Varicose veins are a very common problem but can usually be treated without too much bother. The veins may make your legs feel heavy, achy or throbbing. The veins may look unpleasant and could lead to complications such as varicose eczema (itchy red skin near the ankle), brownish discolouration of the skin, or ulceration.
It is likely that your veins could be treated with modern methods that allow you to return to normal work and leisure activities very quickly, without needing a general anaesthetic, a surgical scar, or a stay in hospital.
Modern treatments for varicose veins
Conventional surgery used to be the standard treatment for varicose veins. Newer, less invasive techniques using laser or RF (radiofrequency), in combination with injections (sclerotherapy) is now the first choice in most centres. These ‘endovenous’ methods do not need a general anaesthetic and have excellent results that are just as good, if not better, than surgery. The benefits of endovenous techniques are a more comfortable recovery, a quicker return to activity and much less bruising.
For clear and unbiased information please check the ‘Help And Advice’ section of The Circulation Foundation.
There are many symptoms and treatments we can help you with. Find out more via our About and What We Do pages.