1 in 4 people will suffer from varicose veins ...
..... and the bad news is, that unfortunately, they won't resolve on their own. Expert intervention and treatment is the only method of getting rid of them. The good news is that treatment techniques have progressed and there are now many more effective and less invasive treatments available.
'Treatments have drastically improved over the years and the days of surgically stripping varicose veins are now, thankfully, in the past' says Philip Coleridge Smith, Consultant Vascular Surgeon and Medical Director of The British Vein Institute. 'Much gentler treatments, such as sclerotherapy (injections of a solution into the vein) have now been developed which are just as effective as surgical treatments in specialist hands, requiring no down time for patients and no disruption to daily life. This technique can be used to treat all veins from large varicose veins to very small thread veins.'
Radiofrequency and laser ablation are also tried and tested treatments for varicose veins and involve insertion of a fine catheter into the vein and uses heat to destroy the vein. These techniques are best for large straight veins.
'I have seen many instances recently of all manner of miracle treatments, from creams to supplements, claiming to get rid of varicose veins and thread veins but unfortunately none of them will work,' he continues.
Although not typically a serious medical complaint, long-standing varicose veins should be treated to avoid the risk of leg ulcers. Varicose veins can also cause discomfort, itching and heaviness in the legs and often, even more importantly, sufferers can often feel very self-conscious about the look of them. Strangely enough spider or thread veins can be more symptomatic than varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings may ease symptoms but do not cure troublesome veins.
As one patient commented 'I hated the look of my legs and would constantly try to cover them up with trousers or tights in the hottest of weather. The joy of being able to wear shorts and skirts again and not have to think about covering them up is wonderful'
Great results of varicose vein treatments performed by The British Vein Institute
Sadly, treatments are nigh on impossible to obtain from an under-funded and over-stretched NHS which means that paying privately for treatment is often the only choice available. Many clinics offer treatment packages to patients in an endeavour to keep pricing realistic. Epidemiological studies have shown that women and men are equally affected but anecdotal evidence suggests that 5 times as many women as men choose to seek treatment.
Philip Coleridge Smith has also pioneered research into the introduction of duplex ultrasonography in the clinical investigation and treatment of varicose veins in the UK. 'This allows us to see what is actually going on in the system of veins in the leg in real time and allows us to target veins both affected veins and those feeder veins causing the problems.'
What are varicose veins?
Veins move the blood from the feet to the heart, against gravity by the superficial veins just under the skin. The blood moves upwards during walking, as the muscles act as a pump with the aid of valves in the veins to ensure that the blood travels upwards. Veins become varicosed, twisted and engorged, when these valves fail and the increased pressure within the veins can lead to the enlarged, lumpy veins that are so obvious.
Varicose veins are very common with risk factors including family history, as there is a strong genetic element, pregnancy, older age, sedentary lifestyle and obesity - some people are just extremely good at growing them!
TOP TIPS FOR VEIN HEALTH
- Drink plenty of water
- Keep moving
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time
- Wear compression stockings when flying, especially long haul and get up and move around every hour or so
- Dont smoke
- Go easy on the salt
For further information, advice or to book an appointment, please contact
The British Vein Institute on 01494 257494