Varicose veins

Overview-Varicose veins
Contents

1. 
   Overview
   
2. 
   Causes
   
3. 
   Diagnosis
   
4. 
   Treatment
   
5. 
   Complications
   

Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs and feet. They may be blue or dark purple, and are often lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance.
Other symptoms include:

• 
  aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs
  
• 
  swollen feet and ankles
  
• 
  burning or throbbing in your legs
  
• 
  muscle cramp in your legs, particularly at night
  
• 
  dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein
  

The symptoms are usually worse during warm weather or if you've been standing up for long periods of time. They may improve when you walk around or if you rest and raise your legs.
When to see a GP
If you have varicose veins and they do not cause you any discomfort, you may not need to visit a GP.
Varicose veins are rarely a serious condition and do not usually require treatment.
But speak to a GP if:

• 
  your varicose veins are causing you pain or discomfort
  
• 
  the skin over your veins is sore and irritated
  
• 
  the aching in your legs is causing irritation at night and disturbing your sleep
  

The GP can diagnose varicose veins based on these symptoms, although further tests may be carried out.
Read about diagnosing varicose veins.
Causes of varicose veins
Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly.
In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to the heart. The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through.
If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be swollen and enlarged (varicose).
Certain things can increase your chances of developing varicose veins, such as:

• 
  being female
  
• 
  having a close family member with varicose veins
  
• 
  being older
  
• 
  being overweight
  
• 
  having a job that involves long periods of standing
  
• 
  being pregnant
  
• 
  other conditions
  

Read about the causes of varicose veins.