Varicose veins, with their often swollen, bulging, purple or red appearance, can naturally cause concerns for many people. But are varicose veins actually dangerous? Read on to learn more about these veins, from the different types and blood clot risks, to when to see your GP, and the minimally invasive laser treatment we offer.
What are varicose veins?
In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to your heart and is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves. However, sometimes these valves will weaken or become damaged, allowing blood to flow backwards and collect in the vein.
I have a question about varicose vein treatment
Mr Aaron Sweeney, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, answers the most commonly-asked questions about varicose veins (13 videos).
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are dilated veins that are draining blood from your skin.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by the failure of valves that allow blood to travel up against gravity from your feet all the way back up to your heart.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
They can be many and also none. Some people have very large varicose veins with no symptoms whatsoever. Others can have very small veins that cause a lot of itching, soreness, pain, discomfort, and cramping. The commonest first symptom or sign is swelling in the ankle.
When should I worry about varicose veins?
I think you should worry about varicose veins if your skin becomes inflamed, sore or itchy or if you bleed at all.
How can I prevent varicose veins?
Simple answer is you cannot prevent varicose veins. We don't actually know the reason why people get them in the first place. We do know that little valves fail, but we don't know why that happens.
Are varicose veins painful?
About 20% of the population have varicose veins. But normally, in my practice, I see people who have painful varicose veins. That pain can be something very minor like a small ache or it can be almost excruciating if you get any complications, such as thrombophlebitis.
How can I ease varicose vein pain?
Some people use compression stockings or even flight socks and that compression can help reduce the discomfort of varicose veins. Other people use simple analgesia such as Ibuprofen or paracetamol, which can help. Both these solutions are really only short term, though.
Are varicose veins hereditary?
For the most part, they're not. Some very young people in their early teens can get varicose veins - and that is usually genetic - but most people who get varicose veins in their twenties or thirties don't need treatment until they're in their forties or fifties. Most varicose veins are spontaneous, and no one actually knows the real cause of them. We do know the valves fail, but we're not sure if that's genetic or if it's just because we're standing all the time.
Are varicose veins dangerous?
It is unusual to have a dangerous complication associated with varicose veins. They sometimes can clot, that's a condition called thrombophlebitis. And that can be very painful. Occasionally they can bleed and that can be quite serious and quite dramatic as well. However, for the most part, varicose veins are not dangerous but they are very inconvenient.
Can varicose veins go away?
Varicose veins don't go away on their own. However, if you suffer a complication where your veins clot, this is a condition called thrombophlebitis. Sometimes they shrivel up as they heal. That is a very painful way of treating your varicose veins. And I wouldn't recommend it.
How do I get rid of varicose veins?
There are many different ways of treating varicose veins. You may well be aware of the older treatment where patients had a general anaesthetic and had cuts in their legs and veins removed by a treatment called stripping. That really is old fashioned and has been superseded by treatments where we thread small wires or lasers up the inside of the vein and deliver heat. That heat causes the vein to shrivel up and it does away with the need for pulling veins out.
How long do I need off work after varicose vein surgery?
Many people take a few days off. I would say that after varicose vein surgery, it feels like you have run a few kilometres or played your first football match of the year. I think it feels a little like a pulled muscle. And whilst you're able to work from home the following day, I think commuting can be a little bit difficult. So, I would normally recommend that people have a light week, the first week following surgery, the second week is usually much better. And normally by the third week people are back in the gym and back to normal activity.
How should I sleep after varicose vein surgery?
You can really sleep whatever way you wish. Most people go back to their normal bed and sleep in their normal position.
What are the risk factors of varicose veins?
The following factors can increase the chances of you developing varicose veins:
- If you identify as a female
- Have a close family member with varicose veins
- Are overweight
- Have a job that requires you to stand for long periods of time
- Are pregnant
- Are older in age
Where do varicose veins occur?
You can develop varicose veins anywhere in your body. But as standing and walking puts an increased amount of pressure on the veins in your lower body, they commonly develop in your legs, particularly the calves and your feet.
What are the different types of varicose veins?
Our Consultant Vascular Surgeon will grade your varicose veins during your initial consultation from one to six. This depends on how large they are, if they bulge above the surface of your skin or if they cause skin damage. Varicose veins come in different sizes and can surprisingly be hidden just under the surface. Big veins do not always cause the biggest problems and smaller varicose veins can also be surprisingly troublesome. Veins are often grouped into:
1. Reticular – these are a red colour and are often grouped together in a network of spider veins
2. Truncal – these are near to the surface of the skin and their branches are thick and knobbly. Many patients find them unsightly and this can result in lower self-confidence but they also cause skin irritation, pain and swelling
3. Thread veins – also known as spider veins, these are small clusters of blue or red veins that can appear on your face or legs. These do not bulge underneath the surface of your skin
4. Hidden - these are arising from the deep central vein in the leg and can be very large but lie just under the surface. They are often the veins that produce bleeding and ulcers and need an ultrasound scan to see them clearly
When should I worry about varicose veins?
With any health concern, if you’re worried, you should get it checked by your GP or another healthcare professional. Varicose veins are rarely a serious condition and do not always require treatment, but they can result in people feeling self-conscious about their appearance and cause pain or discomfort.
Firstly, it’s important to establish if your veins are varicose. Do you have a few of the below symptoms?
- Aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein
- Burning or throbbing in your legs
- Muscle cramp in your legs, particularly at night
You should speak to your GP if you have irritated and sore skin over the veins, if they’re causing you pain or discomfort and if the aching in your legs is affecting your quality of sleep.
Are varicose veins a sign of blood clots?
Varicose veins can clot but it’s important to be aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Varicose veins are stretched like a balloon and they should be only a millimetre or two but some reach a centimetre.
When stretched, the wall of the vein becomes fragile and sometimes clots are formed within the vein, this is called Thrombo-Phlebitis. This clot, just under the surface of the skin, can be very painful. If extensive it can lead to a clot extending into the deep vein – a DVT – which can be very dangerous and life threatening.
What are the treatment options for varicose veins?
At Benenden Hospital, we've carried out over 10,000 varicose vein procedures (PHIN, 2024). Our highly experienced and renowned vascular surgeon, Mr Sweeney, has performed treatments for varicose veins thousands of times - so you can rest assured you’re in expert hands. Your Consultant will discuss your suitability with you after assessing and scanning your varicose veins.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
EVLT is a minimally invasive laser treatment for painful or unsightly varicose veins. Approximately 85% of patients with varicose veins are suitable for EVLT. This treatment typically takes about 30-40 minutes, quickly removing varicose veins while minimising pain and recovery time, so you can return home the same day.
Feel confident in your legs with walk-in, walk-out treatment at Benenden Hospital
There are many ways to book and pay for your varicose vein treatment.
If you self-pay for your treatment, you may want to take advantage of our payment plans offered through our trusted partner, Chrysalis, and spread the cost of your treatment. Or if you have private medical insurance check with your provider to see if you’re covered. Benenden Health members can also access up to 25% off EVLT.
It couldn’t be easier to book your initial consultation with our Consultant Vascular Surgeon - just use our online booking tool.
If you need more information on our varicose vein treatments, complete our online enquiry form, contact us using Livechat or call our Private Patient Team on 01580 363158.
Published on 25 February 2025