When to worry

The bad news about varicose veins is that they don’t disappear on their own. Often, the only bother they cause is looking unsightly – but, if left untreated, they can lead to health problems such as aching legs, blood clots, swollen ankles, skin damage and venous leg ulcers. ‘Research suggests one in 20 “simple” varicose veins will deteriorate every year – going from varicose veins to swollen ankles to eczema or brown stains around the ankles, and finally venous leg ulcers,’ says Professor Whiteley.