Varicose veins
If you have varicose veins and they don't cause you any discomfort, you may not need to visit your GP. Varicose veins are rarely a serious condition and they don't usually require treatment.
However, speak to your GP if:
Varicose veins are diagnosed by their appearance. Your GP will examine your legs while you're standing to check forsigns of swelling.
You may also be asked to describe any painyou have and whether there are situations that make your varicose veins worse. For example, some women findtheir menstrual cycle (periods) affects their varicose veins.
Your GP will also want to know if you're at an increased risk of developing varicose veins, such as:
Your GP may refer you toa vascular specialist (a doctor who specialises in veins) if you have any of the following:
In most cases, a test called aduplex ultrasound scan will be carried out.This is a type of scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce a picture of the veins in your legs.
The picture shows the blood flow and helps the vascular specialist locate any damaged valves that might be causing your varicose veins.
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 veinsare dark purple or blue in colour, and are usually twisted and bulging in appearance. Some people with varicose veins may experience pain.
Varicose veins are usually caused by weak vein walls and valves.
If you have varicose veins and they do not cause you any discomfort, you may not need to visit your GP. Varicose veins are rarely a serious condition.
Varicose veins do not always need treatment. If your varicose veins are not causing you discomfort, you may not need to have treatment.
Varicose veins can cause complications because they stop your blood flowing properly. Most people who have varicose veins will not develop any complications.
Marilyn Adams, 62, a receptionist, had her varicose veins ligated and stripped.