Varicose veins form when the valves that carry blood from the legs to the heart malfunction. This failure causes the blood pressure inside the veins to increase. As a result, the veins dilate and become distorted and twisted. These enlarged, swollen veins occur usually on the backs of your calves or the insides of your legs. They can develop elsewhere on the body (example: piles are varicose veins in the anus). Women are more prone to them than men and they tend to run in families. Pregnant women develop more.

Symptoms: Varicose veins make your legs ache, feel tired and heavy. Cramps are also quite common. Swollen feet and ankles can cause discomfort and skin can feel itchy. Occasionally the tissues in the legs can become so starved of oxygen and nourishment that the skin gets dry, scaly and discolored and ulcers can develop. Sometimes the vein becomes inflamed and blood clots develop making the vein red and swollen, which increases the risk of the vein being punctured and bleeding. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to phlebitis and leg ulcers. Blood clots are also a danger.

Treatment: If your veins are very unsightly, painful or ulcerated, your doctor may suggest surgery. A popular new method called multiple cosmetic phlebectomy, involves removing problem veins via a number of small incisions in the leg. Very large, painful or ulcerated veins may need stripping. This is where a cut is made in the groin and the problem vein is cut and the free ends are tied. A flexible wire with a metal head is passed down through the vein which is then tied to the wire just below the metal head. The groin incision is sewn up and the wire pulled out through a small cut near the calf brining the vein with it.

If you are suffering from only a few swollen veins, sclerotherapy is required. This involves draining the blood from the vein and injecting an irritant solution into it. The doctor will then bandage your leg tightly so the walls of the vein are pressed together and scar tissue is formed. Patients are encouraged to start walking straight away, wearing support bandages, and most return to their usual lifestyle after a week.

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