Specialised in varicose veins
+35.000 successful treatments
37 professional clinics
Varicose veins are a very common condition that affects up to one in three adults to varying degrees. Varicose veins can cause both discomfort and pain and may also lead to other complications. Many people with varicose veins also see them as a cosmetic problem.
In this guide, we draw on our many years of experience from running over 20 varicose vein clinics to give you an overview of what varicose veins are, from what causes them to the symptoms and how they can be treated. In recent years, there has been significant development in both research and treatment of varicose veins, which we will discuss further below.
If you have varicose veins and are unsure about what caused them or whether you should do something about them, this article is a good place to start.
Although most people have seen varicose veins, knowledge about them and what they are is not particularly widespread. Below, you can see images of varicose veins in varying degrees on different individuals.
In general, varicose veins are a condition characterized by enlarged, twisted, and superficial blood vessels, most often on the inside of the lower legs. Varicose veins occur as a result of reflux of blood in the veins.
The veins in the body return blood from all parts of the body to the heart to be re-oxygenated. It is these valves that are supposed to prevent the blood from flowing backwards when it is pumped. In the illustration below, you can see in the bottom circle that the vein valves are weakened, allowing blood to flow backwards.
This is especially common in the legs, as the blood in the legs struggles against gravity, which is why varicose veins occur in the legs.
When weakened vein valves allow the blood to reflux backwards in the veins, the pressure inside the veins rises, leading to the veins becoming engorged and increasing in size. This is what forms varicose veins.
Many people also confuse varicose veins with spider veins. Spider veins are smaller and look like spider webs on the legs. They can be associated with larger varicose veins, or may occur when no larger veins are present. Spider veins almost never cause physical problems for the person who has them, but many still wish to treat them for cosmetic reasons.
Symptoms of varicose veins can be divided into different types:
Visible Symptoms of Varicose Veins:
Noticeable Symptoms:
Changes in the skin around varicose veins:
When discussing the various symptoms of varicose veins, they are usually categorised as follows. The further to the right, the more serious the symptoms:
Some varicose vein symptoms are more serious than others. Less serious symptoms are:
If you have the following symptoms, it is more serious, and you should definitely see a doctor and seek advice quickly:
In our varicose vein clinics, we find that many people become so accustomed to their varicose veins and the discomfort they cause that they perceive it as normal, even though they gradually experience worsening symptoms. Once varicose veins are treated, many people feel relief in a way that makes them realise they didn't know they had such serious problems before.
The veins in the legs can be examined with ultrasound to detect varicose veins early on. A person who is concerned about their varicose veins or veins can undergo an ultrasound examination of the veins as a basis for a surgeon's assessment of the varicose veins. The appropriate type of varicose vein treatment can then be determined based on the individual patient's needs and what will provide the best result.
It is important to point out that varicose veins are very common and that anyone can develop them.
Older people are more likely to get varicose veins simply because the valves in the veins (those that prevent blood from flowing back) wear out over the years. This is why varicose veins can also worsen with age.
Varicose veins are so common that between 20-35% of adults experience varicose veins.
Varicose veins are more commonly seen in overweight individuals and women. In overweight people, varicose veins occur because excess weight increases the pressure in the veins, placing greater stress on the valves.
Varicose veins or spider veins that occur during pregnancy can disappear on their own. The development of varicose veins during pregnancy is related to changes in blood circulation and hormone balance during pregnancy, as well as the significant increase in the woman's body weight.
A person who has had varicose veins or spider veins related to pregnancy should wait three to six months after pregnancy before seeking treatment, as these varicose veins or spider veins may disappear on their own.
Additionally, varicose veins can also be hereditary, so if one of your parents has varicose veins, there is an increased risk that you might develop them as well.
Another cause of varicose veins can be prolonged periods of sitting or standing still, often related to work.
Varicose veins often cause mild issues such as itching, heavy legs, and mild pain where the varicose veins are located. However, there is also a risk of skin damage due to the
The damage that can occur to the skin first appears as dry skin, which can cause itching, but it can also lead to permanent sores, known as venous leg ulcers, which do not heal on their own.
Another issue that can arise is blood clots in the varicose veins, called thrombophlebitis. This can cause quite painful symptoms. In some cases, these blood clots extend to the more important deeper veins, and can travel through the bloodstream and lodge in places like the lungs, potentially creating an acute and life-threatening situation. Fortunately, this is unusual, but is a recognised risk of varicose veins.
A doctor specialising in varicose veins can quickly perform an examination and advise on the next steps.
