How do we get varicose veins?

Varicose veins are veins under the skin of the legs, which have become dilated and tortuous. They are very common.

Blood flows down the legs through the arteries, and back up the legs through the veins. There are two main systems of veins in the legs - the deep veins which carry most of the blood back up the legs to the heart, and the superficial veins under the skin, which can form varicose veins. All these veins contain valves which should only allow the blood to flow towards the heart. Failure of these valves allows blood to flow backwards down the veins and increase pressure when standing. This excess pressure leads to dilation of the veins and the appearance of varicose veins.

What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins and spider veins often run in families. Hormonal factors including pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills and HRT also affect the condition. Other predisposing factors include ageing, standing occupations, obesity and leg injury.


What are the symptoms?
Other than cosmetic embarrassment the commonest symptoms from varicose veins are aching, discomfort, and heaviness of the legs, which are usually worse at the end of the day. Sometimes the ankle can swell too. Elevating the legs and wearing support stockings can help to alleviate the symptoms.
ln a few people the high pressure in the veins causes damage to the skin near the ankle, and a red skin rash can develop. lf these skin changes are allowed to progress, or if the skin is injured, an ulcer may result.
Other problems which varicose veins can occasionally produce, are superficial thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the veins) and bleeding.


What is the treatment?

The only way to get rid of varicose veins is with surgery or more recently, endovenous laser therapy or ultrasound guided sclerotherapy.

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