Don’t ignore varicose veins

It’s easy to think of varicose veins as just another part of the ageing process. And, there’s no doubt about it; it is more common for older people, particularly women, to suffer from them. But, you don’t have to simply put up with varicose veins. There are many reasons why you may need, or want, to seek treatment for varicose veins…

They affect confidence

Many people with varicose veins feel self-conscious about showing their legs in public. They may even hide them from their partner when getting changed. This can have a knock-on effect on all sorts of activities which should be enjoyable, from taking part in sports such as swimming to wearing shorts on holiday. Even if it isn’t necessary to treat varicose veins for medical reasons, reducing their appearance can transform a sufferer’s life and their state of mind. By continuing to live with varicose veins, a patient is much more likely to suffer from poor self-esteem.

They are painful

Some people don’t suffer any pain at all as a result of having varicose veins but for others the symptoms can be unbearable, affecting all aspects of day-to-day life. These can include aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs, swollen feet and ankles and a burning or throbbing sensation in your legs. Muscle cramps, particularly at night, are also common and sufferers can experience dry, itchy skin over the affected vein area. In the worst cases, you may find you can no longer work or take part in any physical exercise, leaving you at risk of financial difficulties and further health problems caused by inactivity.

They can lead to serious complications

If you cut or bump a varicose vein near the surface of your skin, it can be difficult to stop the bleeding. Blood clots can also form in varicose veins, leading to conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, which can be potentially fatal. Ulcers can also develop where there is increased pressure in the veins of your lower leg, causing fluid to seep from your vein and collect under your skin. Skin ulcers can be very dangerous if not treated properly as they can become infected. Seeking early treatment for varicose veins could prevent complications such as these further down the line.

There are effective treatments

Sometimes, varicose vein sufferers simply ignore them, thinking there is nothing that can be done to improve their appearance or that if they ignore them, they might get better by themselves. But treatments for varicose veins are more effective than ever before and they have come a long way since the time when the standard operation was to make a cut and then strip away the damaged section of vein. Now, there are minimally invasive techniques available, including Endovenous laser treatment, an ultrasound-guided technique, and the latest ClariVein method, which was originally used in the US and painlessly seals the main leaking vein on the thigh.

For patients with varicose veins, these are clear reasons not to ignore the condition, but to deal with it early to avoid future complications. If you have varicose veins that are affecting you, seek advice from your GP about the best course of treatment, or click here for other options.