Varicose veins

Treating varicose veins
If treatment is necessary, your doctor may first recommend using compression stockings, taking regular exercise and elevating the affected area when resting.
If your varicose veins are still causing you pain or discomfort, or they cause complications, they can be treated in several ways.
The most common treatment options include:

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  endothermal ablation – where heat is used to seal affected veins
  
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  sclerotherapy – this uses special foam to close the veins
  
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  ligation and stripping – the affected veins are surgically removed
  

It's unlikely you'll receive treatment on the NHS for cosmetic reasons – you'll have to pay for cosmetic treatment privately.
If you do feel you require treatment, it might help if you print out treatment options for varicose veins to discuss with the GP.
Read about:
Treating varicose veins 
Complications of varicose veins
Preventing varicose veins
There's little evidence to suggest you can stop varicose veins getting worse or completely stop new ones developing.
But there are ways to ease symptoms of existing varicose veins, such as:

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  avoiding standing or sitting still for long periods and trying to move around every 30 minutes
  
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  taking regular breaks throughout the day, raising the legs on pillows while resting to ease discomfort
  
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  exercising regularly – this can improve circulation and help maintain a healthy weight
  

Types of varicose veins
There are several types of varicose veins, such as:

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  trunk varicose veins – these are near to the surface of the skin and are thick and knobbly; they're often long and can look unpleasant
  
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  reticular varicose veins – these are red and sometimes grouped close together in a network
  
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