What can I do about my varicose veins?

“If you think you have varicose veins, you should always have them checked out by a professional who specialises in venous conditions. This is because they can have more serious medical consequences and should not just be considered as an aesthetic problem,” says vascular specialist Professor Mark Whiteley (www.thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk). “Varicose veins occur when valves in our leg veins stop working properly, allowing the blood to flow down the veins the wrong way. In their simplest form, varicose veins can be identified as the bulging veins which protrude from your legs.

“Speak to your GP who can assess you and refer you for treatment. Today, there are a number of cutting-edge techniques available for treating varicose veins both quickly and effectively – we have come a long way since the outdated technique of stripping, so ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist for advice.”