If you suffer from varicose veins, you may find summer a difficult time. Whilst some varicose veins are just unsightly and may deter the individual from wearing shorts, skirts or even swimwear in the summer months, others find that the heat can make existing varicose veins feel all the more uncomfortable or painful.
"Hot weather makes veins swell more and this makes the symptoms of discomfort a lot worse. Wearing shorts or skirts as the weather warms up makes the veins more visible. For these reasons we tend to see more patients coming to clinic as winter turns to spring.” says Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Mr Aaron Sweeney.
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.
Who is most likely to suffer from varicose veins?
Varicose veins are common amongst adults (both men and women). Some studies show that upwards of one in three individuals suffer from moderate to severe vein problems as they age. Defined as enlarged sections of a vein, varicose veins are caused by the valves not working properly. Usually found in the legs or feet just below the surface layer of the skin, they can cause unsightly and, in some cases, uncomfortable bulges.
Although a family history of vein issues can play a part, pregnancy and being overweight can also be contributing factors in developing weakened veins. For those in active or physical jobs, such as carpentry, plumbing and the construction trades, prolonged periods of standing can also be a factor, even if an individual is otherwise healthy.
Hot weather vs. varicose veins
Summer heat alone won’t cause them but, if you already have varicose veins, then they can feel much worse in hot weather.
Heat makes all veins dilate, especially on the surface of the skin, as we try to lose heat and maintain a constant body temperature. They can bulge and swell even more than normal, which is what causes the additional aching, throbbing and swelling around the ankle. This is part of the normal response to heat, just like sweating, and doesn't necessarily mean that the veins are abnormal.
The autumn and winter months are generally easier on your varicose veins than the heat of the summer. As the weather cools, veins are less likely to dilate, and you may even notice a reduction in swelling; but as soon as the weather warms up, you may find your veins becoming troublesome again. This is one reason why winter is the best time to get your veins treated!
Non-medical treatments for varicose veins
If you struggle with varicose veins, you may already know that there isn't much you can do except lie down, sit with your feet up or use compression stockings to relieve the discomfort. Many people struggle with compression stockings at the best of times and we often hear complaints that they are even more uncomfortable in hot weather. Staying hydrated and as cool as you can may offer some relief too, but all these tips will only offer short term relief. Seeking out medical treatment is one of the only ways to resolve the issue in the long term.
Treatments for varicose veins at Benenden Hospital
Benenden Hospital offers minimally invasive Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) for varicose veins, and is the largest provider in England for varicose vein removal (PHIN 2022). If you’ve tried using compression stockings, been exercising regularly and elevated your legs while you rest but your veins are still causing you pain or discomfort, our experienced Vascular Consultant can help.
Book your initial consultation today or, for 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 16 February 2022