What are varicose veins?
Veins carry blood back to the heart, and valves inside them stop it from flowing backwards. When the valves do not close properly, blood pools in the legs, the vein wall stretches and the veins may become twisted and visible over time. This is called venous insufficiency, and the visible veins are varicose veins.
For some people varicose veins only change the appearance of the legs; for others they cause heaviness, pain and swelling.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary and often increase during the day, especially after standing for a long time.
- Visible, blue-purple, twisted veins on the legs
- Heaviness and tiredness that increase in the evening
- Ankle swelling
- Burning, itching or night cramps
- In later stages, skin discolouration or a wound around the ankle
Causes and risk factors
Several factors may contribute together.
- Family history of varicose veins
- Jobs that involve standing for long periods
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Increasing age
- Excess weight and inactivity
- Previous deep vein thrombosis
How is it diagnosed?
The examination covers your symptoms and medical history, and the legs are examined standing and lying down. Colour Doppler ultrasound shows reflux, vein diameters and blood flow, identifying which veins are affected. The treatment plan is based on this assessment.
Treatment approach
Treatment depends on the symptoms, the veins involved and your general health. Lifestyle advice and compression stockings may be enough for some patients. In suitable patients, methods applied from inside the vein such as endovenous laser, radiofrequency or foam sclerotherapy are considered; surgery may be considered in some cases.
When to see a doctor
An examination is advised if leg pain, swelling or heaviness affect daily life, or if skin changes or a wound appear. Sudden pain, swelling and redness in the leg should be assessed without delay.
Related treatments
Frequently asked questions
Do all varicose veins need treatment?
No. Some varicose veins that cause no symptoms can be monitored. Whether treatment is needed is decided after an examination and Doppler ultrasound.
Do compression stockings cure varicose veins?
They can ease symptoms and slow progression, but they do not remove existing veins.
Can varicose veins come back?
New varicose veins can develop in other veins over time. Regular check-ups and lifestyle advice are important.
Which doctor treats varicose veins?
Diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins and other venous diseases fall within cardiovascular (vascular) surgery. At the examination the veins are assessed with colour Doppler ultrasound and treatment is planned accordingly.
Do varicose veins go away on their own?
Widened veins do not return to normal on their own. Compression stockings and lifestyle measures may ease symptoms; non-surgical methods or surgery are considered to close the vein.
