All about varicose veins
It’s an unpleasant condition for many but DR DAN O’NEILL has some advice to help ease our limbs
According to GP Dr Dan O’neill, “varicose veins are simply veins that have become twisted and swollen”. So how does that happen? Do they hurt? How do we prevent them? Let’s find out...
HOW DO VARICOSE VEINS FORM?
Varicose veins (VVS) form when the blood in a vein “backs up” and pools, causing part of the vein to expand.
“Our heart pushes blood to our organs through arteries, but it’s our nifty veins that have to work against gravity to bring that blood back to the heart,” Dr O’neill explains. “They do this by using special one-way valves. As your muscles contract, when walking for example, they squeeze blood in the veins towards the heart. The blood passes upwards through the one-way valves, but is prevented from flowing back down. If the vein’s walls lose their elasticity, or the valves become damaged, blood can flow backwards and pool, causing a varicose vein.”
WHAT RISKS DO VVS POSE?
Thankfully, most of the time varicose veins don’t cause any adverse symptoms and are generally safe.
“For many, the only reason to consider treatment is for their cosmetic appearance,” says Dr O’neill.
“However, varicose veins do tend to get worse over time. They can become painful, eventually cause skin changes
yand ulcers, and can lead to blood clots.”
Be sure to see your GP if you do have a varicose vein.
WHO’S MOST AT RISK?
Varicose veins are more common in women than men.
Other risk factors include family history, older age, obesity, sitting or standing still for long periods, and having previously had a venous clot (known as a deep vein thrombosis – or DVT).
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
“Most varicose veins are completely safe,” says Dr O’neill. “But if you notice heaviness in your legs, swelling, pain or cramping, skin changes or ulcerations, go and see your doctor.”
CAN YOU PREVENT THEM?
Prevention is always better than cure, however some risk factors for developing varicose veins are harder to control or change than others.
“Preventing ageing, changing your gender and choosing your family is tricky!” says Dr O’neill. “But losing any extra weight and moving around more will not only help prevent varicose veins, but improve your health in countless other ways.”
HOW SHOULD VVS BE TREATED?
Unfortunately, varicose veins usually tend to get worse with time.
“Aside from regular movement and weight loss, properly fitted compression stockings can help,” says Dr O’neill.
“If you are worried about your varicose veins, or are experiencing discomfort, chat to your doctor about other treatment options for you.
“Sometimes surgery is required to remove severe varicose veins, but doctors are increasingly using less invasive therapies, such as laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and chemical injections (sclerotherapy). Each therapy has pros and cons, so have a chat with your doctor about which one might be best for you.”