Seeking treatment

If your varicose veins are causing you severe discomfort, pain, swelling, pigmentation, eczema or an ulcer that’s lasted more than two weeks, you may meet the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines for referral to an NHS vascular specialist. Treatments could include: - Endothermal ablation uses heat, either with radiofrequency ablation or endovenous laser treatment, to seal the affected veins. - Sclerotherapy involves special foam being injected to close the veins. - Ligation and stripping surgery removes the affected veins.