk?

So what causes the veins to weaken in the first place? In the main, these are factors beyond our control: gender, age and genetics. Women are more at risk than men: female hormones tend to relax the vein walls, making the valves more prone to leaking. Age is also a risk factor because our veins start to lose their elasticity as we grow older. And your risk is significantly higher if you have a close relative who's suffered from the condition.

You may also be more prone to varicose veins if you're overweight. The reason? Those excess pounds place your veins under extra pressure. Various research also suggests that standing still for long periods of time could put you at greater risk by interfering with blood flow. The jury's still out on that one, though. And considered alongside the fact that sitting for long periods of time puts you at risk of other health problems, the safest bet is to keep moving!

How are they diagnosed?

Varicose veins can normally be diagnosed by their appearance. Your GP may refer you to a vascular specialist for further tests - such as an ultrasound scan - to discern the exact position and extent of any valve damage.

How are they treated?

If your varicose veins aren't causing any problems - physically or psychologically - they may not require treatment at all. But if they do need to be treated, a number of options are available. What's best for you will depend on the nature and severity of your condition, as well as your overall health and personal preferences.

The non-surgical options? Endothermal ablation involves using either an electrical current (radiofrequency ablation) or laser (endovenous laser ablation) to heat the inside of the varicose vein in order to seal it. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a special foam into the affected veins. This damages the veins and causes them to close. All of these procedures are normally carried out under local anaesthetic.

And the surgical options? The most common technique is called ligation and stripping, and takes place under general anaesthetic. The surgeon ties off the vein before removing it. Alternatively, a relatively new procedure - transilluminated powered phlebectomy - uses hooks to pull out the varicose veins through small cuts in the legs.

Could compression stockings help?

Compression stockings, available on NHS prescription and to buy from chemists, work by steadily squeezing your legs to improve circulation. They may also relieve any swelling and pain in your legs. However, they can be uncomfortable - particularly in hot weather - and there's no evidence they can prevent varicose veins from developing in the first place. And no, they're not particularly sexy or stylish - although they do come in different colours. You can also buy non-prescription compression tights from chemists nationwide.

Anything else I can do?

Taking regular exercise and keeping your weight in check may help relieve symptoms of varicose veins and encourage healthy blood circulation in general. And when you're seated, putting your feet up on a stool can ease the discomfort. No creams or drugs can help prevent varicose veins, though.

For more information on varicose veins, contact the British Vein Institute. And to find out more about keyhole vein surgery, contact The Whiteley Clinic

You might also like...

Stay healthy as you get older
Women and heart disease
How to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

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