Varicose Veins

Varicose Veins - Veins with poorly or non-functioning valves enlarge and then become varicose veins. They can have a bluish colour and bulge on the leg surface. Symptoms may include heaviness, aching, throbbing, itching and cramps or tiredness in the legs. Some patients may have skin discoloration, inflammation or ulcers on the skin.

Varicose veins can be divided into:

• Truncal veins – usually in the distribution of either the long saphenous vein or the short saphenous vein

• Tributaries of truncal veins – branches off the above

• Spider veins (thread veins) – best regarded as superficial veins

Truncal veins and their tributaries form because there is a valve not functioning – allowing blood to flow from the deep veins into the superficial veins. This results in increased pressure in the superficial veins which in turn become distended and then tortuous (varicose veins).

Spider veins, sometimes known as thread veins, are prominent veins close to the skin. We tend to think of spider veins as a cosmetic problem but they can be due to increased pressure in the venous system particularly as they are associated with symptoms such as: stinging, throbbing, aching, burning or itching.

Varicose veins and spider veins may run in families (there may be a hereditary component). Women are more likely to suffer from varicose veins and up to 50% of women may be affected. Hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills, and HRT may play a part in developing varicose veins. Varicose veins may also be caused by problems with the deep veins in your leg (ie prior deep venous thrombosis - DVT).

Pregnancy: It is common for pregnant women to develop varicose veins. Pregnancy causes increases in hormone levels and blood volume which in turn cause veins to enlarge.

Furthermore, the enlarged uterus causes increased pressure on the veins. Varicose veins due to abnormal veins are more likely to remain.

Other predisposing factors include ageing, standing for long periods of time, obesity and leg injury.

Varicose veins can be treated with compression stockings, surgery, laser, radiofrequency ablation, injection sclerotherapy or a combination of these treatments depending on the size and distribution of the veins.

For successful treatment of your veins it is essential that the best option for treatment is selected to give you the outcome you want. We aim to provide this in the easiest and safest way possible.

At the TAC Healthcare Group our individualized assessment process concentrates on:

• Identifying the venous problems that concern each patient.

• Determining any underlying cause for the vein problem and as such how these are best treated.

• Providing each patient with all the information they require to make an informed choice about their treatment and then develop an individualized treatment program.

For further reading go to treatments.

What are Varicose Veins?

What causes Varicose Veins?

How are Varicose Veins treated?

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