Mr David Lewis
Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon
- Vascular Surgery
- Self-pay/Insured
Assessment of varicose veins
What are Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs.
Varicose veins may be blue or dark purple and are often lumpy, bulging, or twisted in appearance.
Veins in the legs have valves that allow blood to flow back to the heart, against gravity. When varicose veins appear the valves are no longer working effectively. A build-up of pressure causes the veins to distort and become twisted and stretched. This pressure can also cause symptoms and damage to the skin.
Varicose veins can run in families. Up to 50% of people may develop varicose veins during their lifetime.
What symptoms do varicose veins cause?
Other than cosmetic concerns, the commonest symptoms from varicose veins are aching, discomfort, and heaviness of the legs. These symptoms are usually worse at the end of the day.
In a few people, the high pressure in the veins causes damage to the skin near the ankle, which can appear like brown staining of the skin or eczema (flaky, itchy skin).
Ulceration of the leg may occur if these skin changes are allowed to progress, or if the skin is injured.
Other problems that varicose veins can cause are phlebitis and bleeding. Phlebitis, or thrombophlebitis, means inflammation of the veins. The affected veins become hard and tender. This is not the same as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and is not usually dangerous.
The risk of bleeding as a result of injury to varicose veins worries many people, but this is very rare.
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