Varicose veins 

Introduction 

Varicose veins: an animation

Varicose veins are swollen veins that are usually dark blue or purple. This animation explains what causes varicose veins, the symptoms and treatment options.

Types of varicose veins

Some types of varicose veins are explained below.

  • Trunk varicose veins are near to the surface of the skin and are thick and knobbly. They are usually visible, often quite long and can look unpleasant.
  • Reticular varicose veins are red and are sometimes grouped close together in a network.
  • Telangiectasia varicose veins, also known as thread veins or spider veins, are small clusters of blue or red veins that sometimes appear on your face or legs. They are harmless and, unlike trunk varicose veins, do not bulge underneath the surface of the skin.

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that are usually blue or dark purple. They may also be lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance.

Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly. In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to the heart. The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through. If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and can collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be varicose (swollen and enlarged).

How common are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are a very common condition, affecting up to three in 10 adults. Usually, women tend to be more affected than men.

Any vein in the body can become varicose, but they most commonly develop in the legs and feet, particularly in the calves. This is because standing and walking puts extra pressure on the veins in the lower body.

Outlook

For most people, varicose veins do not present a serious health problem. They may have an unpleasant appearance, but they should not affect the circulation or cause any long-term health problems. Most varicose veins do not require any treatment.

For some people, varicose veins can cause aching, swollen and painful legs. In rare cases, they can also cause complications, such as skin discolouration and leg ulcers (see Varicose veins - Complications). Varicose veins are more likely to require treatment if they are causing significant discomfort or if complications develop.

There are now a number of different surgical procedures to remove varicose veins, although the first treatment is usually compression stockings. These are stockings that have been specially designed to squeeze the legs and improve circulation. See Varicose veins - Treatment for more information about the different treatment options.

 

Last reviewed: 05/10/2010

Next review due: 05/10/2012

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7 Comments

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Comments are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

dasiystar said on 27 June 2011

I have a vein on the back of my left leg since 1998 didnt go docs but my knee has swollen went to docs in 2006 been back few times was told its cosmetic i said but im in alot of pain with it, was given nothing but told to go private as a single mum living on cares allowance im not go much money! last year i was in so much pain hardly slept fot two weeks now my knee is permenantly swollen and the vein has spread down my calf...also would like to teach my 11 year old how to swim as it affects my confidance so much too! I think it terrible that such a painfull condition is only cured it you are rich! This is so wrong!

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ktm_x said on 27 June 2011

Does anyone know if you can get treated in Scotland? I have very bad thread veins on both my upper and lower legs and a large varicose vein on the back of my left knee.

I am only 22 and I am finding this hard to live with. Please don't think that I am just being vain (excuse the pun) but I hate looking at, and anybody seeing my legs. I am in tears nearly every day as I hate them so much.

I am a young Mum with a baby and I can't afford the £400+ private treatments that are offered.

Does anyone have any information for me as I am a bit apprehensive of going to the GP and passed off as a silly little girl wanting free cosmetic work done.
Thanks

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Linda1971 said on 22 June 2011

Would like to thank User388395 for the advice given. My sister has suffered with varicose veins for 13 years. She has been to see her GP on many occasions and been fobbed off as well, she was also told that it is no longer possible to have them treated on the NHS and advised to wear compression stockings.
She made another appointment with her GP armed with a print out taken from the Charing Cross Hospital's Website advising that this procdure can be carried out by the NHS. Her GP has now referred her to the hospital.
Please do not suffer in silence!

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User388395 said on 13 April 2011

You can get varicose veins treated on the NHS. You need to ask to be referred to the Charing Cross Hospital. They have a specialist varicose vein clinic and they use the latest technology called radiofrequency ablation. This is done under a local anaesthetic.

I know they do this, because I had it done on there yesterday.

Give the following information to your GP and insist that you want to be referred to the varicose vein service at either Charing Cross or St Marys. You have to be insistent, but not rude. They're your legs and getting it treated now saves more expensive complications later.

Referrals to the varicose veins service at Charing Cross Hospital is via Choose and Book or by fax to 020 8383 7564. Referrals to the varicose vein service at St Mary’s Hospital is via Choose and Book or by fax to 020 7886 1894.

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boyoliver said on 24 February 2011

I recently was refused a referal to vascular surgeon for assessment of varicose veins. I have had very large vvs, upper and lower legs for many years and have not bothered GP. However following phlebitis, which i treated myself with ibruprofen jel, and support tights ( We are encouraged to self help by Primary care) ,i sought advise because i was concerned about the possibilty of developing v ulcers in the future ( i am 69 yrs old) However i was advised to seek private treatment. Surely i should be entitiled to an assessment. I thought that messages from the NHS promoted prevention but not it seems for the prevention of varicose ulcers which pose a significant cost to the NHS and quality of life for patients !

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User528465 said on 13 February 2011

I am very disappointed that this site is so out-of- date. I consulted my GP in January because my varicose veins are very painful and was told that it is no longer possible to have them treated on the NHS. She merely gave me a prescription for compression stockings and the names of local private hospitals. I am concerned that such a debilitating condition with potentially serious consequences is no longer treatable on the NHS. I have a family history of varicose veins and thrombosis.

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123John456 said on 22 July 2009

hi
i think i have varicocyle in my scrotem
it has been there for a while but i have never got it checked out
can you tell me if it is something serious and if i should get it checked out?

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