If you are unsure whether your varicose veins should be treated, it may be a good idea to book a preliminary examination. At UK Vein Care, a preliminary examination costs £250, takes about 20 minutes, and we have very short waiting times.
The preliminary examination includes a consultation where the doctor discusses your symptoms and history, followed by an ultrasound examination. The purpose of the preliminary examination is to present an accurate treatment plan.
It is important to highlight that many people have varicose veins treated for cosmetic reasons, and it is perfectly acceptable for this to be the basis for the preliminary examination and treatment.
We have created a comprehensive page about our preliminary examination where you can learn more about how we proceed and what happens next. You can find it here.
The biggest myth about varicose veins must be that treatment is highly invasive. That used to be the case, but in recent years, there have been significant developments in varicose vein treatment. This means that most people today can be treated quickly, painlessly, and without any significant after effects.
Nowadays, treatment is so effective that you can leave the clinic the same day and return directly to your daily routine.
However, there are also some things you can do before considering a medical procedure.
The areas you can work on yourself include:
There are three main treatment methods, which are all minimally invasive. Minimally invasive means they do not require general anaesthesia, are virtually painless, and require minimal recovery time afterwards.
Below are brief descriptions of the three treatment methods, taken from our treatment page. You can read more about each treatment method on tour treatment page here.
Radial fibre laser treatment involves inserting a thin laser fibre into the diseased vein through a needle. The fibre is then heated, causing the vein to contract and eventually die over time. This eliminates the possibility of blood flowing backwards in the diseased vein, which would otherwise lead to visible varicose veins, spider veins, and related symptoms.
The principle behind foam sclerotherapy is similar to that of other treatment methods. It involves closing off blood flow in the diseased veins that cause varicose veins.
In foam sclerotherapy, a liquid medical agent (Aethoxysklerol) is mixed with air to create foam, which is then injected directly into the affected veins through a very thin needle. Aethoxysklerol chemically affects the inner lining of the vein, causing it to contract and stop blood flow. The foamy nature of the substance increases contact with the vein's inner lining, thereby enhancing the treatment's effectiveness.
Phlebectomy, also known as the hook technique, involves making very small incisions (2-3 mm) in the skin under local anaesthesia, corresponding to the visible varicose veins on the leg. Through these small incisions, the affected vein is removed using a small surgical hook.
This method mechanically removes the varicose veins. The incision is so small that it does not require stitches, leaving only a tiny scar that eventually becomes almost invisible. Phlebectomy is often performed in combination with, or as a supplement to, other treatment methods but can also be done on its own.
There are also full surgical interventions, such as vein stripping and phlebectomy, but as minimally invasive methods have improved so much in recent years, it is rarely necessary. A preliminary examination will determine which treatment method is most suitable for the individual patient.
We frequently encounter the same questions and find that there are some deeply ingrained myths about varicose veins. The most common ones are:
The purpose of this article has been to provide a good starting point for people who want to learn more about varicose veins—primarily those affected by them and who are considering treatment.
If you are interested in learning more about varicose veins, we recommend reading our pages on causes and symptoms.
If you are interested in learning more about the treatment process, we suggest our three pages on preliminary examination, treatment methods, and follow-up care. These three pages will give you a comprehensive overview of the entire process.
If you want to learn more about varicose vein research, there is also a lot of relevant research available, such as the research project on varicose veins conducted by Lars H. Rasmussen and Martin Lawaetz, where various treatment methods are compared. You can also find an overview of all the available research on Google Scholar.
We hope that this article has provided you with a good overview and introduction to varicose veins. Hopefully, you are now better informed if you are unsure about your own varicose veins.
As we mentioned in the article, there has been significant development in varicose vein treatment in recent years. While many people still believe it involves major surgery, it is now possible for most to be treated quickly and painlessly.
We hope this article has given you some tips on what you can do yourself, but hopefully also a clear understanding of what can be done—and how manageable it is—if you want to have varicose veins treated.
You are always welcome to contact us with any questions, feedback on this article, or to book a non-binding preliminary examination.
This article was created in collaboration with UK Vein Care’s staff, who help patients with their varicose veins every day. The article has also been reviewed by doctors specializing in varicose veins.
This article is based on research and publications from reputable sources to provide you with the most reliable information. Here are some of the main sources used:
By using these sources, you can be sure that the article is based on current and scientifically reviewed information.
Become varicose vein free: We offer full treatment at a fixed and transparent price regardless of the treatment method. With us, there are no hidden fees.
Learn more about our prices
