VARICOSE VEINS
It’s an unpleasant condition, but we have some advice to help ease your 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? And how do we prevent them? Let’s find out ...
ARE THEY PREVENTABLE?
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 also improve your health in countless other ways.”
WHAT RISKS DO VARICOSE VEINS POSE?
Thankfully, most of the time they don’t cause any adverse symptoms and are generally safe. “For many, the only reason to consider treatment is for their cosmetic appearance,” explains Dr O’Neill. “However, varicose veins do tend to get worse over time. They can become painful, eventually cause skin changes and ulcers, and may lead to blood clots.” Be sure to visit your GP if you do have varicose veins.
HOW SHOULD THEY 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,” tells Dr O’Neill. “If you’re 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 talk with your doctor about which one might be best for you.”
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).
HOW DO VARICOSE VEINS FORM?
Varicose veins form when n the blood in a vein “backs s up” and pools, causing part art of the vein to expand. “Our heart pushes blood to our organs through arteries, but it’s our nifty y veins that have to work against gravity to bring that blood back to the heart,” Dr O’Neill explains. ns. “They do this by using special one-way valves. As your muscles contract, t, 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 w backwards and pool, causing a varicose vein.”