Introduction

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

Other symptoms include:

• aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs
• swollen feet and ankles
• muscle cramp in your legs
• dry skin and colour changes in the lower leg

In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to the heart. The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valvesthat open and close to let blood through.

If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be swollen and enlarged (varicose).

Certain things can increase your chances of developing varicose veins, such as:

• pregnancy
• being overweight
• old age

Women are more likely to develop them 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.

Treating varicose veins

For most people, varicose veins don't present a serious health problem. They may have an unpleasant appearance, butshould not affectcirculation or causelong-term health problems. Most varicose veins don't require any treatment.

If treatment is necessary, your doctor may firstrecommend up to six months of using compression stockings, taking regular exercise and elevating the affected area when resting.

Ifyour varicose veins are still causing you pain or discomfort or they cause complications they can be treated in several ways, the most common being:

• endothermal ablationtreatment where heat is used to seal affected veins
• sclerotherapy thisuses special foam to close the veins
• ligation and stripping thisinvolves surgery to remove the affected veins

It's unlikely you'll receive treatment on the NHS for cosmetic reasons you'll have to pay for this privately.

If you do feel yourequire treatment, it might help if youprint outtreatment options for varicose veins to discuss with your GP.

and complications of varicose veins.

Preventing varicose veins

There is little evidence to suggestyou can stop varicose veins getting worse, or completely prevent new ones developing.

However,there are waysto easesymptoms of existing varicose veins, such as:

• avoiding standing or sitting still for long periods andtrying to move around every 30 minutes
• taking regular breaks throughout the day, raising the legs on pillows while restingto ease discomfort
• exercisingregularly thiscan improve circulation and help maintain a healthy weight